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Gonzalez MR, Cardenas-Iniguez C, Linares DE, Wonnum S, Bagot K, White EJ, Cuan A, DiMatteo S, Akiel YD, Lindsley P, Harris JC, Perez-Amparan E, Powell TD, Latino de City Heights Colch CO, Dowling G, Alkire D, Thompson WK, Murray TM. Responsible research in health disparities using the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development SM (ABCD) study. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 71:101497. [PMID: 39724816 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 12/11/2024] [Accepted: 12/11/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM (ABCD) Study is the largest longitudinal study on brain development and adolescent health in the United States. The study includes a sociodemographically diverse cohort of nearly 12,000 youth born 2005-2009, with an open science model of making data rapidly available to the scientific community. The ABCD Study® data has been used in over 1100 peer-reviewed publications since its first data release in 2018. The dataset contains a broad scope and comprehensive set of measures of youths' behavioral, health, and brain outcomes, as well as extensive contextual and environmental measures that map onto the social determinants of health (SDOH). Understanding the impact of SDOH on the developmental trajectories of youth will help to address early lifecourse health inequities that lead to disparities later in life. However, the open science model and extensive use of ABCD data highlight the need for guidance on appropriate, responsible, and equitable use of the data. DESIGN METHODS Our conceptual framework integrates the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Research Framework with strength-based and data equity perspectives. We use this framework to articulate best practices and methods for investigations that aim to identify the multilevel pathways by which structural and systemic inequities impact adolescent health trajectories. RESULTS Using our conceptual model, we provide recommendations for equitable health disparities research using ABCD Study data. We identify over fifty ABCD measures that can encompass SDOH across five levels of influence: individual, interpersonal, school, community, and societal. We expand the societal level to acknowledge structural discrimination as the root cause of systemic and structural inequities resulting in health disparities among marginalized youth. We apply the methodological recommendations in an example data analysis using a multi-level approach that integrates strength-based and data equity perspectives to elucidate pathways by which social and structural inequities may influence cognitive decision making in youth. We conclude with recommendations for strengthening the utility of ABCD data for health disparities research now and in the future. CONCLUSION Adolescence is a critical period of development with subsequent ramifications for health outcomes across the lifespan. Thus, understanding SDOH among diverse youth can inform prevention interventions before the emergence of health disparities in adulthood.
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Abiri A, Bitner BF, Nguyen TV, Pang JC, Roman KM, Vasudev M, Chung DD, Tripathi SH, Harris JC, Kosaraju N, Shih RM, Ko M, Miller JE, Douglas JE, Lee DJ, Eide JG, Kshirsagar RS, Phillips KM, Sedaghat AR, Bergsneider M, Wang MB, Palmer JN, Adappa ND, Hsu FPK, Kuan EC. Clinical and technical factors in endoscopic skull base surgery associated with reconstructive success. Rhinology 2024; 62:330-341. [PMID: 38189480 DOI: 10.4193/rhin23.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we identified key discrete clinical and technical factors that may correlate with primary reconstructive success in endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). METHODS ESBS cases with intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks at four tertiary academic rhinology programs were retrospectively reviewed. Logistic regression identified factors associated with surgical outcomes by defect subsite (anterior cranial fossa [ACF], suprasellar [SS], purely sellar, posterior cranial fossa [PCF]). RESULTS Of 706 patients (50.4% female), 61.9% had pituitary adenomas, 73.4% had sellar or SS defects, and 20.5% had high-flow intraoperative CSF leaks. The postoperative CSF leak rate was 7.8%. Larger defect size predicted ACF postoperative leaks; use of rigid reconstruction and older age protected against sellar postoperative leaks; and use of dural sealants compared to fibrin glue protected against PCF postoperative leaks. SS postoperative leaks occurred less frequently with the use of dural onlay. Body-mass index, intraoperative CSF leak flow rate, and the use of lumbar drain were not significantly associated with postoperative CSF leak. Meningitis was associated with larger tumors in ACF defects, nondissolvable nasal packing in SS defects, and high-flow intraoperative leaks in PCF defects. Sinus infections were more common in sellar defects with synthetic grafts and nondissolvable nasal packing. CONCLUSIONS Depending on defect subsite, reconstructive success following ESBS may be influenced by factors, such as age, defect size, and the use of rigid reconstruction, dural onlay, and tissue sealants.
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Murphy TE, Harris JC, Rees BB. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha protein increases without changes in mRNA during acute hypoxic exposure of the Gulf killifish, Fundulus grandis. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio060167. [PMID: 38116983 PMCID: PMC10805151 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF1) is a central regulator of the molecular responses of animals to low oxygen. While the hypoxia-responsiveness of HIF1 is generally attributed to the stabilization of the alpha protein subunit (HIF1α) at low oxygen, several studies on fish report increased tissue levels of HIF1A mRNA during hypoxia, suggesting transcriptional regulation. In the current study, HIF1α protein and HIF1A mRNA were determined in parallel in tissues of Gulf killifish, Fundulus grandis, exposed to short-term hypoxia (24 h at 1 mg O2 l-1). HIF1α protein was higher in brain, ovary, and skeletal muscle from fish exposed to hypoxia compared with normoxic controls by 6 h, and it remained elevated in brain and ovary at 24 h. In contrast, HIF1A mRNA levels were unaffected by hypoxia in any tissue. Moreover, HIF1α protein and HIF1A mRNA levels in the same tissues were not correlated with one another during either normoxia or hypoxia. Hence, an increase in HIF1α protein does not depend upon an increase in HIF1A mRNA during acute exposure to low oxygen in this species. The results support the widely accepted mechanism of post-translational protein stabilization, rather than new transcription, during the initial response of fish to hypoxia.
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Whitmore NW, Harris JC, Kovach T, Paller KA. Improving memory via automated targeted memory reactivation during sleep. J Sleep Res 2022; 31:e13731. [PMID: 36129154 PMCID: PMC9649863 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A widely accepted view in memory research is that previously acquired information can be reactivated during sleep, leading to persistent memory storage. Targeted memory reactivation (TMR) was developed as a technique whereby specific memories can be reactivated during sleep using a sensory stimulus linked to prior learning. As a research tool, TMR can improve memory, raising the possibility that it may be useful for cognitive enhancement and clinical therapy. A major challenge for the expanded use of TMR is that a skilled operator must manually control stimulation, which is impractical in many settings. To address this limitation, we developed the SleepStim system for automated TMR in the home. SleepStim includes a smartwatch to collect movement and heart-rate data, plus a smartphone to emit auditory cues. A machine-learning model identifies periods of deep sleep and triggers TMR sounds within these periods. We tested whether this system could replicate the spatial-memory benefit of in-laboratory TMR. Participants learned locations of objects on a grid, and then half of the object locations were reactivated during sleep over 3 nights. Recall was tested each morning. In an experiment with 61 participants, the TMR effect was not significant but varied systematically with stimulus intensity; low-intensity but not high-intensity stimuli produced memory benefits. In a second experiment with 24 participants, we limited stimulus intensity and found that TMR reliably improved spatial memory, consistent with effects observed in laboratory studies. We conclude that SleepStim can effectively accomplish automated TMR, and that avoiding sleep disruption is critical for TMR benefits.
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Reemeyer JE, Harris JC, Hernandez AM, Rees BB. Effects of passive integrated transponder tagging on cortisol release, aerobic metabolism and growth of the Gulf killifish Fundulus grandis. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2019; 94:422-433. [PMID: 30702146 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The effects of passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging on cortisol release, standard metabolic rate (SMR) and daily specific growth rate (GS ) were evaluated in the Gulf killifish, Fundulus grandis, a small estuarine fish native to the Gulf of Mexico. Cortisol release by individual fish was measured non-invasively prior to PIT tagging, immediately after tagging and once per week for 1 month following tagging. Within the first 2 h of tagging, cortisol release rates were significantly elevated compared with values measured prior to tagging and significantly higher than that of fish handled identically except not implanted with PIT tags. By 1 week after PIT tagging, cortisol release rates returned to control levels. SMR, determined by intermittent-flow respirometry and GS , defined as per cent change in body mass per day, were measured prior to PIT tagging and weekly for 1 month after tagging. Neither SMR nor GS was significantly different in tagged v. untagged fish for the duration of the study. One month after tagging, haematocrit, plasma cortisol, blood glucose and blood lactate did not differ between tagged and untagged individuals. Therefore, after a transient stress response that subsides within 1 week, PIT tagging had no significant effects on these physiological variables in F. grandis, validating its use as a method of marking this and other small fishes.
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Cabay MR, Harris JC, Shippy SA. Impact of Sampling and Cellular Separation on Amino Acid Determinations in Drosophila Hemolymph. Anal Chem 2018. [PMID: 29521085 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b04840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The fruit fly is a frequently used model system with a high degree of human disease-related genetic homology. The quantitative chemical analysis of fruit fly tissues and hemolymph uniquely brings chemical signaling and compositional information to fly experimentation. The work here explores the impact of measured chemical content of hemolymph with three aspects of sample collection and preparation. Cellular content of hemolymph was quantitated and removed to determine hemolymph composition changes for seven primary amine analytes. Hemolymph sampling methods were adapted to determine differences in primary amine composition of hemolymph collected from the head, antenna, and abdomen. Also, three types of anesthesia were employed with hemolymph collection to quantitate effects on measured amino acid content. Cell content was found to be 45.4 ± 22.1 cells/nL of hemolymph collected from both adult and larvae flies. Cell-concentrated fractions of adult, but not larvae, hemolymph were found to have higher and more variable amine content. There were amino acid content differences found between all three areas indicating a robust method to characterize chemical markers from specific regions of a fly, and these appear related to physiological activity. Methods of anesthesia have an impact on hemolymph amino acid composition related to overall physiological impact to fly including higher amino acid content variability and oxygen deprivation effects. Together, these analyses identify potential complications with Drosophila hemolymph analysis and opportunities for future studies to relate hemolymph content with model physiological activity.
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Worsley DJ, Jones K, Harris JC, Charlesworth J, Marshman Z. Review and action plan for oral health improvement in Sheffield special schools. COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH 2018; 35:5-8. [PMID: 29380962 DOI: 10.1922/cdh_4049worsley04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A description of the process of a review of oral health improvement in special schools in Sheffield and the implementation of an action plan for these activities. Public health competencies encompassed: assessing the evidence on oral health and dental interventions, programmes and services; strategic leadership and collaborative working for health; oral health improvement.
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Majer JM, Harris JC, Jason LA. An Examination of Women Ex-Offenders With Methadone Histories. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2017; 61:711-723. [PMID: 26275413 PMCID: PMC5553198 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x15600834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Criminal (drug and prostitution) charges, employment levels (weekly hours), recent substance use in the past 6 months, and primary sources of income were examined among a sample ( n = 106) of women ex-offenders who had opioid use disorders with and without methadone histories. A general linear model was tested to examine differences in relation to methadone use history. Results from a one-way MANCOVA found that those with methadone histories reported significantly higher levels of drug and prostitution charges than those without any methadone history, but no significant differences in terms of weekly hours of employment or recent substance use were observed between groups. Women ex-offenders with methadone histories reported various sources of income beyond employment, and proportionally, more of these women reported prostitution as a primary source of income. Findings suggest that methadone maintenance treatments are not sufficient in meeting the needs of women ex-offenders.
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McKay A, Harris JC. A novel latex-free alternative to a proprietary paper framed dental rubber dam. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2013; 95:437-8. [DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2013.95.6.437a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Harris JC, Elcock C, Sidebotham PD, Welbury RR. Safeguarding children in dentistry: 2. Do paediatric dentists neglect child dental neglect? Br Dent J 2009; 206:465-70. [PMID: 19424243 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2009.356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In this second part of a two-part report, further findings of a postal questionnaire sent in March 2005 to dentists with an interest in paediatric dentistry working in varied UK settings are presented and discussed in the context of current multi-agency good practice in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Using insights gained from a survey of self-reported management of children with neglected dentitions, this paper explores whether paediatric dentists neglect child dental neglect. The authors conclude that current practice already includes much that contributes to promoting children's oral health and wellbeing. However, in a society where children continue to suffer as a result of abuse and neglect, they warn that improvements are needed in communication between dentists and other health and social care professionals if children's welfare is to be safeguarded and promoted effectively and future tragedies avoided.
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Abstract
Safeguarding children from maltreatment and neglect is part of the responsibility of all health professionals, and dental practitioners may be in a unique position to recognise and respond to concerns of this kind. This article outlines some of the ways that abuse can present to the dental team and describes the action that should be taken if abuse is suspected in a young patient.
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Harris JC. Child protection in Scotland. Br Dent J 2005. [DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.4812810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Jinnah HA, Harris JC, Nyhan WL, O'Neill JP. The spectrum of mutations causing HPRT deficiency: an update. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2005; 23:1153-60. [PMID: 15571220 DOI: 10.1081/ncn-200027400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) cause Lesch-Nyhan disease, which is characterized by hyperuricemia, severe motor disability, and self-injurious behavior. Mutations in the same gene also cause less severe clinical phenotypes with only some portions of the full syndrome. A large database of 271 mutations associated with both full and partial clinical phenotypes was recently compiled. Since the original database was assembled, 31 additional mutations have been identified, bringing the new total to 302. The results demonstrate a very heterogeneous collection of mutations for both LND and its partial syndromes. The differences between LND and the partial phenotypes cannot be explained by differences in the locations of mutations, but the partial phenotypes are more likely to have mutations predicted to allow some residual enzyme function. The reasons for some apparent exceptions to this proposal are addressed.
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Fairbanks LD, Harris JC, Duley JA, Simmonds HA. Nucleotide degradation products in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in inherited and acquired pathologies. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2005; 23:1185-7. [PMID: 15571227 DOI: 10.1081/ncn-200027451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
CSF purines were grossly elevated compared with controls only in adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) deficiency and TB meningitis. The former representing low permeability, the latter severe damage to the normal blood/brain barrier. By contrast, the similarity to controls, with no difference between Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND) or LND variants, would exclude hypoxia as a factor in the severe neurological deficits in LND. Similar findings in purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) deficiency (although nucleosides replace the normal bases) likewise exclude hypoxia in the aetiology of the albeit milder neurological deficits.
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Lloyd D, Harris JC, Biagini GA, Hughes MR, Maroulis S, Bernard C, Wadley RB, Edwards MR. The plasma membrane of microaerophilic protists: oxidative and nitrosative stress. Microbiology (Reading) 2004; 150:1183-1190. [PMID: 15133079 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.26834-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The trans-plasma-membrane electrochemical potential of microaerophilic protists was monitored by the use of voltage-sensitive charged lipophilic fluorophores; of the many available probes, the anionic oxonol dye bis(1,3-dibarbituric acid)-trimethine oxonol [DiBAC4(3)] is an example of one which has been successfully employed using fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser-scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. Several microaerophilic protists have been investigated with this dye; these were Giardia intestinalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Tritrichomonas foetus, Hexamita inflata and Mastigamoeba punctachora. Under conditions where they exhibit normal vitality, these organisms exclude DiBAC4(3) by virtue of their maintenance of a plasma-membrane potential (negative inside). Uptake of the fluorophore is indicative of disturbance to this membrane (i.e. by inhibition of pump/leak balance, blockage of channels or generation of ionic leaks), and is indicative of metabolic perturbation or environmental stress. Here, it is shown that oxidative or nitrosative stress depolarizes the plasma membranes of the aforementioned O2-sensitive organisms and allows DiBAC4(3) influx. Oxonol uptake thereby provides a sensitive and early indication of plasma-membrane perturbation by agents that may lead to cytotoxicity and eventually to cell death by necrotic or apoptotic pathways.
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Lloyd D, Harris JC, Maroulis S, Mitchell A, Hughes MN, Wadley RB, Edwards MR. Nitrosative stress induced cytotoxicity in Giardia intestinalis. J Appl Microbiol 2003; 95:576-83. [PMID: 12911706 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2003.02008.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the antigiardial properties of the nitrosating agents: sodium nitrite, sodium nitroprusside and Roussin's black salt. METHODS AND RESULTS Use of confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry indicated permeabilization of the plasma membrane to the anionic fluorophore, DiBAC4(3) [bis(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol]. Loss of plasma membrane electrochemical potential was accompanied by loss of regulated cellular volume control. Changes in ultrastructure revealed by electron microscopy and capacity for oxygen consumption, were also consequences of nitrosative stress. Roussin's black salt (RBS), active at micromolar concentrations was the most potent of the three agents tested. CONCLUSIONS These multitargeted cytotoxic agents affected plasma membrane functions, inhibited cellular functions in Giardia intestinalis and led to loss of viability. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Nitrosative damage, as an antigiardial strategy, may have implications for development of chemotherapy along with suggesting natural host defence mechanisms.
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Abstract
Giardia intestinalis is a world-wide cause of intestinal infection. Treatment of this debilitating disease is usually accomplished using one of several drugs. Metronidazole is the treatment of choice, but benzimidazoles are now being used more frequently. Other treatments include quinacrine, paromomycin and furazolidone. Even though these drugs are all used to treat the same disease, their modes of action differ in all cases. However, resistance is increasing and new alternatives are being sought. New wave antigiardials all appear to have their roots in natural herbal remedies. This mini-review looks at the current treatments available, their efficacy, side effects and different modes of action and addresses a possible way forward using natural products.
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Schretlen DJ, Harris JC, Park KS, Jinnah HA, del Pozo NO. Neurocognitive functioning in Lesch-Nyhan disease and partial hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2001; 7:805-12. [PMID: 11771623 DOI: 10.1017/s135561770177703x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND) is a rare, X-linked genetic disorder that involves the nearly complete absence of an enzyme (hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase, or HPRT) that is essential for purine salvage. In addition to hyperuricemia, all patients with classic LND suffer from movement disorder and compulsive self-injury, and most have mental retardation. Patients with partial HPRT deficiency (variants) always have hyperuricemia and often have neurologic abnormalities, but do not self-injure and usually are described as having normal intelligence. Here we compare 15 patients with LND to 9 variants and 13 normal adolescents and adults. Testing revealed unambiguous and qualitatively similar cognitive deficits in both patient groups. The variants produced scores that were intermediate between those of patients with LND and normal participants on nearly every cognitive measure. We discuss these findings in terms of what is known about the neuropathology of LND.
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Harris JC, Cottrell SL, Plummer S, Lloyd D. Antimicrobial properties of Allium sativum (garlic). Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2001; 57:282-6. [PMID: 11759674 DOI: 10.1007/s002530100722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Although garlic has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, investigations into its mode of action are relatively recent. Garlic has a wide spectrum of actions; not only is it antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal, but it also has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems. Resurgence in the use of natural herbal alternatives has brought the use of medicinal plants to the forefront of pharmacological investigations, and many new drugs are being discovered. This review aims to address the historical use of garlic and its sulfur chemistry, and to provide a basis for further research into its antimicrobial properties.
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Harris JC, Bryan RA, Lucas VS, Roberts GJ. Dental disease and caries related microflora in children with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Pediatr Dent 2001; 23:438-43. [PMID: 11699172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate dental caries, bacterial dental plaque, gingivitis and caries related oral microflora in children with predominantly autosomal recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB). METHODS Thirty children with DEB from The Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and 31 control children matched for age, gender and ethnicity were included in the study. RESULTS The main findings were: 1. A significantly greater mean dmft in the DEB children (p < 0.05). 2. A significantly greater mean plaque score for the DEB children for both the primary (p < 0.001) and permanent teeth (p < 0.02) compared with the control children. 3. A significantly greater mean gingivitis score for the DEB children for both the primary (p < 0.002) and permanent teeth (p < 0.0001) compared with the control children. 4. A significantly greater salivary total anaerobic count for the control children compared with the DEB children (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results reflect the difficulties that children with DEB have with basic oral hygiene procedures combined with slow oral clearance.
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Best DW, Harris JC, Gossop M, Manning VC, Man LH, Marshall J, Bearn J, Strang J. Are the Twelve Steps more acceptable to drug users than to drinkers? A comparison of experiences of and attitudes to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) among 200 substance misusers attending inpatient detoxification. Eur Addict Res 2001; 7:69-77. [PMID: 11455172 DOI: 10.1159/000050719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study is a cross-sectional interview-based investigation comparing experiences of and attitudes towards Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in a sample of 200 patients attending inpatient substance misuse detoxification services. Two hundred consecutive admissions were recruited; 100 each from one drug and one alcohol in-patient treatment service in which attendance at AA/NA was a voluntary adjunct to a generic treatment programme. Although there were no differences in the history of AA/NA attendance, the drug users (who were on average younger) reported significantly more positive attitudes towards AA/NA, more willingness to attend during their in-patient treatment and greater intention to attend following completion of their detoxification. In particular, despite no differences in spiritual/religious orientation, the drug users reported more positive views of the Twelve Steps. As AA/NA remain popular and accessible forms of substance misuse support, it is critical that we develop a clearer understanding of their impact and of the scope for their integration with generic forms of substance misuse treatment.
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Schroeder SR, Oster-Granite ML, Berkson G, Bodfish JW, Breese GR, Cataldo MF, Cook EH, Crnic LS, DeLeon I, Fisher W, Harris JC, Horner RH, Iwata B, Jinnah HA, King BH, Lauder JM, Lewis MH, Newell K, Nyhan WL, Rojahn J, Sackett GP, Sandman C, Symons F, Tessel RE, Thompson T, Wong DF. Self-injurious behavior: gene-brain-behavior relationships. MENTAL RETARDATION AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEWS 2001; 7:3-12. [PMID: 11241877 DOI: 10.1002/1098-2779(200102)7:1<3::aid-mrdd1002>3.0.co;2-#] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This paper summarizes a conference held at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development on December 6-7, 1999, on self-injurious behavior [SIB] in developmental disabilities. Twenty-six of the top researchers in the U.S. from this field representing 13 different disciplines discussed environmental mechanisms, epidemiology, behavioral and pharmacological intervention strategies, neurochemical substrates, genetic syndromes in which SIB is a prominent behavioral phenotype, neurobiological and neurodevelopmental factors affecting SIB in humans as well as a variety of animal models of SIB. Findings over the last decade, especially new discoveries since 1995, were emphasized. SIB is a rapidly growing area of scientific interest to both basic and applied researchers. In many respects it is a model for the study of gene-brain-behavior relationships in developmental disabilities.
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Abstract
Eye movements were assessed in 22 patients with varying degrees of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency. Ocular motility was clinically normal in seven patients with moderate enzyme deficiency but grossly abnormal in 15 patients with severe enzyme deficiency. In patients with severe deficiency, fixation was interrupted by frequent unwanted saccades toward minor visual distractions. Voluntary saccades were associated with an initial head movement and/or eyeblink in all of these patients. When head motion was prevented, voluntary saccades were often delayed and sometimes absent. In contrast, saccade speed, reflexive saccades, and other reflexive eye movements appeared clinically normal. Four patients with severe enzyme deficiency also experienced mild blepharospasm, and two had ocular tics. These disturbances of ocular motility are consistent with dysfunction of the basal ganglia or its connections with ocular motor centers in the prefrontal cortex or midbrain.
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Jinnah HA, De Gregorio L, Harris JC, Nyhan WL, O'Neill JP. The spectrum of inherited mutations causing HPRT deficiency: 75 new cases and a review of 196 previously reported cases. Mutat Res 2000; 463:309-26. [PMID: 11018746 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5742(00)00052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In humans, mutations in the gene encoding the purine salvage enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) are associated with a spectrum of disease that ranges from hyperuricemia alone to hyperuricemia with profound neurological and behavioral dysfunction. Previous attempts to correlate different types or locations of mutations with different elements of the disease phenotype have been limited by the relatively small numbers of available cases. The current article describes the molecular genetic basis for 75 new cases of HPRT deficiency, reviews 196 previously reported cases, and summarizes four main conclusions that may be derived from the entire database of 271 mutations. First, the mutations associated with human disease appear dispersed throughout the hprt gene, with some sites appearing to represent relative mutational hot spots. Second, genotype-phenotype correlations provide no indication that specific disease features associate with specific mutation locations. Third, cases with less severe clinical manifestations typically have mutations that are predicted to permit some degree of residual enzyme function. Fourth, the nature of the mutation provides only a rough guide for predicting phenotypic severity. Though mutation analysis does not provide precise information for predicting disease severity, it continues to provide a valuable tool for genetic counseling in terms of confirmation of diagnoses, for identifying potential carriers, and for prenatal diagnosis.
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