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Biomedical subjects

Martin Evans

Publications and source records attributed to Martin Evans.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Mutations in the gene encoding the low-density lipoprotein receptor LRP4 cause abnormal limb development in the mouse.

Positional cloning of two recessive mutations of the mouse that cause polysyndactyly (dan and mdig-Chr 2) confirmed that the gene encoding MEGF7/LRP4, a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, plays an essential role in the process of digit differentiation. Pathologies observed in the mutant mice provide insight into understanding the function(s) of LRP4 as a negative regulator of the Wnt-beta-catenin signaling pathway and may help identify the genetic basis for common human disorders with similar phenotypes.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Results of an antimicrobial control program at a university hospital.

PURPOSE: The results of the first five years of an ongoing antimicrobial control program are reported. METHODS: In 1998, a multidisciplinary antimicrobial subcommittee of the pharmacy and therapeutics committee of a university hospital was formed and charged with making formulary interventions in an effort to reduce rising antimicrobial resistance rates and drug expenditures. In 1999, a number of measures were implemented for controlling antimicrobial use. Selected antimicrobials with the potential for inappropriate use or whose inappropriate use had been documented were placed in the control of physicians in the infectious diseases (ID) division. Prior approval by an ID physician was required before the pharmacy could dispense these agents. Other key interventions included removal of ceftazidime and cefotaxime from the formulary, restriction of vancomycin and carbapenem use, and replacement of ciprofloxacin with levofloxacin as the sole fluoroquinolone on the formulary. Data regarding antimicrobial use and expenditures between 1998 and 2002 were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: Antimicrobial use was reduced by 80% for third-generation cephalosporins and 15% for vancomycin following the implementation of the new antimicrobial policies. Antimicrobial-resistance patterns for many important gram-negative pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, demonstrated a reversal of previous increases. In addition, the rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus decreased by an average of 3% each year from 1999 to 2002. Pharmacy expenditures for all antimicrobials, including antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial agents, decreased 24.7%, with a cumulative cost saving of 1,401,126 US dollars, without inflation assumptions. CONCLUSION: The implementation of an antimicrobial control program decreased the use of selected antimicrobial agents and resulted in substantial reduction of expenditures for antimicrobials.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed2005

Ethical sourcing of human embryonic stem cells--rational solutions?

At the heart of the extensive ethical and regulatory debates that have surrounded human embryonic stem cells is the human pre-implantation embryo. Advances in the understanding of cellular reprogramming, both by cell nuclear replacement and by potential new protocols, should lead to methods that circumvent the use of a practicably viable embryo.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Development and use of a tool for assessing sidewalk maintenance as an environmental support of physical activity.

The importance of regular physical activity is well documented, yet according to epidemiological surveillance data, physical inactivity among all age groups persists. Past attempts to promote physical activity focused on individual-level changes; current approaches focus on environmental changes that will provide opportunities for whole communities to be active. The current ecological focus has led to an increase in funding and research regarding environmental supports of physical activity. As this is a new area of research, much work needs to be done to improve the ability to assess environmental features that support physical activity. This article describes a partnership between researchers and community members to develop and test an objective tool to measure sidewalk maintenance. Community members used data collected with the tool to increase awareness about sidewalk maintenance issues among local policy makers. Collaboration between researchers and community partners was critical for the success of this study.

Community-Institutional Relations↗
PubMed2005

Embryonic stem cells: a perspective.

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are proliferating tissue-culture cells which are embryonic in origin and retain the full lineage and differentiative capacity of the early mammalian embryo. Only mouse ES cells have been fully characterized but similar cultures have been isolated from numbers of other mammalian embryos including, notably, human. ES cells can differentiate either in vivo in the context of an embryo or equivalently in vitro. Their ability to undergo genetic alteration and selection in vitro followed by embryonic development in vivo has led to their extensive use as a vector for mammalian genetic engineering. This is not an application for human ES cells but their ability to differentiate in vitro into a plethora of specific tissue precursors has led to scenarios for their use in cellular and tissue engineering therapies. Ethical and practical problems for the provision of ad hominem human ES cells remain. Knowledge from the mouse system may aid our understanding of the relationship between ES cells and embryos.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Effects of a relationship-enhancing program of care on outcomes.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a relationship-enhancing program of care (REPC) on resident and care provider outcomes. DESIGN AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental, repeated measures design, with intervention and comparison groups. Questionnaires were distributed to 50 residents, and observations were conducted of 40 residents and 34 nursing staff at baseline and 3 months after the intervention, on two Canadian nursing home units. An investigator-designed educational program based on Winnicott's theory of relationships and the empirical literature, was provided to care providers and their supervisors on the intervention unit. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) was used to compare the intervention and comparison groups in regard to changes in the outcomes over time. FINDINGS: The REPC had statistically significant effects on (a) residents' perceptions of care providers' relational care, (b) care providers' relational behaviors, and (c) continuity of care. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence showed that these care providers were taught how to enhance their relational skills with residents living in long-term care facilities without added staff. Recommendations for practice and research are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Leprosy in a Mexican immigrant.

A new diagnosis of borderline lepromatous leprosy was established in a man who had immigrated to Kentucky from Mexico. He was placed on a World Health Organization treatment regimen consisting of dapsone, clofazimine, and rifampin. The biology of leprosy, its diagnosis, treatment, and worldwide impact are reviewed. Because of the potential for highly mobile populations to export endemic diseases, Kentucky physicians must expand their lists of differential diagnoses.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Source and nature of embryonic stem cells.

The originally described method of isolation of mouse ES cells was from implantationally-delayed blastocysts that were subsequently explanted into tissue culture. The cell colony arising from the ICM proliferation was disaggregated and cultures established on mitotically inactivated fibroblast feeder layers. The use of delayed blastocysts is advantageous, but not essential, and ES cells have been similarly derived by explantation of cleavage-stage embryos and also early embryonic epiblast. ES cells are probably not homologous to ICM cells, but may better match five-day epiblast.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Changing the home nutrition environment: effects of a nutrition and media literacy pilot intervention.

The specific aim for this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutrition and media literacy intervention targeting elementary students and their parents. The purpose of the intervention was to increase child fruit and vegetables (FV) consumption and change the home nutrition environment (measured with FV availability and accessibility and parental social support). During the intervention, students learned about nutrition, the role media plays in shaping values concerning nutrition, and developed a media campaign for their parents. A quasi-experimental research design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. The media intervention was effective in changing the home environment.

Child↗