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Biomedical subjects

R Clay

Publications and source records attributed to R Clay.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Total chemical synthesis of human activin beta(A)[12-116] and related large-loop polypeptides.

We report here the synthesis, purification, and characterization of several large polypeptides related to the human activin beta(A) subunit and their cyclic counterparts. In particular, we describe for the first time the total chemical synthesis of a 105-mer polypeptide, des[1-11] activin beta(A), and related large-loop polypeptide, by an optimized solid phase synthetic protocol based on 9-flouroenylmethyoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) chemistry. These studies show that automated chemical synthesis utilizing Fmoc-based solid phase synthetic strategies provides a practical alternative to recombinant DNA technology for the production of activin-related subunits, with the opportunity to rapidly provide different analogues and structural variants for subsequent structure-function and associated biophysical investigations.

Activins↗

Adipose tissue metabolism in benign symmetric lipomatosis.

Type 2 benign symmetric lipomatosis (BSL) is characterized by abnormal growth of adipose tissue in the upper back, deltoid region, upper arms, hips, and upper thigh region. Studies of lipomatous tissue in vitro have suggested that defective lipolysis may account for excess fat accumulation; however, in vivo adipose tissue metabolism has not been evaluated. We measured systemic adipose tissue lipolysis and regional adipose tissue fatty acid uptake in a patient with type 2 BSL scheduled for elective brachioplasty. We found increased, rather than decreased, rates of systemic free fatty acid release coupled with normal fatty acid oxidation. The uptake of fatty acids was 19% greater in deltoid region lipomatous tissue than in abdominal sc fat, whereas in control studies the relative uptake of fatty acids in deltoid fat averaged 29% less than that in abdominal fat. Adipocyte size was smaller than expected in lipomatous tissue. These results suggest that type 2 BSL is a hyperplastic adipose tissue abnormality that does not impair systemic lipolysis. The pathophysiology appears similar to what has been termed hyperplastic obesity. A better understanding of this condition could lead to insights into the mechanisms of hyperplastic obesity.

Adipose Tissue↗

Still moving toward environmental justice.

Three years in the making, the Institute of Medicine report Toward Environmental Justice was funded by a consortium of agencies, including the NIEHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Energy. The independent review was authored by a 15-member committee that represented academia, public interest, medicine, law, and industry. The committee met with stakeholders, citizens, public officials, and industry representatives around the United States to assess the need for better research, education, and health policy related to environmental justice. The report investigates the situation of groups of individuals suspected of having disproportionately high levels of exposure to environmental stressors such as chemicals, biologics, allergenics, toxicants, light, noise, odors, and particulate matter. The report calls for more research to help identify and verify the environmental etiologies of diseases. It also recommends that citizens be recruited to participate in the design and execution of the research, and that communication during all phases of the research be open and reciprocal.

Environmental Health↗

Long-term follow-up of cranial bone graft in dorsal nasal augmentation.

A follow-up of 363 cranial bone grafts for nasal reconstruction is presented. The main indications for the surgery were congenital, posttraumatic, or postrhinoplasty deformity. The results were satisfactory in the vast majority of cases. The complications associated with the grafts and with the donor site are discussed, as are the methods to treat and prevent these complications from occurring.

Adult↗

New tricks for an old assay.

For decades, a number of guinea pig tests have been used to identify human contact allergens in workplace and consumer products, but these tests have limitations. In addition to using large numbers of test animals, they also provide only subjective measurements, because the allergic activity is measured by watching the skin for redness. Furthermore, coloring in some chemicals that are evaluated may mask reddening of the skin, thus obscuring the results. Since the 1980s, investigators have sought alternative test methods that would reduce the number of animals required and address the limitations of current tests.

Allergens↗

Total i.v. anaesthesia for transcranial magnetic evoked potential spinal cord monitoring.

Continuous intraoperative monitoring of transcranial magnetic motor evoked potentials (TcMMEP) can warn the surgeon of motor tract damage more effectively than somatosensory evoked potentials. As a non-invasive technique it is especially useful during post-traumatic internal fixation and is applicable whatever the level of the spinal cord at risk. Inhalation and many i.v. anaesthetics block the single pulse TcMMEP but a total i.v. anaesthetic regimen based on methohexitone, alfentanil and ketamine was effective in seven patients undergoing post-traumatic internal fixation. Consistent TcMMEP of 100-1000 mcV were obtained in all patients, with a latency change of only 2 ms above preoperative values. Good cardiovascular stability was maintained during operation.

Adult↗

What more of us means.

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Conservation of Natural Resources↗