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Biomedical subjects

P Hill

Publications and source records attributed to P Hill.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

L-tryptophan-associated eosinophilic fasciitis prior to the 1989 eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome outbreak.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between L-tryptophan (LT) ingestion and eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) occurring prior to the outbreak of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome in 1989. METHODS: Interviews and record reviews of 45 EF case-patients and 126 polymyositis patients (controls) diagnosed prior to 1988. RESULTS: Nine case-patients (20%) and no controls recalled taking LT before onset of the disease (odds ratio = infinity, 95% confidence interval = 8.3-infinity). Among EF case-patients, LT ingestion was associated with dyspnea. CONCLUSION: LT ingestion was associated with EF prior to the 1989 outbreak of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Lung abnormalities may be a distinguishing feature of LT-mediated illness.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1992

Vincristine potentiates cytochalasin B-induced DNA fragmentation in vitro.

The cytochalasins are fungal metabolites that have previously been shown to have some chemotherapeutic potential. When various cell types are treated in vitro with both cytochalasin B and vincristine, the resultant DNA fragmentation is greater than the sum of that caused by each agent alone. The levels necessary to achieve this potentiation are obtainable in vivo. DNA fragmentation induced by cytochalasin E, an actin-specific agent, is potentiated by vincristine. Pretreatment of the mastocytoma line P815 with vincristine results in an enhancement of the ability of cytochalasin B to fragment DNA. These results indicate that cytochalasin B might be effective as a chemotherapeutic agent in the presence of vincristine.

Cytochalasin B↗
PubMed1992

Identification of an outer-membrane haemoglobin-binding protein in Neisseria meningitidis.

Although Neisseria meningitidis can use haemoglobin as an iron source in vitro, the mechanism of haemoglobin-iron uptake is unknown. Using a biotinylated human haemoglobin probe in a solid-phase dot-binding assay, haemoglobin-binding activity was detected in total membranes derived from meningococci grown under iron-limited but not iron-sufficient conditions. In competition binding experiments, bovine and human haemoglobin could abrogate binding. In contrast, no binding inhibition was seen with ferric nitrate, protoporphyrin IX, and iron-loaded human transferrin. The ability of both haemin and catalase, a nonhaemoglobin haem-containing compound, to inhibit binding competitively suggested that the ligand recognized by the binding protein is the haem moiety. Scatchard plot analysis revealed a heterogeneous receptor population. Limited proteolysis with proteinase K abolished binding activity, suggesting a haemoglobin-protein interaction. Detection of activity in a whole-cell binding assay demonstrated that this haemin-binding protein was surface exposed. In a limited survey of meningococcal strains, the presence of haemoglobin-binding activity in all isolates indicated that expression of this binding protein is not serogroup specific.

Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins↗
PubMed1992

Seniors' assessment of their health and life satisfaction: the case for contextual evaluation.

Health care professionals have been puzzled by the highly positive statements on health and life satisfaction made by seniors, particularly when compared to professionally collected data. In 1987-1988, a stratified, random sample of 520 seniors living independently in the community (70-99 years) were interviewed in their own homes. The above response pattern again held. However, it was apparent that opinions on life satisfaction vary with type of health problem. Content analysis of the spontaneous remarks made by the participants indicates that the overall, current, and anticipated levels of satisfaction expressed were associated significantly with the historical perspective or lifeview of the participants, and with their state of health. Utilizing the theoretical concept "sense of coherence" gives direction to understanding these phenomena.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Performance of psychomotor skills: a comparison of two teaching strategies.

This study compares two teaching strategies: textbook assignment and videotape with no faculty assistance, and textbook assignment and videotape with faculty assistance (demonstration of skills and supervised practice) to determine their effect on outcome performance (measurement of blood pressure) and on the student's perceived level of confidence. The intent of the study was to ascertain if the use of mediated instruction without faculty input would decrease faculty-student contact time without adversely affecting performance outcomes. Results of the study revealed that faculty contact is an important factor when students are learning to perform a basic psychomotor skill. It was concluded that mediated instruction is not appropriate as a complete substitute for faculty contact.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1991

Dunaimycins, a new complex of spiroketal 24-membered macrolides with immunosuppressive activity. II. Isolation and elucidation of structures.

A novel complex of antifungal and immunosuppressant compounds has been isolated from the fermentation broth and mycelia of two strains of Streptomyces diastatochromogenes. The structures of eight related components were determined employing 1D and 2D homonuclear and the heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. These structures represent the first reported spiroketal 24-membered macrolide natural products related to the common 26-membered oligomycins.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1990

Pickles, peptide hormones and pregnancy: a hypothesis.

In western societies a high frequency of heartburn, nausea and vomiting occur during pregnancy. The causes and mechanisms of these clinical symptoms remain poorly understood. Evidence suggests steroid hormones modulate gastrointestinal transit time and plasma peptide hormones, while peptide hormone modulated food intake and preferences. Since diurnal and episodic release of steroid and peptide hormones occur, it is postulated that heartburn and other digestive dysfunction during pregnancy are associated with elevated steroid and peptide (beta-endorphin, NPY) hormone interaction with innate biological rhythms controlling the gastrointestinal tract.

Body Weight↗
PubMed1990

Therapeutic processes in peer led and professionally led support groups for caregivers.

A comparison of peer led and professionally led support groups for caregivers of frail older persons living in the community demonstrates that both types of groups are effective. Findings reveal that it was the opportunity to ventilate pent-up feelings and emotions, the validation of caregiving experiences, the affirmation of coping abilities, the encouragement for continuing to provide care and cope with the situation, the exploration of alternative caregiving arrangements, the mutual support, and the mutual sharing of information about community resources and coping strategies that appeared to be the most helpful therapeutic ingredients of both types of groups. The greater attention to problem solving work and the learning of specific coping skills in the professionally led groups was not reflected in differential outcomes in the two support group conditions.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1990

Conformationally restricted analogs of oxytocin; stabilization of inhibitory conformation.

Analogs of oxytocin containing tetrahydroisoquinoline carboxylic acid (Tic) of L or D configuration in position 2 were synthesized and their biological activities were tested. Both analogs showed negligible agonist activity in uterotonic, galactogogic, and pressor assays, but they are in vitro uterotonic inhibitors. In comparison with oxytocin analogs containing L- or D-phenylalanine in position 2, the analog with the D-configuration of the conformationally fixed aromatic residue has significantly increased inhibitory activity which suggests that the proper conformation for the interaction with the receptor, but not for its activation, was stabilized. 1H NMR and CD studies, supported by theoretical calculations, suggest that the conformational properties of the analog containing D-tetrahydroisoquinoline carboxylic acid are similar to those of [2-D-phenylalanine]oxytocin.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Studies on an unusual von Willebrand's variant--type IID.

We describe a man and his daughter from a large New Zealand family with the extremely rare variant von Willebrand's (VW) disease type IID. These two patients had a severe bleeding history following minor surgery and displayed easy bruising. However, routine laboratory screening tests and factor VIII studies were essentially normal except for slightly reduced ristocetin cofactor activity and prolonged skin bleeding times. Although lacking higher molecular weight forms of VW antigen in common with VW type II's the patients' multimer patterns were clearly different from types IIA and IIB. Instead of showing the characteristic 'triplet' pattern in each multimer band the patients gave a single prominent band with faint satellite bands different in mobility to those in normals. Von Willebrand factor from the patients' platelets gave a similar abnormal pattern. DDAVP failed to correct the bleeding time in either patient and multimer analysis confirmed that there was no increase in the higher molecular weight VWF antigen.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

A multidisciplinary approach to pain management.

Patients attend pain clinics with their pain and with the response to, and consequences of, this symptom. The management of these problems places demands on the members of several disciplines working either individually or incorporated into a multidisciplinary team. The development of treatment strategies allows a comprehensive treatment programme to be available in a district general hospital setting.

Activities of Daily Living↗