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Jones C, Müllenbach R, Grossfeld P, Auer R, Favier R, Chien K, James M, Tunnacliffe A, Cotter F. Co-localisation of CCG repeats and chromosome deletion breakpoints in Jacobsen syndrome: evidence for a common mechanism of chromosome breakage. Hum Mol Genet 2000; 9:1201-8. [PMID: 10767345 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/9.8.1201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Folate-sensitive fragile sites are associated with the expansion and hypermethylation of CCG-repeats. The fragile site in 11q23.3, FRA11B, has been shown to cause chromosome deletions in vivo, its expression being associated with Jacobsen (11q-) syndrome. However, the majority of Jacobsen deletions are distal to FRA11B and are not related to its expression. To test the hypothesis that other unidentified fragile sites might be located in 11q23.3-24 and may cause these deletions, we have identified and characterised CCG-trinucleotide repeats within a 40 Mb YAC contig spanning distal chromosome 11q. Only eight CCG-repeats were identified within the entire YAC contig (not including FRA11B ), six of which map to the region of 11q23.3-24 that includes Jacobsen deletions. We have previously collated the deletion mapping data of 24 Jacobsen patients with the physical map of chromosome 11q, and accurately localised six breakpoints to short intervals corresponding to individual YAC clones. We now show that in each of these cases, YAC clones found to contain a deletion breakpoint also contain a CCG-repeat. The improved analysis of one of these deletions, together with those of several new Jacobsen cases, further strengthens this association by localising five breakpoints to individual PAC clones containing CCG-repeats. These data provide strong evidence for the non-random clustering of chromosome deletion breakpoints with CCG-repeats, and suggests that they may play an important role in a common mechanism of chromosome breakage.
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Sheehan D, Bridle B, Hillier T, Feightner K, Hayward S, Lee KS, Krueger P, Sword W, James M. Breastfeeding outcomes of women following uncomplicated birth in Hamilton-Wentworth. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2000. [PMID: 10680268 DOI: 10.1007/bf03404147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine infant feeding practices up to 8 weeks postpartum in Hamilton-Wentworth. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 227 women using a pre-discharge, self-administered questionnaire, medical record review and follow-up telephone interview. RESULTS Breastfeeding initiation rate was 85%. By 6-8 weeks postpartum, 30% of women had stopped breastfeeding; 55% had switched to formula within the first 14 days. Infants who did not receive supplementation in hospital were 2.49 times more likely than infants who received supplementation to breastfeed for at least 6 weeks. Although 54% of mothers who initiated breastfeeding reported receiving formula gift packs, no association was found. CONCLUSIONS The breastfeeding initiation rate appears to have increased in Hamilton-Wentworth since 1995. However, this study reinforces the need to address early cessation and infant supplementation, and raises concern about violation of the WHO/UNICEF International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes through mailing of formula coupons.
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Friedman CA, McVey J, Borne MJ, James M, May WL, Temple DM, Robbins KK, Miller CJ, Rawson JE. Relationship between serum inositol concentration and development of retinopathy of prematurity: a prospective study. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2000; 37:79-86. [PMID: 10779265 DOI: 10.3928/0191-3913-20000301-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the relationship between the intake of sugar inositol, serum inositol levels, and ROP in three groups of low birthweight infants receiving feedings containing various concentrations of inositol. METHODS Infants with a birthweight <1500 g, with severe lung disease, were eligible for the study when they began enteral feedings. Infant formulas contained three different inositol concentrations: 2500, 710, and 242 micromol/L. Serum inositol concentrations were averaged over specific time intervals. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the confounding effect of duration of mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy, birthweight, Apgar score, and serum inositol concentration on development of ROP. RESULTS Infants receiving high inositol formula and with higher serum inositol concentrations at birth and after 30 days had a statistically significant lower incidence of severe ROP than those receiving the lower inositol formula and with lower serum concentrations (P<.05). The effective serum inositol concentration (EC90) associated with lesser disease was >215 micromol/L. By logistic regression, the odds of developing severe ROP were greater among infants with low serum inositol concentration (odds ratio=4.7, 95% confidence interval 0.90-24.8, P=.017). CONCLUSION Inositol supplementation may help prevent the most severe form of ROP.
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James M, Jackson S, Shepherd A, Abrams P. Pure stress leakage symptomatology: is it safe to discount detrusor instability? BRITISH JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY 1999; 106:1255-8. [PMID: 10609718 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1999.tb08178.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the combination of a urological history and urinary diary, with rigorous selection criteria, can be used to define a group of women on whom urodynamic assessment is unnecessary prior to offering surgery for urinary stress incontinence. DESIGN Retrospective review of the urodynamic records of women attending for assessment between January 1992 and December 1996. SETTING Urodynamic Department, Southmead Hospital, Bristol. POPULATION 5193 women who attended the urodynamic clinic during the five year study period. METHODS Self-completion of a urinary diary in the preceding week before urodynamic assessment and a detailed urological history before undergoing cystometry by all women in the study period. Data were entered onto a computer database. Women reporting stress incontinence in the absence of bladder filling symptoms, with a normal urinary diary showing daytime frequency of seven times or less and nocturia of no more than once, had the results of their filling cystometry analysed. RESULTS Of 5193 women, 555 had symptoms of pure stress incontinence and a normal urinary diary. Incontinence was confirmed objectively in 81%, with 9% having incontinence secondary to detrusor instability; 5% had detrusor instability as the sole cause of their incontinence with 4% having a mixed picture of detrusor instability incontinence and urethral sphincter weakness. CONCLUSION Genuine stress incontinence cannot be diagnosed reliably from a urological history, even when rigorous selection criteria are used in combination with a normal urinary diary. Without cystometry, incontinence secondary to detrusor instability will be missed.
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Gadd GE, Evans PJ, Kennedy S, James M, Elcombe M, Cassidy D, Moricca S, Holmes J, Webb N, Dixon A, Prasad P. Gas Storage in Fullerenes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1080/10641229909350304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Sheehan D, Bridle B, Hillier T, Feightner K, Hayward S, Lee KS, Krueger P, Sword W, James M. Breastfeeding outcomes of women following uncomplicated birth in Hamilton-Wentworth. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 1999; 90:408-11. [PMID: 10680268 PMCID: PMC6980122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine infant feeding practices up to 8 weeks postpartum in Hamilton-Wentworth. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 227 women using a pre-discharge, self-administered questionnaire, medical record review and follow-up telephone interview. RESULTS Breastfeeding initiation rate was 85%. By 6-8 weeks postpartum, 30% of women had stopped breastfeeding; 55% had switched to formula within the first 14 days. Infants who did not receive supplementation in hospital were 2.49 times more likely than infants who received supplementation to breastfeed for at least 6 weeks. Although 54% of mothers who initiated breastfeeding reported receiving formula gift packs, no association was found. CONCLUSIONS The breastfeeding initiation rate appears to have increased in Hamilton-Wentworth since 1995. However, this study reinforces the need to address early cessation and infant supplementation, and raises concern about violation of the WHO/UNICEF International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes through mailing of formula coupons.
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Saadeh A, Evans S, James M, Jones J. QTc dispersion and complex ventricular arrhythmias in untreated newly presenting hypertensive patients. J Hum Hypertens 1999; 13:665-9. [PMID: 10516735 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1000908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Increased dispersion of ventricular repolarisation (increased QT dispersion) is believed to predispose to arrhythmias associated with sudden death in certain cardiac diseases. Hypertension is also associated with increased risk of sudden death, particularly in those with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Therefore, the first aim of this study is to look into the possible pathogenic role of QT dispersion on the ventricular arrhythmias occurring in a group of never-treated hypertensive patients. The second aim is to look at other possible determinants of QT dispersion (ie, level of blood pressure, hypokalaemia, electrocardiographic LVH and presence or absence of strain pattern) in hypertensive patients, and their relevance to complex ventricular arrhythmias. QTc (corrected QT) was measured in 70 newly presenting (never-treated) hypertensive patients (47 male, 23 female, mean age 51.9 +/- 12.5 years) from a standard 12-lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG). Blood pressure measurements and 24-h ECG holter recordings were performed in all patients. Serum potassium level was measured in 51 of the patients. Ventricular arrhythmias were classified using a modified Lown's scoring system. Maximum QTc, minimum QTc and QTc dispersion for all patients were 442 +/- 30.3 ms, 380 +/- 26.7 ms and 61.5 +/- 21.6 ms respectively. High grade ventricular arrhythmias (Lown's score >/=3) were found in 43% of the patients. The QTc dispersion was strongly correlated with the Lown's classification of arrhythmia and the age of the patients. Patients with more severe ectopy (Lown's score >/=3) were significantly older (57.4 +/- 10.3 years) compared to those with score </=2 (48.3 +/- 12.6 years) (P = 0.0067) and had a significantly greater QTc dispersion (69.9 +/- 22.5 ms vs55.2 +/- 18. 8 ms; P = 0.002). Presence of electrocardiographic strain did not affect the severity of arrhythmia, as 29% of the patients with LVH and strain had grade >/=3 Lown's score compared to 39% in the group with LVH but without strain. In the presence of relative hypokalaemia, hypertensive patients with LVH showed more QTc dispersion (85.7 +/- 15.5 ms) and a greater tendency for complex ventricular arrhythmias (100% grade >/=3 Lown's score) compared to those with LVH and normal serum potassium levels (64.1 +/- 22.6 ms and 35%, QTc dispersion and Lown's score >/=3, respectively P = 0. 05). The level of blood pressure had no effect on either the QTc dispersion or the prevalence of complex ventricular arrhythmias. Prevalence of complex ventricular arrhythmias in hypertensive patients is strongly correlated with QTc dispersion and age. When hypertensive patients with LVH have low potassium levels the risk of developing complex ventricular arrhythmias is significantly increased.
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Seipelt J, Guarné A, Bergmann E, James M, Sommergruber W, Fita I, Skern T. The structures of picornaviral proteinases. Virus Res 1999; 62:159-68. [PMID: 10507325 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1702(99)00043-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Picornaviruses are a family of positive-strand RNA viruses the members of which include poliovirus, hepatitis A virus, rhinovirus, foot-and-mouth disease virus and encephalomyocarditis virus. The genetic information contained in the single-stranded, positive sense RNA genome is expressed as a single protein of around 2000 amino acids. This primary product of protein synthesis, designated the polyprotein, is subsequently cleaved into the mature viral proteins by proteinases present within it. The properties of the three defined proteolytic activities present in the picornaviruses are reviewed and the three-dimensional structures of the hepatitis A 3C proteinase and the leader proteinase of foot-and-mouth disease virus as well as a model of the structure of the HRV2 2A proteinase are compared with those of chymotrypsin, papain and streptomyces griseus A proteinase, respectively.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the mortality rate for preterm infants (born 23-36 completed weeks' gestational age) and to determine the causes of death, focusing on avoidable causes. DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective cohort study of preterm infants born at Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne (a tertiary referral hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit and a special care nursery) from January 1994 to December 1996. SUBJECTS 2475 consecutive liveborn infants with gestational ages from 23 to 36 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mortality rate during the primary hospitalisation, and causes of death. RESULTS The total mortality rate was 4.8% (118/2475). The mortality rate declined with increasing maturity. The decrease in mortality was rapid between 23 and 28 weeks' gestational age, from 64.5% at 23 weeks to 4.0% at 28 weeks, then slower, falling to 0.4% at 36 weeks. Fifty of the 118 infants who died had lethal congenital anomalies. Lethal anomalies accounted for three-quarters of deaths in infants aged 28-36 weeks. The mortality rate in infants free of lethal anomalies was 2.8% (68/2425) and only 0.2% (4/1759) for infants aged 32-36 weeks. In the 68 infants without lethal anomalies who died, few obvious preventable causes were identified. CONCLUSIONS Mortality rates fell rapidly between 23 and 28 weeks' gestational age. Survival rates for preterm infants born after 31 weeks' gestational age approached the survival rates of term infants. Lethal congenital anomalies were the most common cause of death; preventable causes of death were rare.
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Doyle LW, Gultom E, Chuang SL, James M, Davis P, Bowman E. Changing mortality and causes of death in infants 23-27 weeks' gestational age. J Paediatr Child Health 1999; 35:255-9. [PMID: 10404445 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1754.1999.00349.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To contrast the mortality rates and changes in the causes of death of very preterm infants (23-27 weeks), before and after the introduction of exogenous surfactant in 1991, and to identify any preventable causes of death remaining in the 1990s. METHODOLOGY This was a cohort study on consecutive preterm infants of 23-27 weeks' gestational age born in the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, a level III perinatal centre. The infants were livebirths free of lethal anomalies from two distinct eras, 1983-90, and 1992-96, inclusive. The main outcome measures were mortality during the primary hospitalization and the causes of death before and after the introduction of exogenous surfactant in 1991. RESULTS In 1983-90, 261 of 508 livebirths (51.4%) of 23-27 weeks' gestational age died, a significantly higher proportion than the 109 of 384 (28.4%) livebirths who died in the period 1992-96. The mortality rate fell significantly with increasing gestational age and was lower at each week of gestational age in 1992-96. More infants who died in 1992-96 were treated intensively in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Of the group of infants who died or who were treated intensively in NICU, respiratory causes of death predominated. However, the causes of death changed over time. In 1992-96 proportionally fewer infants died from respiratory causes (1983-90, 82.5%; 1992-96, 60.0%; odds ratio (OR) 0.31, 95%; confidence interval (CI) 0.16-0.57), but more from septic causes (1983-90, 14.3%; 1992-96, 43.8%; OR 4.9, 95%; CI 2.6-9.2). CONCLUSIONS As the mortality rate has fallen over time, respiratory causes of death have diminished, but septic causes of death have increased. Further advances in the use of exogenous surfactant and respiratory support may reduce respiratory deaths. Effective strategies to reduce nosocomial infections are urgently required.
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Cropper JA, Frank TL, Frank PI, Kay SA, James M, Hannaford P. The impact of respiratory symptoms on primary care workload and prescribing costs in children. PRIMARY CARE RESPIRATORY JOURNAL : JOURNAL OF THE GENERAL PRACTICE AIRWAYS GROUP 1999. [DOI: 10.1038/pcrj.1999.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Loeb M, Simor AE, Mandell L, Krueger P, McArthur M, James M, Walter S, Richardson E, Lingley M, Stout J, Stronach D, McGeer A. Two nursing home outbreaks of respiratory infection with Legionella sainthelensi. J Am Geriatr Soc 1999; 47:547-52. [PMID: 10323647 PMCID: PMC7166437 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1999.tb02568.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe outbreaks of infection caused by Legionella sainthelensi occurring in older residents of two nursing homes and to determine risk factors for the development of infection. DESIGN Descriptive epidemiology and a case-control study. SETTING Two nursing homes (140 beds and 254 beds in nursing homes A and B, respectively) located in southern Ontario, Canada, experiencing outbreaks of respiratory tract infection in July and August 1994. SUBJECTS Case-residents of the two nursing homes who met clinical and laboratory criteria for Legionella infection. Control-residents were defined as those who were in the homes during the outbreaks and were asymptomatic. MEASUREMENTS Active surveillance was conducted in both nursing homes to identify symptomatic residents. Residents with fever or respiratory tract symptoms had nasopharyngeal swabs taken for viral antigen detection and culture, urine for Legionella antigen detection, and acute and convalescent serology for viruses, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella. Chest X-rays were performed, and an attempt was made to obtain blood and sputum cultures. Water samples from shower heads, faucets, and air conditioning units were collected for Legionella culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. A case-control study was done to assess possible risk factors for legionellosis. RESULTS Twenty-nine cases -- 17 in nursing home A; 12 in nursing home B - were identified. Four (14%) case-residents had documented pneumonia and four case-residents died. Univariate analysis revealed that a history of stroke (odds ratio (OR) 2.3 (95% CI, 1.0-5.3)), eating pureed food (OR 4.6 (95% CI, 1.6-12.7)), and having fluids administered with medication (OR 2.5 (95% CI, 1.0-5.9)) were significant risk factors. Cases were less likely to wear dentures (OR .4 (95% CI, .2-.9)) or to eat solid food (OR .3, (95% CI, .1-.6)). Only eating pureed food remained significant in a multivariable analysis (OR 4.6 (95% CI, 1.6-13.0, P = .01)). CONCLUSION This report describes outbreaks of legionellosis in two nursing homes, representing the first reported outbreaks of infection caused by Legionella sainthelensi. The association with illness of dietary characteristics indicative of swallowing disorders suggests that aspiration was the most likely mode of infection. The diagnosis of legionellosis should be considered during outbreaks of respiratory infection in nursing homes.
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Abstract
The British National Health Service alongside many other western countries is faced with competing pressures for limited health care resources which reflect, along with an increased accountability of both purchasers and providers of health care, the need for a clear function of explicit prioritisation from those who purchase health care. To enable limited health resources to be thus allocated, purchasers of health care must, therefore, be able to quantify not only the needs of their populations, but to predict and measure the outcomes from a health care intervention. This paper is concerned with the value framework underlying the twin dimension of needs and outcome assessment and seeks to address this framework from the sociological, philosophical and economic perspective and to determine the implications for the underlying distributive ethic.
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James M, Kawaguchi H, Tatsumi K, Hambley TW. Bis[bis(ethylenediamine-N,N')(μN,S-thiocyanato)nickel(II)] Bis(hexafluorophosphate). Acta Crystallogr C 1998. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108270198008841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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191
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Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma in the infant and young child is rare, highly malignant, and can be difficult to identify. An erroneous diagnosis of osteomyelitis may be considered first because the presentation may be similar to that of Ewing's sarcoma, and routine laboratory evaluation may not distinguish between these entities. Two such cases are presented, one involving the tibia in a 16-month-old child and another a finger phalanx in a 7-month-old child. In both cases the correct diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma was delayed because of initial misdiagnosis of osteomyelitis. This diagnostic dilemma is summarized, and the literature reviewed. Special attention is given to recent advances in histochemistry and cytogenetics that assist in tumor identification. The conclusion highlights areas of remaining controversies for which additional study may facilitate distinction between osteomyelitis and Ewing's sarcoma.
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192
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James M. Role of health economics in nuclear medicine. J Nucl Med 1998; 39:2196. [PMID: 9867175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
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193
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James M. Holidaying abroad: practical advice for a young family. PROFESSIONAL CARE OF MOTHER AND CHILD 1998; 8:91-3. [PMID: 9814361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Try to tailor your advice to the individual family. Keep it simple and practical. Find out who is going, where and whether the family has any particular health needs. Encourage the family to plan ahead, finding out as much as they can about facilities for young children at their destination. Likely discussion points are vaccinations, infant and toddler feeding, managing the journey, avoiding sunburn and diarrhoea, and contraception. Depending on destination it may be advisable for the family to take some items with them from the UK, e.g. infant formula and feeding equipment, contraceptives, sun protection and insect repellents.
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James M, Vijayalakshmi G, Das DG. Massive dose of diazepam poisoning. THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS OF INDIA 1998; 46:972-3. [PMID: 11229229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
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195
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Robbins TW, James M, Owen AM, Sahakian BJ, Lawrence AD, McInnes L, Rabbitt PM. A study of performance on tests from the CANTAB battery sensitive to frontal lobe dysfunction in a large sample of normal volunteers: implications for theories of executive functioning and cognitive aging. Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 1998; 4:474-90. [PMID: 9745237 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617798455073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Several tests from the CANTAB neuropsychological test battery previously shown to be sensitive to frontal lobe dysfunction were administered to a large group of normal volunteers (N = 341) ranging in age from 21 to 79 years. The main tests included a computerized form of the Tower of London test of planning, a self-ordered spatial working memory task, and a test of attentional set formation and shifting. A computerized form of the Corsi spatial span task was also given. Age-related graded declines in performance were seen, sometimes in a discontinuous manner, especially for the attentional set shifting task (at the extradimensional shift stage). Patterns of deficits reminiscent of frontal lobe or basal ganglia damage were observed in the oldest age group (74-79). However, overall the data were only partially consistent with the hypothesis that frontal lobe functions are the most sensitive to effects of aging. Factor analyses showed that performance in the executive tests was not simply related to a measure of fluid intelligence, and their performance had a factor loading structure distinct from that for the CANTAB tests of visual memory and learning previously administered to the same sample. Finally, only limited support was found for the hypothesis that cognitive aging depends on slowed information processing.
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Khullar V, Cardozo L, Boos K, Bidmead J, Kelleher C, James M, O'Connor RA, Duckett JRA, Lose G, Walter S, Black N. Impact of surgery for stress incontinence on morbidity. BMJ : BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL 1998. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.317.7151.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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James M, Abrams P, Gujral S. Impact of surgery for stress incontinence on morbidity. Patients should be told hospital results and allowed to choose where they want surgery. BMJ (CLINICAL RESEARCH ED.) 1998; 317:143; author reply 144. [PMID: 9696610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine whether melatonin (N-acetyl-5 methoxytryptamine) is effective in helping emergency medical services (EMS) personnel who work rotating night shifts reset their biological clocks and minimize circadian rhythm disruption. A double-blinded, randomized, crossover study was performed using 22 volunteers. Participants were working a span of consecutive night (2300 to 0700 hours) shifts and received either a melatonin capsule (6 mg) or placebo to be taken before each of the consecutive day sleeps. Each participant completed a total of 4 spans of consecutive night shifts (2 melatonin, 2 placebo). Collected data included daily sleep diaries, quantification of alcohol/caffeine consumed, and drug side effects. Assessment of sleep quality, posttreatment mood, and workload ratings were measured daily by 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). Analysis of sleep diaries found no significant difference (P > .05) between the two treatments with respect to mean sleep latency, duration, and efficiency, and subjectively rated sleep quality. Similarly, no significant benefits were noted between the median VAS scores for daily posttreatment mood or workload ratings. Adverse effects were rare; one patient taking melatonin reported a prolonged sedative effect. Despite recent interest in melatonin for treatment of circadian-based sleep disorders, no clinical benefits were noted in EMS personnel working rotating night shifts.
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Kramer TT, Reinke CR, James M. Reduction of fecal shedding and egg contamination of Salmonella enteritidis by increasing the number of heterophil adaptations. Avian Dis 1998; 42:585-8. [PMID: 9777160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Serial passage of Salmonella enteritidis (SE) in chicken heterophils resulted in heterophil-adapted SE (HASE). We now report that an additional five heterophil passages have further reduced the number and frequency of fecal shedding of HASE. Eleven-times HASE (11 x HASE) given to 12 laying hens for three consecutive days reduced fecal shedding of 11 x HASE to three isolations from fecal samples during the 70-day postexposure observation period. Hens were exposed to challenge SE 74 days after treatment with 11 x HASE. Three of 12 11 x HASE-treated hens were positive for challenge SE (11/396 fecal samples, or 2.8%) between days 5 and 40 postchallenge, whereas all 12 challenge control birds were positive (118/420 fecal samples, or 28.1%) for SE. None of 12 11 x HASE-treated hens was fecal positive from day 9 postchallenge, whereas 10 of 12 challenge control hens (82/372 fecal samples, or 22.0%) remained positive until day 40, the termination of the experiment. None of 525 eggs and eggshells cultured after 11 x HASE exposure was positive for Salmonella, and none of 422 eggs and eggshells cultured after challenge SE exposure was positive for Salmonella. Eggs or eggshells from challenge control hens were positive for Salmonella in 12/479 (2.5%) cases after challenge SE exposure.
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Zemel MB, Moore JW, Moustaid N, Kim JH, Nichols JS, Blanchard SG, Parks DJ, Harris C, Lee FW, Grizzle M, James M, Wilkison WO. Effects of a potent melanocortin agonist on the diabetic/obese phenotype in yellow mice. Int J Obes (Lond) 1998; 22:678-83. [PMID: 9705029 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0800630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that a melanocortin agonist can reverse obesity and insulin resistance in mice overexpressing the agouti protein. EXPERIMENTAL MODEL: Mice overexpressing the agouti protein either by transgene introduction (beta-actin promotor) or by mutation (Ay). DESIGN NDPMSH was tested for pharmacokinetic suitability. NDPMSH at various doses was administered subcutaneously twice a day for 2-3 weeks. MEASUREMENTS Fur pigmentation, various fatness parameters (core temperature, fat pad weight and body weight), blood glucose and hormones, fatty acid synthase measurement. RESULTS NDPMSH caused fur pigmentation and core temperature changes, but failed to affect any metabolic parameters in agouti-dependent manner. CONCLUSION NDPMSH, as a representation melanocortin agonist, does not compete with agouti in reversing agouti-dependent metabolic effects. This suggests that 1) agouti works via a receptor other than a melanocortin receptor to mediate its metabolic effects, 2) agouti-dependent metabolic effects are mediated through melanocortin receptors but not via antagonism of these receptors, or 3) NDPMSH is pharmacodynamically an inappropriate molecule for these types of studies.
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