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Biomedical subjects

P Mooney

Publications and source records attributed to P Mooney.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Sequence of Plasmodium falciparum chromosomes 1, 3-9 and 13.

Since the sequencing of the first two chromosomes of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, there has been a concerted effort to sequence and assemble the entire genome of this organism. Here we report the sequence of chromosomes 1, 3-9 and 13 of P. falciparum clone 3D7--these chromosomes account for approximately 55% of the total genome. We describe the methods used to map, sequence and annotate these chromosomes. By comparing our assemblies with the optical map, we indicate the completeness of the resulting sequence. During annotation, we assign Gene Ontology terms to the predicted gene products, and observe clustering of some malaria-specific terms to specific chromosomes. We identify a highly conserved sequence element found in the intergenic region of internal var genes that is not associated with their telomeric counterparts.

Animals↗

The genome sequence of Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

We have sequenced and annotated the genome of fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe), which contains the smallest number of protein-coding genes yet recorded for a eukaryote: 4,824. The centromeres are between 35 and 110 kilobases (kb) and contain related repeats including a highly conserved 1.8-kb element. Regions upstream of genes are longer than in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), possibly reflecting more-extended control regions. Some 43% of the genes contain introns, of which there are 4,730. Fifty genes have significant similarity with human disease genes; half of these are cancer related. We identify highly conserved genes important for eukaryotic cell organization including those required for the cytoskeleton, compartmentation, cell-cycle control, proteolysis, protein phosphorylation and RNA splicing. These genes may have originated with the appearance of eukaryotic life. Few similarly conserved genes that are important for multicellular organization were identified, suggesting that the transition from prokaryotes to eukaryotes required more new genes than did the transition from unicellular to multicellular organization.

Base Sequence↗

Equivalent efficacy and safety of a new HFA-134a formulation of BDP compared with the conventional CFC in adult asthmatics.

The present study demonstrates the equivalent efficacy for BDP 500 microg bid given via MDI with the new HFA-134a propellant (Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Parma) compared to a conventional CFC propellant (Becotide, Allen & Hanburys, UK). One hundred and sixteen adult patients with stable mild to moderate asthma (FEV1 > or = 60% of predicted normal) entered a 2-week run-in period where they maintained their own inhaled corticosteroids and were then assigned to a 12-week treatment with the test drug in a randomized, multicentre, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group design. Ninety-one patients completed the study period. Morning and evening peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), use of rescue salbutamol, number of daytime and nighttime asthma attacks, number of nighttime awakenings, and clinical symptoms were recorded daily by patients on a diary card. Pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FVC, PEFR, MEF50 and FEF25) were completed at study entry, at the start of treatment and every 2 weeks thereafter. Morning (08.00-10.00 AM) serum cortisol was measured at the start and at the end of treatment. Adverse events were collected for the total study period. Equivalence between groups was demonstrated for the primary end-point morning PEFR, as well as for evening PEFR and FEV1 (the 95% CI of the treatments' difference was within the 5% of the LSM of BDP CFC). The other secondary pulmonary function tests measured at the clinic visit showed a satisfactory asthma control, albeit without statistically significant differences between groups. Decreases in the use of rescue salbutamol and in clinical symptoms were also reported in both groups, with no differences between them. Adverse events were reported in 81.4% of patients in the BDP HFA group and in 82.5% in the CFC group. There were 73 and 59 adverse drug reactions in the two groups, respectively; the difference was mainly due to differences in taste. No drug-related serious adverse events were reported in either group. No difference was seen for morning serum cortisol between baseline and end of treatment, or between groups. In conclusion, the BDP-HFA 134a formulation proved to be statistically equivalent to the standard BDP CFC product over 12 weeks in adult patients with mild to moderate asthma.

Adult↗

The influence of calcium to phosphate ratio on the nucleation and crystallization of apatite glass-ceramics.

The nucleation and crystallization behavior of a series of glasses based on 4.5SiO2-3Al2O3-YP2O5-3CaO-1.51CaF2 was studied. The parameter Y was varied to give calcium to phosphate ratios between one and two. All of the glasses studied crystallized firstly to fluorapatite (Ca5PO4)3F). The glass with a calcium to phosphate ratio of 1.67, corresponding to apatite, bulk nucleated to give fluorapatite (FAP). The glasses with calcium : phosphate ratios either less than that of apatite, or greater than that of apatite all exhibited surface nucleation of FAP. However, following a nucleation hold of one hour at approximately 50 K above the glass transition temperature these glasses exhibited bulk nucleation of FAP.

Journal Article↗

Transcervical resection of endometrium: patient satisfaction survey at a district general hospital.

A postal survey of transcervical endometrial resection in a series of 370 consecutive patients, treated at Ipswich District General Hospital between 1991 and 1997, is presented. All patients had total transcervical endometrial resection (TCER) procedures. Of our patients,258 (69.7%) reported a significant improvement in menstruation. Of the patients, 113 (21.9%) became amenorrhoeic. In all, 81 (21.9%) hysterectomies were performed. On direct questioning, 262 (70.8%) answered that they were satisfied with the outcome. It is concluded that our postal survey consolidates the previous findings that transcervical endometrial resection is a safe and effective operation with a high satisfaction rate even at a district general hospital setting. It should compliment medical treatments and hysterectomy in the management of women with menorrhagia.

Journal Article↗

Continuous extradural infusion of ropivacaine for prevention of postoperative pain after major orthopaedic surgery.

We studied 151 patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty, or cruciate ligament reconstruction in a multicentre study in Australia and New Zealand. Patients were openly allocated randomly to one of five treatment groups or to a control group. General anaesthesia was induced after introduction of extradural block with 0.5% ropivacaine. After surgery, patients received an extradural infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 ml h-1 or received no postoperative extradural infusion (control group). All patients had access to i.v. PCA morphine for supplementary analgesia. Morphine consumption was lower in all treatment groups compared with the control group, decreasing with increasing ropivacaine infusion rate. Median VAS scores were lower in all ropivacaine infusion groups compared with the control group for the first 10 h of the study; however by the end of the study, VAS scores were similar in all groups. The higher ropivacaine infusion rates caused a slower convergence of spread of the initial sensory block and a higher degree of motor block. The overall incidence of side effects was similar, with the exception of a higher incidence of urinary retention and hypotension in the groups receiving the higher rates of ropivacaine. The quality of treatment scores were similar for all treatment groups (Br. J. Anaesth. 1996; 76: 606-610).

Adult↗

A comparison of goserelin and danazol as endometrial thinning agents prior to endometrial laser ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of goserelin and danazol prior to endometrial laser ablation and assess different dosage regimens. DESIGN: A prospective open randomised trial. SETTING: Specialist unit in minimal access gynaecological surgery in a district general hospital. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and sixty premenopausal women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding. INTERVENTIONS: Randomisation into four groups receiving either one or two injections of goserelin acetate (3.6 mg subcutaneously) or 28 or 56 days of danazol (four 200 mg tablets daily), followed by endometrial laser ablation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Endometrial thickness pretreatment and, immediately prior to endometrial laser ablation, assessed by vaginal ultrasound and full thickness endometrial biopsy; appearance of the endometrium at surgery; duration of the operation; the amount of fluid absorbed during surgery; and the clinical outcome at 24 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The two drugs were equally effective in thinning the endometrium. Compared with danazol, goserelin was better tolerated and resulted in a more satisfactory endometrial appearance at hysteroscopy, a greater reduction in cavity length (0.5 cm compared with 0.3 cm, P = 0.002), a shorter operation (16.4 min compared with 21.6 min, P < 0.001), less fluid absorption (0 ml compared with 200 ml, P = 0.001), and a higher rate of amenorrhoea or oligoamenorrhoea (77% compared with 54%, P < 0.001) at the six month check. The administration of goserelin for 8 weeks compared with 4 weeks produced greater thinning of the endometrium on ultrasound and on histological examination, a greater reduction in cavity length on ultrasound and an increase in reported vasomotor symptoms. In both treatment regimens, 95% of women reported a satisfactory reduction in menstrual flow at the six month check. CONCLUSIONS: Goserelin appears to be more effective and better tolerated than danazol for treatment prior to endometrial laser ablation. Eight weeks treatment with goserelin resulted in better operating conditions and more vasomotor side effect, compared with four weeks treatment, although there was no difference in clinical outcome.

Adult↗

Six hundred endometrial laser ablations.

OBJECTIVE: To report the effectiveness and safety of endometrial laser ablation in the treatment of menorrhagia, as determined by detailed follow-up of 600 operations for at least 6 months. METHODS: Operative data from 600 endometrial laser ablations performed on 524 women were collected. Five hundred one (96%) of these women were followed with consultations and questionnaires. The mean duration of follow-up was 15 months (range 6-42). RESULTS: No major operative morbidity occurred. There were no cases of primary or secondary hemorrhage, uterine perforations with the operating instrument, or immediate laparotomy. A successful outcome was reported by 83.4% of patients. A second endometrial laser ablation was required in 14.3% of the women. Success increased with increasing age and low fluid absorption. Cavity length, operation time, duration of follow-up, and whether it was a first or second procedure were not associated with any difference in the success rate, although the hysterectomy rate tended to rise with increasing length of follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study, the largest one published from a single institution, with a mean follow-up duration of 15 months, confirms that endometrial laser ablation is a safe and effective treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Absorption↗

Prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus markers among hospital employment applicants.

To delineate baseline seroprevalence rates before job placement, applicants for employment (n = 300) at a large urban medical center were screened for serologic markers to the hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during a 15-week period in 1992. Eighteen applicants (6%) were positive for antibodies to HBV, nine (3%) for HCV, and 3 (1%) for HIV. There was no association by gender for any of these viral markers; however, both HBV and HCV were significantly more often detected in persons applying for hourly positions who were black. In an urban setting, preemployment screening of health care workers for HBV and HCV markers appears warranted, and serum banking for later HIV analysis, should a claim arise, is suggested.

Adult↗

Factors Influencing the Outcome after Endometrial Laser Ablation: A Review of 600 Cases

A consecutive series of 524 patients who had undergone 600 endometrial laser ablations (ELA) were surveyed by mailed questionnaire to determine their response to the procedure. Five hundred one (96%) of the women replied. No major operative morbidity had occurred. The mean duration of follow-up was 15 months (range 6 to 42 months). The absolute amenorrhea rate was only 29%, but in 95% the volume of bleeding was significantly reduced. The frequency of menstruation was reduced in 37% of the patients and unaltered in the remainder. The majority (83%) expressed satisfaction with the medium term outcome. The principal reason for dissatisfaction was persistent menstrual pain. Reported success increased with increasing patient age but was not influenced by uterine size or operating time. ELA in correctly selected cases is a safe and effective treatment for menorrhagia.

Journal Article↗

Factors influencing the outcome of endometrial laser ablation.

There have been more than 1000 endometrial laser ablations (ELA) performed at South Cleveland Hospital. The procedure has a high success rate in relieving the symptoms of dysfunctional uterine bleeding (83% sustained improvement over 1-4 years), and there has been no associated major morbidity. To identify factors that are associated with poor outcome, we have reviewed our data on women who progressed to hysterectomy after ELA. Twenty-nine of the first 524 women (5.5%) undergoing ELA have required subsequent hysterectomy. After excluding 3 cases where extensive endometriosis had been diagnosed at concomitant laparoscopy, these women were compared to 26 matched controls who had excellent outcomes. It was observed that young age, dysmenorrhea, and atypical pelvic pain at admission were factors associated with an increased chance of failure. Operative data, including uterine length and treatment times, were similar in both groups, and more than half the poor outcome group had entirely normal uteri. We conclude that good patient selection based on careful history and preoperative examination is of paramount importance in ensuring good treatment outcome.

Adult↗

The use of syntocinon in the management of excessive fluid absorption during endometrial ablation.

Five cases of intravenous oxytocin use during endometrial laser ablations complicated by excessive fluid absorption are reported. In each of the 5 cases it was possible to measure the rate of fluid absorption before and after the administration of this medication. There was a marked reduction in fluid absorption in 4 of the 5 cases, although the small number in the study did not allow statistical significance to be reached. The clinical benefit observed supports earlier work at this institution which suggests that oxytocic agents may be of value in cases of excessive fluid absorption through their action in contracting the myometrium and thereby compressing myometrial veins.

Absorption↗

The importance of exterior environment for Alzheimer residents: effective care and risk management.

Evidence shows that environments especially designed for cognitively impaired seniors can maintain or increase their level of functioning. Little emphasis has so far been placed on the prosthetic role that may be played by exterior environments. This study attempted to determine the value that specially designed exterior spaces may have in reducing undesired behaviours, thereby minimizing risks to the patients and potential liability to the institution. The researchers tested that (a) poor environments increase residents' frustrations and can precipitate catastrophic behaviour and (b) freedom of movement and opportunities to avoid crowding, noise and excess stimulation minimize the frequency of aggressive behaviour. The researchers found that the use of exterior environments reduced incidents of aggressive behaviour, and contributed significantly to a risk management program.

Aged↗

Fluid absorption during laser ablation of the endometrium in the treatment of menorrhagia.

Twenty-six women participated in a two-part study to determine the magnitude of absorption of irrigating fluid during endometrial laser ablation (ELA), and the effect on this absorption of controlling the intra-uterine pressure (IUP) during ablation. Six women participated in the first part of the study in which IUP was uncontrolled during surgery. The mean fluid deficit was 2027 ml. In the second part of the study, 20 women were allocated randomly to two groups. In the first group (nine women), IUP was uncontrolled during surgery. The mean IUP was 100 mm Hg, mean maximum IUP 136 mm Hg and mean fluid deficit 1255 ml. In the second group (11 women), the IUP was controlled during surgery. The mean IUP was 66 mm Hg, mean maximum IUP 70 mm Hg, and there was no fluid deficit in any of the women. The study demonstrates that control of IUP during ELA was effective in preventing absorption of irrigating fluid.

Adult↗