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Biomedical subjects

N Bradley

Publications and source records attributed to N Bradley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

The health of their nation: how would citizens develop England's health strategy?

BACKGROUND: England's first health strategy, The Health of the Nation, was formulated without systematic input from the citizens whose health it targeted. Several studies indicate that citizens, when asked to prioritize services, rank interventions for acute and life-threatening conditions highest. But how they view and what they want in the areas of prevention, public health, or care for the chronically and mentally ill is not known. AIM: To explore citizens' attitudes towards England's health strategy as set out in The Health of the Nation and to elicit their ideas for developing it further. METHOD: The study was conducted in four general practices and a secondary school in southwest England. The design was a qualitative analysis of testimony from 24 audiotaped focus groups. Twenty-three groups were drawn from lists of National Health Service registered patients, stratified by The Health of the Nation target category, and one group was drawn from 13 to 15 year-old girls at a mixed secondary school. In all, 173 citizens took part in the 24 focus group meetings. RESULTS: In group discussions, these citizens demonstrated an understanding of The Health of the Nation strategy, which enabled them to form views and develop relevant arguments. They produced 26 specific ideas for developing the strategy across its five key areas. There was congruence with the action plans of a national expert group convened by the Department of Health and charged with reviewing the strategy's progress. The focus groups went beyond the experts' proposals, with further practical ideas to achieve The Health of the Nation targets. CONCLUSION: Citizens in this study contributed a broad range of relevant, appropriate, and innovative ideas on how to develop health strategy. The use of focus groups to achieve this is practical and efficient.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Rescue of the HNF4 --> HNF1alpha pathway in hepatoma variant cells containing human chromosome 12.

Expression of liver-enriched trans-acting hepatocyte nuclear factors 1alpha (HNF1alpha) and 4 (HNF4) is correlated with the hepatic phenotype in cultured rat hepatoma cells. We have used a hepatoma variant cell line, H11, that specifically lacks the HNF4 --> HNF1alpha pathway as a model to understand mechanisms controlling hepatic gene expression. We have introduced randomly marked human chromosomes into H11 cells and have isolated a number of microcell hybrids that have rescued hepatic gene expression, including HNF4, HNF1alpha, and alpha1-antitrypsin. Chromosomal analysis of cell hybrids showed that the rescued hepatic phenotype correlated closely with the presence of human chromosome 12p sequences. Although the gene encoding HNF1alpha is located on chromosome 12q24, its retention was not required to rescue the hepatic phenotype. Thus, we suggest that a locus on human chromosome 12p plays an important role in maintenance of hepatic gene expression through activation of the HNF4 --> HNF1alpha pathway.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

3-Nitrotyrosine in the proteins of human plasma determined by an ELISA method.

The modification of tyrosine residues in proteins to 3-nitrotyrosine by peroxynitrite or other potential nitrating agents has been detected in biological systems that are subject to oxidative stress. A convenient semi-quantitative method has been developed to assay nitrated proteins in biological fluids and homogenates using a competitive ELISA developed in our laboratory. This assay selectivity detected 3-nitro-l-tyrosine residues in a variety of peroxynitrite-treated proteins (BSA, human serum albumin (HSA), alpha1-antiprotease inhibitor, pepsinogen and fibrinogen) and also in a nitrated peptide, but had a low affinity for free 3-nitro-L-tyrosine and 3-chloro-L-tyrosine. The IC50 values for the inhibition of antibody binding by different nitrated proteins were in the range 5-100 nM, suggesting that the antibody discriminated between nitrotyrosine residues in different environments. The presence of nitrotyrosine in plasma proteins was detected by Western blot analysis and quantified by the ELISA. A concentration of 0. 12+/-0.01 microM nitro-BSA equivalents was measured in the proteins of normal plasma which was increased in peroxynitrite-treated plasma and was elevated in inflammatory conditions. HSA and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) isolated from plasma contained 0.085+/-0.04 and 0. 03+/-0.006 nmol nitro-BSA equivalents/mg protein, respectively. Comparison of the level of nitration in peroxynitrite-treated HSA and LDL in the presence and absence of plasma indicates that nitration and presumably oxidation is inhibited by plasma antioxidants. The presence of nitrotyrosine in LDL is consistent with previous reports implicating peroxynitrite in the oxidative modification of lipoproteins and the presence of a low concentration of oxidized LDL in the blood.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Survey of services to patients in general practice.

Family doctors vary in the range of services they provide for their patients. Of 267 practices in Devon and Cornwall, 245 responded to a questionnaire sent in September 1989 asking for information about services to patients. Most doctors consulted at six to eight patients per hour, whether or not an appointment system operated. About two-thirds of patients had access to a female GP. Nine out of ten practices employed a practice nurse. Almost all offered a surgery on Saturday mornings. Most surgeries took the phone over at 8.30 a.m. in the week and started consulting at 9 a.m. Almost half were consulting until 6.30 p.m. or later on at least one day per week. 80% of practices were offering a non-urgent appointment on the same or next day. All practices offered childhood immunisation. 80% offered some form of personal list system. 80% offered minor operations, one-third manipulations, 10% homeopathy, 6% hypnosis and 5% acupuncture.

Appointments and Schedules↗
PubMed1991

Automated immunohistochemical estrogen receptor in fixed embedded breast carcinomas.

The authors immunohistochemically assessed the presence of estrogen receptor (ER) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 68 breast carcinomas by an automated method using Pronase (CalBiochem, La Jolla, CA) predigestion and alkaline phosphatase detection (Method 1). These results were compared with those obtained by an automated peroxidase-antiperoxidase method with DNAse pretreatment of fixed embedded sections (Method 2), with ER immunostain on frozen sections (Method 3), and with biochemical results (dextran-coated charcoal cytosolic [DCC] assay). Compared with the DCC assay, Methods 1, 2, and 3 gave sensitivities of 54%, 25%, and 89%, respectively. The sensitivity for Method 1 was increased to 74% in those cases with DCC results showing greater than 50 fmol/mg protein. These findings indicate that ER immunohistochemical studies on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues (as assayed by Method 1) provide useful clinical information when the results are positive. A negative result, especially if surrounding normal elements are not positive, may indicate no receptors, receptor levels less than 50 fmol/mg protein, or improper tissue preservation. In the absence of fresh tissue for ER assay by DCC assay or of frozen sections for immunostaining, and with an understanding of its limitations, this method may be useful.

Automation↗
PubMed1990

Plasma vitamin A levels in cattle in response to large doses of vitamin A.

A dose response procedure was developed for evaluating vitamin A status and utilization in cattle. This could be useful for evaluating diets, vitamin A stores and homeostatic control of vitamin A. Three experiments were designed to determine: 1) size of vitamin A dose required to increase plasma vitamin A concentrations; 2) time after dosing when plasma vitamin A concentrations peak, and 3) if changes in plasma vitamin A concentrations are useful in assessing dietary vitamin A utilization. Using twenty-four steers and heifers, the first two experiments showed that 30X or 40X daily vitamin A requirement (daily requirement calculated as X = body weight in kilograms times 55 International Units of vitamin A) given orally was sufficient to cause plasma vitamin A concentrations to rise 20 hours after dosing. Plasma vitamin A concentrations increased (P less than .01) from 57 to 81 micrograms/dl and 64 to 84 micrograms/dl after a 30X or 40X treatment, respectively. Twenty-X daily requirement resulted in a slight increase after 20 hours (P greater than .05). Seventy-two feedlot steers were used in experiment three to determine if diet affects vitamin A dose response. Variations in feed intake, monensin in the diet or a single dose of vitamin E did not cause significant changes in plasma vitamin A response to vitamin A dosage. Steers receiving monensin had higher initial plasma vitamin A concentrations, but no differences were observed after dosing. Results indicate that dose responses may be useful in assessing dietary vitamin A utilization.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1989

Survey of equipment in general practice.

Partners in general practice have to buy any equipment they want themselves. As a result partners in high investing practices have lower net incomes. Of the 297 practices in Devon and Cornwall, 265 responded to a questionnaire listing 115 possible items of practice equipment. Overall, practices seemed to be fairly well equipped. Key findings were that 193 of those who responded had an electrocardiograph, 206 had a kit for minor operations, 119 owned a computer, and less than one third owned a microscope. Most of these practices were high investors. There seems to be a shift away from some traditional instruments towards expensive information technology. Government policies are encouraging the use of computers and such equipment, though funds are not necessarily being made available for this purpose.

Electrocardiography↗
PubMed1989

Parapharyngeal neurilemmomas.

Parapharyngeal neurilemmomas are uncommon benign tumours. Two patients are reported with one tumour arising from the vagus and the other from the hypoglossal nerve. Access to the vagal tumour was accomplished with the aid of an osteotomy at the angle of the mandible. Theoretically these lesions can be enucleated with preservation of the nerve or resected and repaired with a nerve graft. However, these alternative procedures were impractical in both these patients and the explanations for this are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Oral nodular fasciitis.

Nodular fasciitis is a proliferative fibroblastic lesion which presents as a tumour-like mass. Accurate diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary and often mutilating surgery. Although up to 20% of cases occur in the head and neck region, lesions of the oral cavity are extremely rare. A case of oral nodular fasciitis is described, together with a review of the literature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Automated immunohistochemical estrogen receptor in fixed embedded breast carcinomas. Comparison with manual immunohistochemistry on frozen tissues.

Estrogen receptor (ER) status of breast carcinomas determines prognosis and treatment. Biochemical ER assays are expensive and time-consuming and require fresh tumor. Immunohistochemical ER was assessed in 68 breast carcinomas, by an automated method using routinely processed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, and manually with the use of snap-frozen tissues with a monoclonal anti-ER and peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. The paraffin sections were digested with DNase to enhance development of signal. Positive nuclear ER was obtained in 9 (13%) fixed tissues and 36 (53%) frozen tissues. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of a positive test result, as compared with the biochemical assay, were 25%, 100%, and 100% for the paraffin section technique, and 89%, 88%, and 89% for the frozen sections. Although it is specific, lack of sensitivity, resulting from loss of ER with fixation and room temperature handling, renders this immunohistochemical technique unacceptable on fixed tissues. However, ER immunostain on frozen tissue is an acceptable alternative to biochemical assay.

Autoanalysis↗
PubMed1988

Squamous cell carcinoma arising in an odontogenic cyst.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising is an odontogenic cyst is rare, Eversole finding 36 cases in his review of the literature in 1975. Since then, a further 10 have been recorded in the English literature. We now report another case and describe its management. The need to histologically examine all odontogenic cysts is stressed.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1987

Reconstruction of the middle third of mandible.

The radial forearm flap is established as a suitable method of providing bone with soft tissue lining or skin cover in reconstruction of the mandible. A simple and effective method of modelling the radius to provide the appropriate contour to the anterior arch of the mandible is described.

Humans↗
PubMed1986

Binge eaters: a comparison of eating patterns of those who admit to binging and those who do not.

The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed bulimic or pre-bulimic behaviours in a normal, but high risk population. A questionnaire eliciting information about eating habits and potential binge episodes, demographic background, and information about height and weight was completed by 479 college students. Subjects were designated as a non-binger, a non-labelled binger, or labelled binger according to their responses. Consistent with previous literature, findings showed a high prevalence of bulimia in the young, female, middle income population. Findings also revealed a group of students who described frequent binge episodes but did not consider themselves to have an eating disorder in that they did not label themselves as 'binge eaters' (the non-labelled binge group).

Adolescent↗