PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Payne

Publications and source records attributed to M Payne.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Social objectives in cancer care: the example of palliative day care.

Social objectives are poorly specified and evaluated in cancer care. Palliative day care is an example where social objectives are often identified but research has focused on health-care outcomes. A literature review identifies four types of social objective: emotional and spiritual care, general social care, services for families and carers and creative arts. Social objectives include: distinguishing between therapeutic work and leisure and supportive interventions, promoting service continuity, reducing social isolation, increasing social interaction, reassuring introduction to palliative care, rehearsal of reactions to illness with a sympathetic audience, integration of families and carers into care services, respite for carers and creative work for three separable objectives. It is argued that interventions to achieve social objectives may be defined and evaluated in a measurable way. Similarly, social objectives and interventions can be specified at other stages in the cancer journey.

Caregivers↗
PubMed2006

A novel locus on 19q13 associated with autosomal-dominant macular dystrophy in a large Greek family.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features of and genetic locus associated with autosomal-dominant macular dystrophy (MCDR5) in a large Greek family. METHODS: 26 members of a single family underwent clinical examinations and venepuncture. A genomewide linkage scan using 400 microsatellite markers distributed with an average spacing of 10 cM throughout the human genome. RESULTS: 14 members of the study family exhibited clinical features of the disease including decreased central vision and macular abnormalities in the posterior pole of the retina. Analysis of loci known to be associated with macular dystrophy did not show positive linkage. A genomewide linkage scan showed linkage to chromosome 19q, with a two-point maximum LOD score of 5.809 at theta = 0 between the disease and marker locus D19S412. On the basis of recombination events, the disease interval was localised between markers D19S420 and D19S540 on chromosome 19q, at a span of about 3.8 cM, in an area known to contain 120 known genes/transcripts. Eleven of these genes/transcripts were sequenced, and no disease-causing mutation was identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a new locus on 19q associated with autosomal-dominant macular dystrophy, designated as MCDR5. Additional study of other family members will be necessary to further narrow the interval and identify the responsible gene. The study of MCDR5 will aid in elucidation of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms for this and other macular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

The ability of two different Vibrio spp. bacteriophages to infect Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio mimicus.

AIMS: To determine the host range of the Vibrio harveyi myovirus-like bacteriophage (VHML) and the cholera toxin conversion bacteriophage (CTX Phi) within a range of Vibrio cholerae and V. mimicus and V. harveyi, V. cholerae and V. mimicus isolates respectively. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three V. harveyi, eight V. cholerae and five V. mimicus isolates were incubated with VHML and CTX Phi. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the presence of VHML and CTX Phi in infected isolates. We demonstrated that it was possible to infect one isolate of V. cholerae (isolate ACM #2773/ATCC #14035) with VHML. This isolate successfully incorporated VHML into its genome as evident by positive PCR amplification of the sequence coding part of the tail sheath of VHML. Attempts to infect all other V. cholerae and V. mimicus isolates with VHML were unsuccessful. Attempts to infect V. cholerae non-01, V. harveyi and V. mimicus isolates with CTX Phi were unsuccessful. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteriophage infection is limited by bacteriophage-exclusion systems operating within bacterial strains and these systems appear to be highly selective. One system may allow the co-existence of one bacteriophage while excluding another. VHML appears to have a narrow host range which may be related to a common receptor protein in such strains. The lack of the vibrio pathogenicity island bacteriophage (VPI Phi) in the isolates used in this study may explain why infections with CTX Phi were unsuccessful. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The current study has demonstrated that Vibrio spp. bacteriophages may infect other Vibrio spp.

Bacteriophages↗
PubMed2004

DairyBeef: maximizing quality and profits--a consistent food safety message.

To respond to meat safety and quality issues in dairy market cattle, a collaborative project team for 7 western states was established to develop educational resources providing a consistent meat safety and quality message to dairy producers, farm advisors, and veterinarians. The team produced an educational website and CD-ROM course that included videos, narrated slide sets, and on-farm tools. The objectives of this course were: 1) to help producers and their advisors understand market cattle food safety and quality issues, 2) help maintain markets for these cows, and 3) help producers identify ways to improve the quality of dairy cattle going to slaughter. DairyBeef. Maximizing Quality & Profits consists of 6 sections, including 4 core segments. Successful completion of quizzes following each core segment is required for participants to receive a certificate of completion. A formative evaluation of the program revealed the necessity for minor content and technological changes with the web-based course. All evaluators considered the materials relevant to dairy producers. After editing, course availability was enabled in February, 2003. Between February and May, 2003, 21 individuals received certificates of completion.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Directory of clinical databases: improving and promoting their use.

BACKGROUND: The controversy surrounding the actual and potential use of clinical databases partly reflects the huge variation in their content and quality. In addition, use of existing clinical databases is severely limited by a lack of knowledge of their availability. OBJECTIVES: To develop and test a standardised method for assessing the quality (completeness and accuracy) of clinical databases and to establish a web based directory of databases in the UK. METHODS: An expert group was set up (1). to establish the criteria for inclusion of databases; (2). to develop a quality assessment instrument with high content validity, based on epidemiological theory; (3). to test empirically, modify, and retest the acceptability to database custodians, face validity and floor/ceiling effects; and (4). to design a website. RESULTS: Criteria for inclusion of databases were the provision of individual level data; inclusion in the database defined by a common circumstance (e.g. condition, treatment), an administrative arrangement, or an adverse outcome; and inclusion of data from more than one provider. A quality assessment instrument consisting of 10 items (four on coverage, six on reliability and validity) was developed and shown to have good face and content validity, no floor/ceiling effects, and to be acceptable to database custodians. A website (www.docdat.org) was developed. Indications over the first 18 months (number of visitors to the site) are that it is increasingly popular. By November 2002 there were around 3500 hits a month. CONCLUSIONS: A website now exists where visitors can identify clinical databases in the UK that may be suitable to meet their aims. It is planned both to develop a local version for use within a hospital and to encourage similar national systems in other countries.

Databases, Factual↗
PubMed2002

Gardner's syndrome - a case report.

Gardner's syndrome is the association of multiple colonic polyps (familial adenomatous polyposis coli - FAP) with sebaceous cysts and jaw osteomas. The significance of this dominantly inherited condition to the dentist is that the colonic polyps usually undergo malignant change by the fourth decade and the extra-intestinal lesions may be apparent before those in the bowel. As such, early detection of multiple jaw osteomas and/or multiple sebaceous cysts (particularly on the scalp) may lead to appropriate further investigation and treatment which might be life saving. Diagnosis of this condition also has implications for other family members.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

A comparison of the imaging properties of CCD-based devices used for small field digital mammography.

The objective imaging characteristics of three systems that use charge coupled devices (CCD) for small-field digital mammography (SFDM) have been compared in terms of spatial resolution and signal to noise ratio. The results indicate that although they are designed for nominally the same tasks of stereotactic localization and spot imaging these detectors have significantly differing physical imaging properties. Imaging system design parameters such as the phosphor screen type and thickness, screen configuration and method of optically coupling the phosphor to the CCD have significant effects on the imaging performance of the detectors.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

Morphine inhibits indolactam V-induced U937 cell adhesion and gelatinase secretion.

We demonstrate that indolactam V, a non-phorbol protein kinase C activator, promotes U937 cell attachment to fibronectin, type IV collagen and laminin. In the absence of indolactam V, 2-4% of U937 cells attach to all test substrates, however, in the presence of 100 nM indolactam V, 25, 16 and 11% of U937 cells attach to fibronectin, type IV collagen and laminin, respectively. When added concomitantly, 90 microM H-7, a protein kinase C inhibitor, reduces indolactam V-induced U937 cell adhesion to fibronectin by 91%. Monoclonal antibodies directed against both the beta1 and alpha 5 integrin subunits inhibit indolactam V-induced U937 cell adhesion to fibronectin by 62 and 52%, respectively. Indolactam V also promotes homotypic aggregation in U937 cells, which is blocked with either anti-ICAM or anti-LFA-1 antibodies. In addition, indolactam V promotes U937 cell secretion of a 92 kDa gelatinase as demonstrated by zymography. In the presence of low levels of morphine (10 nM-1.0 microM), the U937 cell attachment to matrix proteins was not significantly affected. However, in the presence of 10 microM morphine, the indolactam V treated cells exhibit a 71-74% reduction in cell adhesion to the matrix proteins. Further, 10 microM morphine also blocks indolactam V-induced homotypic aggregation and gelatinase secretion. The inhibitory effect of morphine on cell-matrix adhesion and gelatinase secretion was not inhibited by the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone (1 microM). While 10 microM naloxone did partially counteract the effect of 10 microM morphine on U937 cell attachment, this effect was likely non-specific since 10 microM naloxone alone increased cell adhesion. Supporting this conclusion, PCR analysis revealed that U937 cells do not express the mu high affinity morphine receptor. Also, indolactam V did not induce mu receptor expression, suggesting that morphine acts on U937 cells in a non-specific fashion.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗
PubMed2001

Isolation and characterization of intact mitochondria from neonatal rat brain.

Poor outcome after neonatal brain injury may be associated with alterations in mitochondrial function. Thus, isolated mitochondria have been a useful tool in understanding the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction. However, isolation and characterization of mitochondria from neonatal rat brain are not fully described. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a rapid method for the isolation and characterization of functional mitochondria from neonatal rat brain. Mitochondria were isolated from 7-day-old rat brain weighing approximately 500 mg using a discontinuous Percoll density gradient. Brains were homogenized in 12% Percoll/sucrose buffer and layered onto a 26% Percoll/40% Percoll gradient followed by centrifugation. Four methods were used for assessing mitochondrial integrity and function: (1) electron microscopy to assess the morphology of the mitochondria and to determine the relative purity of the preparation; (2) fluorescence of chloromethyl-X-rosamine (Mito Tracker Red) in mitochondria as an indicator of mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta psi(m)); (3) state 3 and 4 respiration; and (4) protein import into mitochondria using an in vitro-synthesized mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (mMDH). These studies demonstrated that the morphology of mitochondria is maintained with intact outer membranes and well-developed cristae, and Delta psi(m) is preserved. Respiration measurements revealed tightly coupled mitochondria with a respiration control ratio (RCR) of 4.1+/-0.18 (n=6). Import of precursor mMDH into mitochondria increased in a time-dependent manner maximizing at 15 min. The results indicate that neonatal brain mitochondria isolated using this method are well coupled, morphologically intact and are capable of protein import across the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Endoscopic treatment of post-liver transplantation biliary leaks with stent placement across the leak site.

BACKGROUND: Biliary tract leaks occur in over 10% of patients undergoing liver transplantation and are the most common cause of biliary tract-related death in these patients. A number of treatment options are available, but a standard approach has not been established. METHODS: Twenty-six patients were retrospectively studied who had post-transplantation leaks develop with special reference to those who underwent endoscopic placement of a "leak-bridging" stent. RESULTS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was performed in all cases with no procedure-related complications. Twenty-four patients had a leak-bridging stent, 1 a transpapillary stent, and 1 a nasobiliary drain. Leak resolution occurred in 23 cases (88%) after initial stent placement. The median time to stent removal was 8 weeks. Three patients did not respond to initial treatment; 2 were successfully treated with another stent and a single patient required surgical repair. Four deaths occurred during follow-up, all unrelated to the biliary leak. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of a leak-bridging stent is a safe and effective initial treatment for post-liver transplantation biliary leaks.

Bile↗
PubMed2000

Use of bilevel positive airway pressure in out-of-hospital patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) in the out-of-hospital treatment of patients with presumed congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS: This was a prospective, sequential, parallel trial in an urban setting served by a single emergency medical services (EMS) system between January 4 and April 15, 1999. A convenience sampling of adults who were transported by rescue units judged to be in CHF by treating emergency medical technicians trained in advanced life support (ALS EMTs) was included. Rescue squads were divided into demographically matched pairs, and one of each was equipped with a BiPAP ventilatory support unit. Bilevel positive airway pressure therapy was added to the existing treatment protocols for eligible study patients. Main outcome measures were out-of-hospital treatment time, oxygen saturation changes, hospitalization length, need for endotracheal intubation, mortality rate, and ease of use of the device by EMS personnel. RESULTS: Sixty-two of 71 enrolled patients completed the study. Out-of-hospital treatment times did not differ between groups (31.2 minutes vs 31.4 minutes; p = 0.931). The difference between pre- and post-treatment oxygen saturation levels was greater for the BiPAP group (13.71%) than the control group (6.69%) (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between groups in the length of hospital stay [control: 7.63 days, vs BiPAP: 6.33 days, p = 0.48], the intubation rate [control: 7 of 25 (28%) vs BiPAP: 4 of 37 (11%), p = 0.10], or death rate [control: 2 of 24, vs BiPAP: 6 of 37, p = 0.46]. All of the ALS EMTs who used BiPAP thought that it was safe to use, and 97% thought it was easy and appeared to improve patients' dyspnea and respiratory distress. CONCLUSIONS: ALS EMTs can be trained to deliver noninvasive ventilation with BiPAP, find it easy to apply, and believe that it helps relieve dyspnea in patients with suspected CHF.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The in vitro percutaneous penetration of chlorpyrifos.

Chlorpyrifos is a widely used organophosphate pesticide. In order to study the pharmacokinetics of the penetration of chlorpyrifos through human skin we measured the percutaneous penetration of chlorpyrifos through human skin using an in vitro flow through apparatus. The chlorpyrifos was applied to the skin as a commercial concentrate or as a reference standard dissolved in ethanol. There was a significant difference (P=0.03) between the rate of penetration from the commercial concentrate (9.0 nmoles cm(-2) h(-1)) and that from the reference standard (4.9 nmoles cm(-2) h(-1)). Each experiment was run for 24 h. The recoveries from experiments where chlorpyrifos was applied to the skin as a commercial concentrate and as a reference standard dissolved in ethanol were, respectively, in total 91 and 87% of the applied dose of which 15 and 10% was recovered from the skin, 56 and 66% was recovered from the surface of the skin and 20 and 11% was recovered from the receptor fluid. There was a significant difference in the recoveries from the skin but there was no significant difference in the recoveries from the surface of the skin. We concluded that the majority of a dermal dose of chlorpyrifos was still present at or in the surface of the skin 24 h after application of a dermal dose. Because chlorpyrifos was recovered from the skin after 24 h, it is possible that the skin could act as a reservoir and release chlorpyrifos over a longer period. We also conclude that the solvent vehicle for chlorpyrifos can affect the rate of penetration of the pesticide.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2000

An empirical comparison of alternative methodologies for the evaluation of configural displays.

Two different methodologies (visual, memory) were used to evaluate alternative versions of the same configural display. One version (composite display) had several graphical design techniques applied, whereas the other version (baseline display) did not. Two types of information probes (high-level property, low-level data) were administered. When the displays were visible during completion of the probes (visual methodology), the display manipulation had the largest impact on performance (composite display associated with better performance); when the displays were not visible (memory methodology) the probe manipulation had the largest impact on performance (high-level probes associated with better performance). These results are interpreted in light of the mutually interacting constraints introduced by factors in display design, task requirements, and the participants' cognitive and perceptual capabilities/limitations. Implications for both the design and the evaluation of displays and interfaces in general are discussed. Actual or potential applications of this research include design techniques for improving the quality of graphic displays and methodological insights for interpreting previous research and guiding future experimentation.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1999

On-farm quality assurance programs: a survey of producer and industry leader opinions.

To assess interest in implementing a California dairy quality assurance program, practices and opinions of dairy producers and industry leaders were surveyed by a mailed questionnaire and by focus groups. The majority of the 55 participants in the focus group were dairy producers; processor marketing executives, extension dairy advisors, packinghouse executives, and dairy veterinarians were represented. The consensus among the focus groups was that a quality assurance program should be voluntary, be managed by creameries, and confer an economic advantage to participants. Focus group members listed chemical and microbial food safety (in both meat and milk), environmental health, and animal welfare as issues that should be addressed. Of the 1440 questionnaires mailed with producers' milk checks, 413 were returned. Information was collected regarding opinions and practices pertaining to administration of drugs to animals, medical records and animal identification, culling practices, manure management, cow welfare, and feeding of animal protein. An overwhelming 99% of producers believed they were responsible for the safety of meat and milk leaving the farm. Sixty percent of producers said that they would consider joining a California-specific quality assurance program, whereas 9% indicated that they would not. Producers would be more likely to join if their processor believed it would impart a market advantage and if the program standards were controlled by producers.

Animals↗