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Abstract
Using case reports and a review of the literature, the clinical features of envenomation by the genus of Australian funnel web spiders known as Hadronyche, are characterised. Five cases are reported here, including the first life-threatening envenomation by Hadronyche species 14 (the Port Macquarie funnel web). Two severe envenomations by Hadronyche cerberea (the Southern Tree funnel web) and one each by Hadronyche formidabilis (the Northern Tree funnel web) and Hadronyche infensa (the Darling Downs funnel web) are also described. The clinical experience of the authors' provided the five cases described in detail one of which has previously been reported in brief. Eight cases of Hadronyche envenomation from the literature (Medline 1966-1998 and Embase 1980-1998) were analysed in order to draw comparisons between this syndrome and the well described envenomation syndrome of Atrax robustus (the Sydney funnel web). Reports of funnel web spider antivenom use to Commonwealth Serum Laboratories (CSL) between 1995 and June 1998 were also examined. The biology of these dangerous spiders, their geographic distribution, venom characteristics and management issues are addressed. It is concluded that bites from at least six Hadronyche species have produced a life-threatening envenomation syndrome clinically indistinguishable from that of Atrax robustus. Atrax robustus derived antivenom is effective although antivenom requirements may be greater than for Atrax envenomation. Antivenom supplies are limited and sufficient stocks to treat a severe envenomation are unlikely to be found in any one institution. Pressure-immobilisation first aid is effective in delaying onset of envenomation, may enhance local inactivation of venom and early removal can result in rapid clinical deterioration.
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554
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Clark GR, Squire CJ, Baker LJ, Martin RF, White J. Intermolecular interactions and water structure in a condensed phase B-DNA crystal. Nucleic Acids Res 2000; 28:1259-65. [PMID: 10666471 PMCID: PMC102594 DOI: 10.1093/nar/28.5.1259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
By controlled dehydration, the unit cells of dodecamer DNA-drug crystals have been shrunk from 68,000 (normal state) to 60,000 (partially dehydrated intermediate state) to 51,000 A(3) (fully dehydrated state), beyond which no further solvent loss occurs. The total solvent content in the normal crystals is approximately 40% by volume, reducing to approximately 20% in the fully dehydrated phase. The 25% reduction in cell volume induced a dramatic enhancement in the resolution of the X-ray diffraction data (from 2. 6 to beyond 1.5 A). We have determined the structures of the normal, partially dehydrated and fully dehydrated crystals. Details of the ligand binding have been presented in the preceding article. The present paper describes the unique features of the structure of the fully dehydrated phase. This structure was refined with 9,015 unique observed reflections to R = 14.9%, making it one of the most reliable models of B -form DNA available. The crystals exist as infinite polymeric networks, in which neighbouring dodecamer duplexes are crosslinked through phosphate oxygens via direct bonding to magnesium cations. The DNA is packed so tightly that there is essentially only a single layer of solvent between adjacent molecules. The details of the crystal packing, magnesium bridging, DNA hydration and DNA conformation are described and compared with other experimental evidence related to DNA condensation.
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555
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Squire CJ, Baker LJ, Clark GR, Martin RF, White J. Structures of m-iodo Hoechst-DNA complexes in crystals with reduced solvent content: implications for minor groove binder drug design. Nucleic Acids Res 2000; 28:1252-8. [PMID: 10666470 PMCID: PMC102593 DOI: 10.1093/nar/28.5.1252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA photosensitisers m-iodo Hoechst and m-iodo, p-methoxy Hoechst have been co-crystallised with the oligonucleotide d(CGCGAATTCGCG)(2)and their crystal structures determined. The crystals were then subjected to slow dehydration, which reduced their solvent contents from 40 (normal) to 30 (partially dehydrated) and then 20% (fully dehydrated) and caused a reduction in cell volume from 68,000 to 60,000 then 51,000 A(3). The dehydration resulted in a dramatic enhancement of diffraction resolution from approximately 2.6 to beyond 1.5 A. Crystal structures have also been determined for the partially and fully dehydrated states. The fully dehydrated crystals consist of an infinite polymeric network, in which neighbouring dodecamer duplexes are crosslinked through phosphate oxygens via direct bonding to bridging magnesium cations. This unique three-dimensional structure for DNA is described in detail in the following companion paper. The present paper details evidence from the sequence of crystal structures that the DNA is able to breathe locally, allowing the ligand to leave the minor groove, re-orient in the surrounding solvent medium and then re-enter the groove in a different orientation and location. The rearrangement of the minor groove binding ligands during the dehydration process mimics the binding behaviour of these ligands in solution and in vivo. We also present details of the DNA-ligand interactions that are consistent with a hydrogen atom ion mechanism for photocleavage of DNA.
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556
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Bishay ES, McCarthy PM, Cosgrove DM, Hoercher KJ, Smedira NG, Mukherjee D, White J, Blackstone EH. Mitral valve surgery in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2000; 17:213-21. [PMID: 10758378 DOI: 10.1016/s1010-7940(00)00345-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to determine (1) survival, (2) functional status and freedom from readmission for heart failure and (3) change in postoperative left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function following mitral valve repair or replacement in patients with severe LV dysfunction and mitral regurgitation. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1990 and 1998, 44 patients with mitral regurgitation and a LV ejection fraction <35% (mean+/-SD, 28+/-6%) underwent isolated mitral repair (n=35) or replacement (n=9). The etiology of regurgitation was valvular in 18 (40%) patients, ischemic in 13 (30%) patients and dilated idiopathic cardiomyopathy in 13 (30%) patients. Every patient had been hospitalized one to six times for symptoms of heart failure (mean+/-SD, 2.3+/-1.5). All patients were receiving maximal drug therapy with 15 (34%) in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and 12 (27%) in class IV. Seven (16%) patients were initially referred for consideration of transplantation. The mean+/-SD duration of follow-up was 40+/-21 months. RESULTS One (2.3%) patient died 9 days postoperatively of acute bronchopneumonia. The mean+/-SD duration of ICU and hospital stay was 41+/-34 h and 9+/-3 days, respectively. The 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates were 89, 86 and 67%, respectively. Heart failure and sudden death accounted for 62% of the late deaths. The NYHA class improved for survivors from 2.8+/-0.8 preoperatively to 1. 2+/-0.5 at follow-up (P<0.0001). Freedom from readmission for heart failure was 88, 82 and 72% at 1, 2 and 5 years, respectively. No patient has been listed for transplantation. CONCLUSIONS Mitral valve surgery offers symptomatic improvement and survival benefit in patients with severe LV dysfunction and mitral regurgitation. More liberal use of this surgery for cardiomyopathy patients is warranted.
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557
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D'Souza DC, Gil R, Cassello K, Morrissey K, Abi-Saab D, White J, Sturwold R, Bennett A, Karper LP, Zuzarte E, Charney DS, Krystal JH. IV glycine and oral D-cycloserine effects on plasma and CSF amino acids in healthy humans. Biol Psychiatry 2000; 47:450-62. [PMID: 10704956 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(99)00133-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amino acid glycine, modulates neurotransmission via actions at GLY-A receptor and GLY-B receptor. The latter are coagonist sites associated with N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors. The central bioavailability of peripherally administered glycine has not been adequately characterized in humans. METHODS Healthy human subjects were administered either oral D-cycloserine (50 mg or placebo) and intravenous glycine (saline, 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) in random order over 4 test days under double-blind conditions. Cerebrospinal fluid was collected by lumbar puncture performed on the first test day was analyzed to determine amino acid levels. The acoustic startle response was measured on the second test day. RESULTS Intravenous glycine dose-dependently increased both serum and CSF glycine and serine levels. Neither glycine nor DCS produced any significant effects on behavior, cognition or the acoustic startle response. Neither IV glycine nor DCS were associated with any toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Thus, peripheral glycine administration raised CSF glycine levels without producing any clear central nervous system effects. Glycine and D-cycloserine did not worsen cognitive test performance and did not induce behavioral symptoms on their own. The possibility that glycine and D-cycloserine enhanced cognitive test performance cannot be excluded given the psychometric limitations of the test battery.
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558
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Abstract
Venomous and poisonous animals are a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality. This Seminar will cover selected aspects of these animals, their venoms/poisons, and their clinical impact on humankind, from a global perspective, but with a distinctive Australian flavor and a clinical emphasis. Venomous snakes are found throughout most of the world, including many oceans, and have evolved a variety of highly effective toxins and methods of delivery. Their impact on humans is considerable, most current data suggesting they cause in excess of 3 million bites per year with more than 150,000 deaths. Particularly in the rural tropics, snakebite morbidity and mortality has a significant human medical and economic toll. The major groups of snakes causing bites are the vipers, the elapids (cobra type), the sea snakes, the side-fanged vipers, and the back-fanged colubrids. Australian venomous snakes are nearly all elapids and have evolved some of the most toxic of all snake venoms. Their effects include potent procoagulants and anticoagulants, neurotoxins, myotoxins, and nephrotoxins, but a distinct absence of the major local necrotoxins found in some non-Australian elapids and many vipers. The effect of these toxins on humans is not limited to envenoming, for the toxins are proving invaluable as research tools and diagnostic agents, and may even have a future as precursors of therapeutic agents. Because of the high toxicity and diversity of Australian elapids, a variety of monovalent antivenoms have been developed. There is also a venom detection kit to determine the type of snake and allow targeted antivenom therapy. The kit has also increased information available on diagnostic patterns of envenoming for each species. Australia is also home to the world's most lethal spiders, the funnel webs of eastern Australia, as well as the red back spider, the single most common reason for antivenom treatment in Australia. The latter spiders have been accidently exported to Japan. Within the marine environment exist a vast array of toxic animals, both poisonous and venomous, which not only cause morbidity and mortality in humans, but offer an incredibly rich array of valuable toxins. Australian waters contain some of the most lethal and medically problematic species, presenting a diverse range of clinical problems.
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559
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White J. The Boyd Orr survey of the nutrition of children in Great Britain 1937-9 by John Pemberton with excerpts from Gwen Pemberton's diaries. HISTORY WORKSHOP JOURNAL : HWJ 2000:205-229. [PMID: 11624674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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560
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White J, Kowalski RM, Lyndon A, Valentine S. An integrative contextual developmental model of male stalking. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2000; 15:373-388. [PMID: 11288936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This article evaluates current research and theory on stalking as a form of male violence against women. The integrative contextual developmental model (White & Kowalski, 1998) suggests that stalking, as legally defined, is best understood as a multiply determined form of violence, with variables identifiable at several levels, the sociocultural, interpersonal, dyadic, situational and intrapersonal. The model also serves as a framework for identifying gaps in current research and suggests directions for further work.
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561
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White J. Correcting Medicare estimates, and continuing the dialogue. Health Aff (Millwood) 2000; 19:262-3. [PMID: 10645096 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.19.1.262-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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562
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White J. Midwifery, politics and survival. AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF MIDWIVES INCORPORATED JOURNAL 1999; 12:12-6. [PMID: 10855095 DOI: 10.1016/s1031-170x(99)80025-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
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563
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White J, Wain H, Bruford E, Povey S. Promoting a standard nomenclature for genes and proteins. Nature 1999; 402:347. [PMID: 10586862 DOI: 10.1038/46405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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564
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White J, Johannes L, Mallard F, Girod A, Grill S, Reinsch S, Keller P, Tzschaschel B, Echard A, Goud B, Stelzer EH. Rab6 coordinates a novel Golgi to ER retrograde transport pathway in live cells. J Cell Biol 1999; 147:743-60. [PMID: 10562278 PMCID: PMC2156170 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.147.4.743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We visualized a fluorescent-protein (FP) fusion to Rab6, a Golgi-associated GTPase, in conjunction with fluorescent secretory pathway markers. FP-Rab6 defined highly dynamic transport carriers (TCs) translocating from the Golgi to the cell periphery. FP-Rab6 TCs specifically accumulated a retrograde cargo, the wild-type Shiga toxin B-fragment (STB), during STB transport from the Golgi to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). FP-Rab6 TCs associated intimately with the ER, and STB entered the ER via specialized peripheral regions that accumulated FP-Rab6. Microinjection of antibodies that block coatomer protein I (COPI) function inhibited trafficking of a KDEL-receptor FP-fusion, but not FP-Rab6. Additionally, markers of COPI-dependent recycling were excluded from FP-Rab6/STB TCs. Overexpression of Rab6:GDP (T27N mutant) using T7 vaccinia inhibited toxicity of Shiga holotoxin, but did not alter STB transport to the Golgi or Golgi morphology. Taken together, our results indicate Rab6 regulates a novel Golgi to ER transport pathway.
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565
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Stellato C, Matsukura S, Fal A, White J, Beck LA, Proud D, Schleimer RP. Differential regulation of epithelial-derived C-C chemokine expression by IL-4 and the glucocorticoid budesonide. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 1999; 163:5624-32. [PMID: 10553092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Airway epithelial cells are a rich source of eosinophil-selective C-C chemokines. We investigated whether cytokines and the topical glucocorticoid budesonide differentially regulate RANTES, monocyte chemoattractant protein-4 (MCP-4), and eotaxin mRNA and protein expression in the human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B and in primary human bronchial epithelial cells by Northern blot analysis and ELISAs. Eotaxin and MCP-4 mRNA expression induced by TNF-alpha alone or in combination with IFN-gamma was near-maximal after 1 h, peaked at 4 and 8 h, respectively, remained unchanged up to 24 h, and was protein synthesis independent. In contrast, RANTES mRNA was detectable only after 2 h and slowly increased to a peak at 24 h, and was protein synthesis dependent. Induction of eotaxin and MCP-4 mRNA showed a 10- to 100-fold greater sensitivity to TNF-alpha compared with RANTES mRNA. IL-4 and IFN-gamma had selective effects on chemokine expression; IL-4 selectively up-regulated the expression of eotaxin and MCP-4 and potentiated TNF-alpha-induced eotaxin, while IFN-gamma markedly potentiated only the TNF-alpha-induced expression of RANTES. Although budesonide inhibited the expression of chemokine mRNA to a variable extent, it effectively inhibited production of eotaxin and RANTES protein. Budesonide inhibited both RANTES- and eotaxin promoter-driven reporter gene activity. Budesonide also selectively accelerated the decay of eotaxin and MCP-4 mRNA. These results point to IL-4 as a possible mediator by which Th2 cells may induce selective production of C-C chemokines from epithelium and indicate that glucocorticoid inhibit chemokine expression through multiple mechanisms of action.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Topical
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
- Budesonide/pharmacology
- Cell Line
- Cells, Cultured
- Chemokine CCL11
- Chemokine CCL5/biosynthesis
- Chemokine CCL5/genetics
- Chemokine CCL5/metabolism
- Chemokines, CC/biosynthesis
- Chemokines, CC/genetics
- Chemotactic Factors, Eosinophil/biosynthesis
- Chemotactic Factors, Eosinophil/genetics
- Chemotactic Factors, Eosinophil/metabolism
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Cytokines/genetics
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
- Epithelial Cells/drug effects
- Epithelial Cells/immunology
- Epithelial Cells/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation/immunology
- Glucocorticoids
- Humans
- Interferon-gamma/pharmacology
- Interleukin-4/pharmacology
- Kinetics
- Monocyte Chemoattractant Proteins/biosynthesis
- Monocyte Chemoattractant Proteins/genetics
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/drug effects
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/immunology
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/drug effects
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology
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White J, Coleman M. Preoperative visiting in Wales. THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF THEATRE NURSING : NATNEWS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THEATRE NURSES 1999; 9:472-9. [PMID: 10646385 DOI: 10.1177/175045899900901009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There is clear evidence in the nursing literature that preoperative visits conducted by theatre nurses have a therapeutic benefit for surgical patients. However, it would appear that the actual uptake of this practice is limited (Wicker 1995). The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of preoperative visiting in Wales and to identify factors associated with its occurrence or non-occurrence.
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567
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Nicholson T, White J, Duncan DF. A survey of adult recreational drug use via the World Wide Web: the DRUGNET study. J Psychoactive Drugs 1999; 31:415-22. [PMID: 10681108 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.1999.10471771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
DRUGNET was a cross-sectional survey of adult recreational drug users (i.e., not abusers) via the World Wide Web of the Internet. The purpose of this survey was to provide a unique, broad description of nondeviant adult recreational drug users. The survey instrument had four divisions: demographic and lifestyle indices, drug use history, legal history and attitudes about drug issues, and the General Well-being Schedule (GWBS). Responses were received from 1,473 self-identified drug users. Of these, 567 completed only the first section, leaving 906 respondents who completed the entire survey. The typical respondent was a White male who was well educated, employed full-time, a participant in recreational and community activities, and who described his physical health status as good. Their mental health, as measured by the GWBS, was similar to the general adult U.S. population. Their drug-taking behavior appeared to be well-controlled, at mild to moderate levels in both frequency of use and degree of intoxication. These findings have major implications for drug policy and indicate the need for further research on the majority of drug users, who may be expected to resemble this sample more than they do clinical populations of drug abusers.
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568
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White J. Choice, trust, and two models of quality. JOURNAL OF HEALTH POLITICS, POLICY AND LAW 1999; 24:993-999. [PMID: 10615609 DOI: 10.1215/03616878-24-5-993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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569
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Worthington T, White J, Lambert P, Adlakha S, Elliott T. Beta-lactam-dependent coagulase-negative staphylococcus associated with urinary-tract infection. Lancet 1999; 354:1097. [PMID: 10509508 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(99)02474-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Beta-lactam-dependent Staphylococcus saprophyticus was isolated from midstream urine from a patient treated with repeated courses of amoxycillin for recurrent urinary-tract infection.
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570
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Bradley BP, Mogg K, White J, Groom C, de Bono J. Attentional bias for emotional faces in generalized anxiety disorder. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 1999; 38:267-78. [PMID: 10532148 DOI: 10.1348/014466599162845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent cognitive theories propose that attentional biases cause or maintain anxiety disorders. This study had several aims: (i) to investigate such biases in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) using naturalistic, ecologically valid stimuli, namely, emotional facial expressions; (ii) to test the emotionality hypothesis by examining biases for happy as well as threat faces; and (iii) to assess the time course of the attentional bias. DESIGN The dependent variable was an index of attentional bias derived from manual RTs to probe stimuli. There were four independent variables: one between-subjects variable of group (2: GAD, control), and three within-subjects variables: Type of emotional face (2: threat, happy), Stimulus duration (2: 500 ms, 1250 ms) and Half of task (2: first, second). METHOD Attentional bias was assessed with a dot probe task. The stimuli comprised photographs of threatening, happy and neutral faces, presented using two exposure durations: 500 ms and 1250 ms. RESULTS Anxious patients showed greater vigilance for threatening faces relative to neutral faces, compared with normal controls. This effect did not significantly vary as a function of stimulus duration. Anxious patients also showed enhanced vigilance for happy faces, but this was only significant in the second half of the task. CONCLUSIONS The study confirmed not only that GAD patients show a bias in selective attention to threat, relative to controls, but also that this bias operates for naturalistic, non-verbal stimuli. As the attentional biases for threat and happy faces appeared to develop over a different time frame, different underlying mechanisms may be responsible.
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571
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Frankum CE, Ramshaw BJ, White J, Duncan TD, Wilson RA, Mason EM, Lucas G, Promes J. Laparoscopic repair of bilateral and recurrent hernias. Am Surg 1999; 65:839-42; discussion 842-3. [PMID: 10484086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
The optimal inguinal hernia repair has been controversial for decades. Since the advent of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic techniques have added to the controversy. Laparoscopic hernia repair has been advocated by many experts for the repair of bilateral and recurrent inguinal hernias. This study reviews the experience of a single community-based teaching hospital using the total extraperitoneal (TEP)-approach laparoscopic hernia repair for treating patients with bilateral and/or recurrent inguinal hernias. Since the TEP approach was adopted in June 1993, a total of 457 patients were treated for bilateral (322 patients) and/or recurrent (175) inguinal hernias (40 patients had recurrent and bilateral hernias). A total of 779 hernias were repaired with this technique. The average age of this patient group was 47 years, and there were 413 males and 44 females. Operative time averaged 68.3 minutes per patient, and there were 26 (5.7%) minor complications. There were 2 (0.4%) major complications, an enterotomy and a cystotomy, both early in the series and both in patients with previous lower abdominal surgery. There have been no deaths. With an average follow-up of 30 months (range, 1-60 months), there have been three (0.2%) recurrences. These recurrences were due to technical problems (inadequate mesh coverage), and each was repaired with a laparoscopic transabdominal approach or an anterior open approach. The use of the TEP-approach laparoscopic hernia repair is safe and effective in patients with recurrent and/or bilateral inguinal hernias.
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572
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White J. Targets and systems of health care cost control. JOURNAL OF HEALTH POLITICS, POLICY AND LAW 1999; 24:653-696. [PMID: 10503152 DOI: 10.1215/03616878-24-4-653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Discussion of health care cost control policy and politics tends to focus on terms such as "market," "government," and "managed care" that are either too general or too value laden to encourage sound analysis. This article proposes an alternative framework for classifying cost control policies. It first distinguishes targets from systems of control. Targets can then be divided into categories of service (e.g., hospital care, pharmaceutical treatment) and components of cost (e.g., price and volume). Systems can be classified in terms of the degree of pooling of finance, ranging from no insurance to a single pool of funds, and how payment of providers is organized, ranging from all payers paying all providers on the same terms to extensive selective contracting among payers and providers. The article analyzes examples of target policy and politics, system policy and politics, and how system choices can influence which targets are targeted how well, so as to show that both policy consequences and political alignments become clearer by using these terms. As one instance, discussions of "managed care" are often confused because the term has two meanings, one referring to target policy and one to system policy.
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573
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Marshall FH, White J, Main M, Green A, Wise A. GABA(B) receptors function as heterodimers. Biochem Soc Trans 1999; 27:530-5. [PMID: 10917635 DOI: 10.1042/bst0270530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Our current understanding is that functional GABA(B) receptors exist as heterodimers of two related seven-transmembrane proteins, GABA(B)-R1 and GABA(B)-R2. GABA(B)-R1 requires GABA(B)-R2 to be expressed at the cell surface as a mature glycoprotein. Cloning of the GABA(B) receptor has failed to provide molecular evidence to support the existence of true receptor subtypes. The discovery of the heterodimeric nature of the GABA(B) receptor has already changed the way we think about GPCR function and it is likely that future studies will change our understanding about how receptor subtypes can be formed.
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574
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575
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Jones G, Ramshaw H, Zhang A, Cook R, Byford V, White J, Petkovich M. Expression and activity of vitamin D-metabolizing cytochrome P450s (CYP1alpha and CYP24) in human nonsmall cell lung carcinomas. Endocrinology 1999; 140:3303-10. [PMID: 10385427 DOI: 10.1210/endo.140.7.6799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Extrarenal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1alpha-hydroxylase is believed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of hypercalcemia associated with various types of granulomatous and lymphoproliferative diseases and certain solid tumors. In this paper, we describe the cloning of the cytochrome P450 component of the extrarenal enzyme from a human nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, SW 900. The cytochrome P450 for the extrarenal 1alpha-hydroxylase has an amino acid sequence identical to that of the cytochrome P450 component of the CYP1alpha, the renal form of the enzyme, and appears to be a product of the same gene. CYP1alpha messenger RNA (mRNA) and 1alpha-hydroxylase enzyme activity were detected in two (SW 900, SK-Luci-6) of a series of five nonsmall cell lung carcinoma cell lines. All five lung cell lines were cultured with the same medium under the same conditions, but only two of the five expressed 1alpha-hydroxylase enzyme; two others (WT-E, Calu-1) expressed high levels of the reciprocally regulated enzyme, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase, with its specific cytochrome P450 component, CYP24. Although under basal conditions the lung cell line SW 900 expressed only CYP1alpha and showed 1alpha-hydroxylase enzyme activity, when treated with small concentrations of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or high concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, it began to express CYP24 and exhibit 24-hydroxylase enzyme activity. Somewhat surprisingly, SW 900 cells still had detectable CYP1alpha mRNA some 24 h after vitamin D treatment despite the fact that 1alpha-hydroxylase enzyme activity was unmeasurable. These data are consistent with the emerging hypothesis that vitamin D through its active form does not directly turn off CYP1alpha mRNA production but, rather, strongly stimulates CYP24, thereby masking CYP1alpha activity. The factor(s) responsible for the basal expression of CYP1alpha in SW 900 and SK-Luci-6 is currently unknown.
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