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S McManus

Publications and source records attributed to S McManus.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

An investigation of the shear bond strength of compomer restorative material to enamel and dentine.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of one step adhesives on the shear bond strength of a compomer restorative material to both enamel and dentine. Human extracted teeth were used for the study. Ten samples were prepared for both enamel and dentine specimens for each of the five groups: Tooth, no etch, Prime and Bond NT (P+B NT); tooth, Non-Rinse Conditioner (NRC), P+B NT; tooth, NRC, Prime and Bond 2.1 (P+B 2.1); tooth, etch, P+B NT; tooth, etch, P+B 2.1. The specimens were subjected to bond testing. The shear bond strength was measured using an Inston 1193 testing machine using a cross head speed of 1 mm/minute. The specimens were tested to destruction. The results show that for the enamel specimens the highest bond strength was recorded for those specimens subjected to Etch, P+B 2.1 (22.1 MPa) and Etch P+B NT (20.0 MPa). The groups of specimens which did not undergo etching had very low bond strengths ranging from 11.4 MPa for NRC, P+B 2.1, 8.5 MPa for NRC P+B NT to 6.9 MPa for P+B NT. For the dentine specimens, for all of the groups, the shear bond strengths were low. Those groups subjected to etching produced the highest values of 7.9 MPa for NRC P+B 2.1 with the lowest value of 6.1 MPa for NRC P+B NT. These bond strengths were significantly lower than those achieved for bonding to enamel. Prime and Bond NT and Prime and Bond 2.1, used in conjunction with acid etching, produce satisfactory bond strengths of compomer restorative material to enamel. Bond strengths to dentine were low.

Adhesiveness↗

The accuracy of reported sensitive sexual behaviour in Britain: exploring the extent of change 1990-2000.

OBJECTIVES: The 1990-1 British national probability sample survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles (Natsal 1990) was repeated in 1999-2001 (Natsal 2000) to update population estimates of risk behaviours, and assess change over time. We examine whether changes in prevalence estimates may partly result from changes in measurement accuracy. METHODS: Taking Natsal 2000 (11 161 respondents) and Natsal 1990 (13 765 respondents aged 16-44) we compared the response rate, sample representativeness, reporting of abortion last year (relative to official statistics), and selected attitudes. Among the common birth cohort eligible for both surveys (aged 16-34 Natsal 1990, 26-44 Natsal 2000), we compared reporting of experiences before 1990. RESULTS: The response rate (66.8% Natsal 1990, 65.4% Natsal 2000) and completeness of reporting abortion were unchanged (84% Natsal 1990, 86% Natsal 2000). Attitudes were significantly changed in Natsal 2000 relative to Natsal 1990--for example, increased tolerance of male homosexual sex, OR (95% CI) 2.10 (1.93-2.29) men and 2.95 (2.74 to 3.18) women. In the common birth cohort reporting of heterosexual intercourse before 16 (OR 1.15 (1.02 to 1.29) men, 1.49 (1.31 to 1.69) women), and homosexual experience (OR 1.80 (1.46 to 2.21) men, 2.00 (1.61 to 2.48) women) were significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: The results are consistent with improved reporting accuracy for some sensitive behaviours in Natsal 2000, in line with greater social tolerance and improved survey methodology. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and may not be generalisable to all such behaviours. The increase found in the reported prevalence of STI risk behaviours between Natsal 1990 and Natsal 2000 is likely to be somewhat overstated.

Adolescent↗

Sexual behaviour in Britain: partnerships, practices, and HIV risk behaviours.

BACKGROUND: Sexual behaviour is a major determinant of sexual and reproductive health. We did a National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal 2000) in 1999-2001 to provide population estimates of behaviour patterns and to compare them with estimates from 1990-91 (Natsal 1990). METHODS: We did a probability sample survey of men and women aged 16-44 years who were resident in Britain, using computer-assisted interviews. Results were compared with data from respondents in Natsal 1990. FINDINGS: We interviewed 11161 respondents (4762 men, 6399 women). Patterns of heterosexual and homosexual partnership varied substantially by age, residence in Greater London, and marital status. In the past 5 years, mean numbers of heterosexual partners were 3.8 (SD 8.2) for men, and 2.4 (SD 4.6) for women; 2.6% (95% CI 2.2-3.1) of both men and women reported homosexual partnerships; and 4.3% (95% CI 3.7-5.0) of men reported paying for sex. In the past year, mean number of new partners varied from 2.04 (SD 8.4) for single men aged 25-34 years to 0.05 (SD 0.3) for married women aged 35-44 years. Prevalence of many reported behaviours had risen compared with data from Natsal 1990. Benefits of greater condom use were offset by increases in reported partners. Changes between surveys were generally greater for women than men and for respondents outside London. INTERPRETATION: Our study provides updated estimates of sexual behaviour patterns. The increased reporting of risky sexual behaviours is consistent with changing cohabitation patterns and rising incidence of sexually transmitted infections. Observed differences between Natsal 1990 and Natsal 2000 are likely to result from a combination of true change and greater willingness to report sensitive behaviours in Natsal 2000 due to improved survey methodology and more tolerant social attitudes.

Adolescent↗

Sexual behaviour in Britain: early heterosexual experience.

BACKGROUND: Relatively high rates of teenage conception and sexually transmitted infection among young people in Britain have focused attention on early sexual behaviour and its determinants. We report the results of the second National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal 2000). METHODS: We did a probability sample survey between 1999 and 2001, of men and women aged 16-44 years in Britain. Participants were interviewed using a combination of computer-assisted face-to-face and self-completion questionnaires, and asked questions regarding first heterosexual intercourse, communication about sex, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). FINDINGS: We recruited 11161 men and women to the survey (4762 men, 6399 women). The proportion of those aged 16-19 years at interview reporting first heterosexual intercourse at younger than 16 years was 30% for men and 26% for women; median age was 16 years. The proportion of women reporting first intercourse before 16 years increased up to, but not after, the mid-1990s. There has been a sustained increase in condom use and a decline in the proportion of men and women reporting no contraceptive use at first intercourse with decreasing age at interview. Among 16-24 year olds, non-use of contraception increased with declining age at first intercourse; reported by 18% of men and 22% of women aged 13-14 years at occurrence. Early age at first intercourse was significantly associated with pregnancy under 18 years, but not with occurrence of STIs. Low educational attainment was associated with motherhood before 18 years, but not abortion. INTERPRETATION: The increase in the proportion of women reporting first intercourse before age 16 years does not appear to have continued throughout the past decade. Only a small minority of teenagers have unprotected first intercourse, and early motherhood is more strongly associated with educational level than with family background. Factors most strongly associated with risk behaviour and adverse outcomes have considerable potential for preventive intervention.

Adolescent↗

Sexual behaviour in Britain: reported sexually transmitted infections and prevalent genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

BACKGROUND: Studies of the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STI) are largely based on surveillance data. As part of a national survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles (Natsal 2000) in Britain, we estimated the frequency of self-reported STIs, and the prevalence of urinary Chlamydia trachomatis infection. METHODS: We did a stratified probability sample survey of 11161 men and women aged 16-44 years in Britain. Computer assisted self-interviews contained items on the nature and timing of previously diagnosed STIs. Half of all sexually experienced respondents aged 18-44 years were invited to provide a urine sample for ligase chain reaction testing for C trachomatis infection. FINDINGS: 10.8% of men and 12.6% of women reported ever having an STI, 3.6% of men and 4.1% of women reported ever being diagnosed with genital warts, and 1.4% of men and 3.1% of women reported previous infection with C trachomatis. 76% of men and 57% of women ever diagnosed with an STI had been to a GUM clinic. C trachomatis was found in 2.2% (95% CI 1.5-3.2) of men and 1.5% (95% CI 1.11-2.14) of women with age-specific prevalence being highest among men aged 25-34 (3.1%) and women aged 16-24 years (3.0%). Non-married status, age, and reporting partner concurrency or two or more sexual partners in the past year were independently associated with infection with C trachomatis. INTERPRETATION: We show substantial heterogeneity in distribution of reported STIs, and the demographic and behavioural determinants of prevalent genital chlamydial infection. The results have potentially wide application for proposed chlamydia screening programmes which, given the demonstrated prevalence, must now proactively seek to involve men.

Adolescent↗

An introductory hospice experience for third-year medical students.

BACKGROUND: An organized and distinct curriculum in hospice and palliative care education is lacking in most United States medical school programs. Because of this knowledge deficit, physicians are often not able to meet the needs of their terminally ill patients and their families. METHODS: A five-day combined didactic and clinical rotation in hospice and palliative care for third-year medical students was developed and is presented. The program is run through a home-based hospice in conjunction with the state's medical school. RESULTS: The pilot program has been well accepted by the participating students as a valuable learning experience. Although brief, it has also been successful in changing some of their attitudes about death and the care of the dying. CONCLUSIONS: This one-week program is an effective means to provide an intense course in hospice education. It should be easily transportable to other health care curricula.

Attitude to Death↗

Down syndrome with partial duplication and del (21) syndrome: study protocol and call for collaboration. Study I: Clinical assessment.

We report on the clinical and cytogenetic assessment of five cases of Down syndrome phenotype with either a partial duplication of chromosome 21 or a normal karyotype, and we quote a case of del (21q) syndrome. Down syndromes with a partial duplication of chromosome 21 (as well as cases of del (21q), which are partly the phenotypic countertype of trisomy 21) are of paramount importance in the understanding of genes involved in the phenotype of Down syndrome. The goal is to find the relevant genes implicated in the main traits of Down syndrome (i.e. mental retardation, Alzheimer disease, and serious visceral malformations). Such a goal, in our opinion, cannot be reached just by publishing the genotype and the phenotype of a small cohort of patients: 1. a sufficient number of accurate cases is needed, and 2. data have to be computerized for definite conclusions to be reached. The main aims of this report are to present our study protocol and to invite colleagues to participate in a collaborative study in order to collect a maximum of these (rare) cases.

Adolescent↗

Uniform labeling of a recombinant antibody Fv-fragment with 15N and 13C for heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy.

The expression of functional antibody fragments in Escherichia coli enables a detailed analysis by NMR spectroscopy. This is demonstrated with the uniform labeling of an Fv-fragment (25 kDa) comprising the antigen binding site of an antibody against 2-phenyloxazolone with 15N and 13C. The antigen-complexed Fv-fragment was analysed for a potential assignment by heteronuclear multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. For almost all backbone amides 15N/1H crosspeaks and for 80% of them TOCSY crosspeaks were observed. In a 13C-edited-HCCH-2D experiment 17 out of 18 threonine spin-systems were identified. Thus detailed assignments are possible, but some amino acid specific labeling in addition to uniform labeling will be required for complete assignments of Fv-fragments.

Base Sequence↗

Use of 2D NMR, protein engineering, and molecular modeling to study the hapten-binding site of an antibody Fv fragment against 2-phenyloxazolone.

Two-dimensional (2D) 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to study the hapten-binding site of a recombinant antibody Fv fragment expressed in Escherichia coli. Point mutations of residues in the CDR loops of the Fv fragment were designed in order to investigate their influence on hapten binding and to make site-specific assignments of aromatic NMR proton signals. Two tyrosines giving NOEs to the ligand 2-phenyloxazolone were identified, residue 33 in CDR1 of the heavy chain and residue 32 in CDR1 of the light chain. The benzyl portion of 2-phenyloxazolone is located between these two residues. The binding site is close to the surface of the Fv fragment. Comparison with a different anti-2-phenyloxazolone antibody, the crystal structure of which has recently been solved, shows that the general location of the hapten-binding site in both antibodies is similar. However, in the crystallographically solved antibody, the hapten is bound farther from the surface in a pocket created by a short CDR3 loop of the heavy chain. In the binding site identified in the Fv fragment studied in this report, this space is probably filled by the extra seven residues of the CDR3.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A computer model for the study of segregation in reciprocal translocation carriers: application to 20 new cases.

We report on a computer program that, given the breakpoints and the chromosomes involved in a translocation, generates all the possible imbalanced gametes, calculates their corresponding imbalances, and arranges them in order of increasing imbalance. When compared to current, more cumbersome criteria from the literature, both methods agreed on 196 cases of 199 (greater than 98%). When compared to observed data from families with aneuploid offspring, both our program and the other reported methods yield a rate of accurate prediction of 87%. The use of the program is illustrated in 20 new translocations from our laboratory. The possible influence of crossing over in meiosis I in altering the gamete that is most likely to be passed to aneuploid live births is discussed.

Abortion, Habitual↗

Familial congenital muscular torticollis: case report and review of the literature.

A family history of congenital muscular torticollis is uncommon. Only a small number of cases have been reported in the English literature. This is a report of five female children who are interrelated and have congenital muscular torticollis. Three of the children are sisters, and four are the offspring of consanguineous matings. No environmental factor could be identified that would predispose the children to congenital muscular torticollis. In this family, it is apparent that genetic factors are influencing the development of this condition. The cause of congenital muscular torticollis is unknown, but heredity may play a more important role than has previously been suspected.

Child↗

Impaired cell-mediated immunity in patients with cancer.

The ability of peripheral blood lymphocytes to respond in vitro to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and to allogeneic cells in mixed leukocyte reaction (MLC) was studied in 85 patients with cancer and in 50 healthy controls. The effect produced by sera from cancer patients on in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis was tested on autologous cells and on homologous cells from a constant panel of 10 normal volunteers. Patients with cancer showed a distinct deficiency of cellular immune responsiveness reflected in a stage-related impairment of PHA and MLC reactivity. This deficiency seems at least partially attributable to the presence of lymphocyte depressive factors in cancer sera, since such sera reduced the reactivity of both autologous and normal homologous lymphocytes to a level that was significantly lower than that found in the presence of pooled normal serum. The inhibitory activity of cancer sera was directly related to the extent of the neoplasia.

Humans↗