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Biomedical subjects

R J Slater

Publications and source records attributed to R J Slater.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1993

Genomic subtractive hybridization to isolate species-specific DNA sequences in insects.

Selective enrichment has been used in a number of instances for the isolation of species-specific sequences in prokaryotes. This paper reports the successful application of the technique to insects. Genomic probes were derived to the target species D. funebris and D. simulans. The method involves the biotinylation of non-target 'driver' DNA prepared from the closely related species D. melanogaster and its hybridization to homologous sequences in the target DNA. Hybrid molecules were removed from the reaction by incubation with streptavidin followed by phenol extraction, leaving a preparation enriched for target fragments. All DNA fragments isolated in the D. funebris experiments proved to be specific to that species. Five out of twenty-four fragments screened in the D. simulans experiments were specific when screened with homologous DNA and genomic DNA from its sibling species, D. melanogaster.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Criteria and uses of the Minimal Record of Disability in multiple sclerosis.

A Minimal Record of Disability of Multiple Sclerosis has been developed by collaborative studies over 5 years among twelve countries in nine languages. The purpose is to provide a simple data set reflecting the profile of personal disability and environmental situations of individuals with MS so that local, regional and national planning and evaluation of resource allocations can be developed as well as to permit international comparisons of system effectiveness. The MRD is patterned on the World Health Organization taxonomy for disability and is now ready for implementation in service studies.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMed1984

Field testing of a minimal record of disability in multiple sclerosis: the United States and Canada.

The IFMSS Minimal Record of Disability (MRD) in Multiple Sclerosis was field tested at eight medical centers in the U.S. and Canada. The goals were to conduct a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the MRD. Assessment were completed on 249 patients with definite MS by neurologists and allied health professionals. Effective administration required some study and practice. Refinement of some unclear wording and awkward format will improve ease of administration. The MRD fit well into clinic routines and was accepted by staff and patients. Scoring presented few problems and these were related to overlap among the MRD scales, poor wording, and content not appropriate to MS. Quantitative evaluation of the MRD indicated that Incapacity Status primarily reflects disability in mobility and self-care when used as a composite score. Heterogeneity of content in Incapacity Status suggests that summed scores be used cautiously. Both Incapacity and Environmental Status had high levels of reliability and high correlations with established measures of impairment in MS. Inter-rater agreement of the ISS and ESS were also high. Once some necessary revisions are made, the MRD should be well on its way to achieving the IFMSS goal of developing a brief, reliable, valid, and appropriate instrument acceptable to a wide variety of workers in MS.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1980

A model of care: matching human services to patients' needs.

Multiple sclerosis(MS) provides a paradigm of the problems of management in many forms of chronic neurologic disability. Many problems stem from the fragmentation and difficulty of access to the medical and psychosocial support systems, lack of coordination among the mix of services, and economic instability. The evolving role of voluntary agencies is to coordinate services for the complex problem-solving required by patients and families. The achievement of this role requires greater attention from physicians and other professionals who must interface in these complicated situations. Increasing governmental cost containment and regulation could erode the capability to provide personal, flexible, and timely responses to complex human predicaments, many of which can become costly, long-term, and catastrophic situations.

Health Services Needs and Demand↗