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Wilke SK, Al-Rubkhi A, Koyama C, Ishikawa T, Oda H, Topper B, Tsekrekas EM, Möncke D, Alderman OLG, Menon V, Rafferty J, Clark E, Kastengren AL, Benmore CJ, Ilavsky J, Neuefeind J, Kohara S, SanSoucie M, Phillips B, Weber R. Microgravity effects on nonequilibrium melt processing of neodymium titanate: thermophysical properties, atomic structure, glass formation and crystallization. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:26. [PMID: 38448495 PMCID: PMC10918169 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00371-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationships between materials processing and structure can vary between terrestrial and reduced gravity environments. As one case study, we compare the nonequilibrium melt processing of a rare-earth titanate, nominally 83TiO2-17Nd2O3, and the structure of its glassy and crystalline products. Density and thermal expansion for the liquid, supercooled liquid, and glass are measured over 300-1850 °C using the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) in microgravity, and two replicate density measurements were reproducible to within 0.4%. Cooling rates in ELF are 40-110 °C s-1 lower than those in a terrestrial aerodynamic levitator due to the absence of forced convection. X-ray/neutron total scattering and Raman spectroscopy indicate that glasses processed on Earth and in microgravity exhibit similar atomic structures, with only subtle differences that are consistent with compositional variations of ~2 mol. % Nd2O3. The glass atomic network contains a mixture of corner- and edge-sharing Ti-O polyhedra, and the fraction of edge-sharing arrangements decreases with increasing Nd2O3 content. X-ray tomography and electron microscopy of crystalline products reveal substantial differences in microstructure, grain size, and crystalline phases, which arise from differences in the melt processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen K Wilke
- Materials Development, Inc., Evanston, IL, 60202, USA.
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Hirohisa Oda
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Brian Topper
- Center for High Technology Materials, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Tsekrekas
- Inamori School of Engineering at the New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, NY, 14802, USA
| | - Doris Möncke
- Inamori School of Engineering at the New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, NY, 14802, USA
| | - Oliver L G Alderman
- ISIS Neutron & Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0QX, UK
| | | | | | - Emma Clark
- Materials Development, Inc., Evanston, IL, 60202, USA
| | - Alan L Kastengren
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Chris J Benmore
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Jan Ilavsky
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Jörg Neuefeind
- Neutron Science Division, Spallation Neutron Source, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Shinji Kohara
- National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | | | - Richard Weber
- Materials Development, Inc., Evanston, IL, 60202, USA
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
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Davies A, McKay P, Osborne W, Stanton L, Tansley‐Hancock O, Lawrence M, Mercer K, Allen A, Pottinger B, Zhelyazkova A, Miall F, Rafferty J, Sale B, Cucco F, Nunn L, Coleman A, Griffiths G, Du MQ, Burton C, Barrons S, Johnson P. 9P GAIN PREDICTS OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH RELAPSED/REFRACTORY (R/R) DIFFUSE LARGE B‐CELL LYMPHOMA (DLBCL) TREATED WITH R‐GEMOX +/‐ ATEZOLIZUMAB. ARGO: A RANDOMISED PHASE II STUDY. Hematol Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.11_2880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Davies
- University of Southampton Southampton Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Southampton UK
| | - P McKay
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre Department of Haematology Glasgow UK
| | - W Osborne
- Freeman Hospital The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Department of Haematology Newcastle UK
| | - L Stanton
- University of Southampton Southampton Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Southampton UK
| | - O Tansley‐Hancock
- University of Southampton Southampton Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Southampton UK
| | - M Lawrence
- University of Southampton Southampton Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Southampton UK
| | - K Mercer
- University of Southampton Southampton Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Southampton UK
| | - A Allen
- University of Southampton Southampton Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Southampton UK
| | - B Pottinger
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust Department of Haematology Truro UK
| | - A Zhelyazkova
- The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Department of Haematology Manchester UK
| | - F Miall
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Department of Haematology Leicester UK
| | - J Rafferty
- Patient Representative, c/o CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Southampton UK
| | - B Sale
- University of Southampton Southampton Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Southampton UK
| | - F Cucco
- University of Cambridge Department of Pathology Cambridge UK
| | - L Nunn
- University of Southampton Southampton Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Southampton UK
| | - A Coleman
- University of Southampton Southampton Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Southampton UK
| | - G Griffiths
- University of Southampton Southampton Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Southampton UK
| | - M. Q Du
- University of Cambridge Department of Pathology Cambridge UK
| | - C Burton
- Leeds Cancer Centre Haematological Malignancies Diagnostic Service Leeds UK
| | - S Barrons
- Leeds Cancer Centre Haematological Malignancies Diagnostic Service Leeds UK
| | - P Johnson
- University of Southampton Southampton Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre CRUK/NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre CRUK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit Southampton UK
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Paterson MA, King BR, Smart CEM, Smith T, Rafferty J, Lopez PE. Impact of dietary protein on postprandial glycaemic control and insulin requirements in Type 1 diabetes: a systematic review. Diabet Med 2019; 36:1585-1599. [PMID: 31454430 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM Postprandial hyperglycaemia is a challenge for people living with Type 1 diabetes. In addition to carbohydrate, dietary protein has been shown to contribute to postprandial glycaemic excursions with recommendations to consider protein when calculating mealtime insulin doses. The aim of this review is to identify and synthesize evidence about the glycaemic impact of dietary protein and insulin requirements for individuals with Type 1 diabetes. METHODS A systematic literature search of relevant biomedical databases was performed to identify research on the glycaemic impact of dietary protein when consumed alone, and in combination with other macronutrients in individuals with Type 1 diabetes. RESULTS The review included 14 published studies dated from 1992 to 2018, and included studies that researched the impact of protein alone (n = 2) and protein in a mixed meal (n = 12). When protein was consumed alone a glycaemic effect was not seen until ≥ 75 g. In a carbohydrate-containing meal ≥ 12.5 g of protein impacted the postprandial glucose. Inclusion of fat in a high-protein meal enhanced the glycaemic response and further increased insulin requirements. The timing of the glycaemic effect from dietary protein ranged from 90 to 240 min. Studies indicate that the postprandial glycaemic response and insulin requirements for protein are different when protein is consumed alone or with carbohydrate and/or fat. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review provides evidence that dietary protein contributes to postprandial glycaemic excursions and insulin requirements. These insights have important implications for the education of people with Type 1 diabetes and highlights the need for more effective insulin dosing strategies for mixed macronutrient meals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Paterson
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - B R King
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - C E M Smart
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - T Smith
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - J Rafferty
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - P E Lopez
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Synnott J, Rafferty J, Nugent CD. Detection of workplace sedentary behavior using thermal sensors. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2017; 2016:5413-5416. [PMID: 28269482 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2016.7591951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sedentary behavior has been linked to leading causes of morbidity and mortality, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Those who work in office workplaces are susceptible to higher levels of sedentary behavior during the working day. This paper introduces a novel approach to the detection of sedentary behavior through the use of a thermal sensor mounted on the ceiling above a busy workspace. This solution was found to more accurately record 7 out of 10 activity metrics in comparison to self-assessment, when compared to chair pressure sensor recordings.
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Leigh B, Desneves K, Rafferty J, Pearce L, King S, Woodward M, Brown D, Martin R, Crowe T. The effect of different doses of an arginine-containing supplement on the healing of pressure ulcers. J Wound Care 2012; 21:150-6. [DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2012.21.3.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Leigh
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | | | | | - L. Pearce
- Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - S. King
- Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | | | - D. Brown
- Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - R. Martin
- Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - T.C. Crowe
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
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6
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Rafferty J, Tsikoudas A, Davis BC. Ear candling: should general practitioners recommend it? Can Fam Physician 2007; 53:2121-2122. [PMID: 18077749 PMCID: PMC2231549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Rafferty
- c/o Westview, Howe Rd, Kilsyth, Glasgow, Scotland.
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7
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Rafferty J. Champion of deaf people. West J Med 2003. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.327.7428.s189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Connor M, Rafferty J. Careless whispers. Health Serv J 2001; 111:29. [PMID: 11301936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
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9
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Hayman MW, Fawcett T, Schierer TF, Simon JW, Kroon JT, Gilroy JS, Rice DW, Rafferty J, Turnbull AP, Sedelnikova SE, Slabas AR. Mutagenesis of squash (Cucurbita moschata) glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) to produce an enzyme with altered substrate selectivity. Biochem Soc Trans 2000; 28:680-1. [PMID: 11171168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
In an attempt to rationalize the relationship between structure and substrate selectivity of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT, 1AT, EC 2.3.1.15) we have cloned a number of cDNAs into the pET overexpression system using a PCR-based approach. Following assay of the recombinant enzyme we noted that the substrate selectivity of the squash (Cucurbita moschata) enzyme had altered dramatically. This form of GPAT has now been crystallized and its full three-dimensional structure elucidated. Since we now have two forms of the enzyme that display different substrate selectivities this should provide a powerful tool to determine the basis of the selectivity changes. Kinetic and structural analyses are currently being performed to rationalize the changes which have taken place.
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Affiliation(s)
- M W Hayman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
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10
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Slabas AR, Simon WR, Schierer T, Kroon J, Fawcett T, Hayman M, Gilroy J, Nishida I, Murata N, Rafferty J, Turnbull A, Rice D. Plant glycerol-3-phosphate-1-acyltransferase (GPAT): structure selectivity studies. Biochem Soc Trans 2000; 28:677-9. [PMID: 11171167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Squash glycerol-3-phosphate-1-acyltransferase has been crystallized and the structure of the enzyme determined, at 1.9-A resolution, using multiple isomorphous replacement of the wild type and a series of individual cysteine mutants. Competitive in vitro substrate selectivity assays have been established that differentiate between selective and non-selective forms of the enzyme. Particular care was taken to use near-physiological concentrations of both substrates. Clear substrate selectivity can be demonstrated with the natural substrate acyl-acyl carrier protein but not with the substrate analogue acyl-CoA. The use of site-directed mutagenesis, coupled to three-dimensional structural determinations, should provide a rational basis for elucidating structural components important in determining the substrate selectivity of this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Slabas
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Durham, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
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11
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Chinnasamy N, Rafferty J, Lashford L, Chinnasamy D, Margison G, Thatcher N, Dexter T, Fairbairn L. Protection of committed murine haemopoietic progenitors against BCNU toxicity does not predict protection of primitive, multipotent spleen colony-forming cells - implications for chemoprotective gene therapy. Leukemia 1999; 13:1776-83. [PMID: 10557052 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2401584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The effect of expression of an O6-benzylguanine (O6-beG)-resistant mutant (hATPA/GA) of human O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (ATase) on the in vivo toxicity and clastogenicity of the anti-tumour agent N,N'-bis(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea (BCNU) to murine bone marrow has been investigated. When compared with control animals, the bipotent granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming (GM-CFC) progenitor population of the hATPA/GA transduced mice were somewhat more resistant to BCNU (1.4-fold, P = 0.047) and this effect was more significant in the presence of the ATase inactivator O6-beG (3. 5-fold, P = 0.001). The polychromatic erythrocytes were also significantly protected against BCNU-induced clastogenicity both in the presence (P < 0.001) and absence of O6-beG (P < 0.05). The primitive, multipotent spleen colony-forming cells (CFU-S) in these animals also showed moderate (1.6-fold, P = 0.034) protection in the absence of O6-beG but in the presence of the inactivator they remained as sensitive to BCNU toxicity as those in the control animals (P = 0.133). This result contrasts with previous findings demonstrating significant hATPA/GA-mediated, O6-beG-resistant protection against the toxicity and clastogenicity of a number of O6-alkylating agents, including temozolomide, fotemustine and chlorozotocin. The possibility that our strategy for protective gene therapy may be highly agent and cell-type specific is unexpected and has possible implications for clinical trials of this approach using BCNU or related agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Chinnasamy
- CRC Sections of Genome Damage and Repair, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Manchester, UK
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12
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Lemkau J, Rafferty J, Gordon R. Burnout and career-choice regret among family practice physicians in early practice. Fam Pract Res J 1994; 14:213-22. [PMID: 7976472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Burnout and career-choice regret among physicians in early practice may contribute to physician impairment and attrition as well as patient dissatisfaction. METHOD Fifty residency-trained family physicians in early practice completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a questionnaire on career-choice, demographics, and practice characteristics. RESULTS The sample showed moderate burnout related to emotional exhaustion and depersonalization of patients but low burnout related to lack of personal accomplishment. Although only 52% reported that they would definitely choose a medical career again, 70% reported that they would definitely choose the specialty of family practice again. At the 0.01 level of significance, those who worked more hours were more emotionally exhausted, and those with children and those with more children under the age of 5 reported less depersonalization. CONCLUSIONS This sample of physicians in early practice reported slightly less burnout and less specialty-choice regret than a comparable sample of family practice residents, suggesting possible attenuation of burnout with the transition from training to practice. Nonetheless, the importance of overwhelming time demands as a precipitant of exhaustion and potential physician impairment is noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lemkau
- Wright State University School of Medicine
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13
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Tiao G, Rafferty J, Ogle C, Fischer JE, Hasselgren PO. Detrimental effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibition during endotoxemia may be caused by high levels of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6. Surgery 1994; 116:332-7; discussion 337-8. [PMID: 7519365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) production increases during sepsis and endotoxemia. Inhibition of NO synthase has been suggested as a therapeutic modality in sepsis and endotoxemia, but in recent reports NO synthase inhibition increased mortality rate. The mechanism of this phenomenon is not known. Other studies have shown that high levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) contribute to death during sepsis and endotoxemia. We tested the effect of NO synthase inhibition on survival in endotoxemic rats and hypothesized that inhibition of NO synthase during endotoxemia increases circulating levels of TNF and IL-6. METHODS Rats were treated with subcutaneous injection of saline solution or 100 mg/kg of the NO synthase inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine 1 hour before intravenous injection of endotoxin (15 mg/kg) or saline solution. Survival was followed for 24 hours. Plasma nitrite-nitrate (NO2/NO3), TNF, and IL-6 levels were determined at intervals. RESULTS Endotoxin caused a significant increase in levels of plasma NO2-/NO3-, TNF, and IL-6 and a 33% mortality rate. Pretreatment with N-nitro-L-arginine increased mortality rate to 74%, decreased NO2/NO3, and substantially increased TNF and IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of NO synthase increases mortality rate during endotoxemia. The detrimental effect of NO synthase inhibition during endotoxemia may be caused by excessive production of TNF and IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Tiao
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio
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14
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Zamah NM, Hümpel M, Kuhnz W, Louton T, Rafferty J, Back DJ. Absence of an effect of high vitamin C dosage on the systemic availability of ethinyl estradiol in women using a combination oral contraceptive. Contraception 1993; 48:377-91. [PMID: 8222665 DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(93)90083-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies in small numbers of women have suggested that the administration of gram quantities of ascorbic acid interferes with the conversion of ethinyl estradiol (EE2) to its sulfates, leading to higher blood levels of EE2. The possibility of such potentiation has been investigated in 37 women using a combination monophasic oral contraceptive (30 micrograms EE2 and 150 micrograms levonorgestrel) for two consecutive cycles. Concomitant daily administration of 1 g ascorbic acid taken 1/2 hour before OC intake, was randomly assigned to the first or second cycle of OC use. On the first and 15th day of OC intake, blood samples were drawn 11 times over a 12-hour interval and Cmax and AUC(0-12 h) calculated. On pill days 10 and 21, only 6-hour post-intake samples were obtained. Samples were analyzed for levels of ascorbic acid, free and sulfated ethinyl estradiol (and a number of other parameters). Cmax and AUC values for EE2 and EE2-sulfate in cycles with and without ascorbic acid were evaluated statistically by the Grizzle model for days 1 and 15 and the ratios of day 15/day 1 for each of the substances. No effect of ascorbic acid was observed (alpha = 0.05, 1-beta = 0.9). Only on day 15 was there a significantly lower AUC for EE2-sulfate in the presence of ascorbic acid intake. Thus, the competition between ascorbic acid and EE2 for sulfation does not lead to an increased systemic availability of EE2 and is, therefore, unlikely to be of any clinical importance. Ascorbic acid can, therefore, be removed from the list of drugs interfering with the pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Zamah
- Truman Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri 64108
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15
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Abstract
A recently proposed model of the biobehavioral effects of caffeine suggests that acute ingestion impacts physiology and behavior differentially depending on the level of habitual usage of the drug. Acute ingestion and habitual usage are particularly expected to affect arousal and attentional processes. Subjects in the present study were preselected for high and low habitual caffeine use, given caffeine or a placebo, exposed to white noise or no white noise, and asked to perform on several tasks. Included were an arousal/habituation task (pure tones), reaction time, paired associates, anagrams, and vigilance. Electrodermal activity and performance were recorded. As predicted, virtually all effects were on the arousal/habituation and attentional (vigilance) tasks. Both acute ingestion and habitual use increased tonic EDA, and chronic use also reduced phasic responding, especially in the presence of a strong habituating stimulus. Both acute and habitual use also liberalized the vigilance response criterion, in that subjects risked more false alarms in order to attain more hits. In addition, habitual use increased sensitivity and reduced accuracy, and acute ingestion increased vigilance response time in the presence of white noise. Overall, the model was partially supported by these early results, though considerable further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742
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16
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Fan CY, Potter PM, Rafferty J, Watson AJ, Cawkwell L, Searle PF, O'Connor PJ, Margison GP. Expression of a human O6-alkylguanine-DNA-alkyltransferase cDNA in human cells and transgenic mice. Nucleic Acids Res 1990; 18:5723-7. [PMID: 2216765 PMCID: PMC332306 DOI: 10.1093/nar/18.19.5723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A truncated human O6-alkylguanine-DNA-alkyltransferase (ATase) cDNA was ligated into an expression vector under the control of the mouse metallothionein-1 gene promotor and upstream of part of the human growth hormone gene to provide splice and polyadenylation signals. Transfection of this construct into human cells resulted in very high levels of ATase expression (more than 300 fmoles/mg protein versus less than 2 fm/mg protein in parent vector transfected control cells). Microinjection of a 4.2 kb fragment of this vector into B6D2F2 mouse embryos and implantation of survivors into pseudopregnant females has so far generated 35 offspring. Southern analysis of tail tip DNA has shown that 11 of the offspring are transgenic for the human ATase gene, between 1 and at least 30 copies of the gene being detected. Human ATase transcripts were detected in total RNA extracted from liver obtained from two male transgenic mice by partial hepatectomy. Cell free extracts of liver samples from five transgenic mice showed up to 4 times higher ATase levels than control livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Y Fan
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Manchester, UK
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17
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Rafferty J, Smith RG, Lewis SJ, Levack H. The functional status of elderly people admitted to a local authority residential home. Health Bull (Edinb) 1989; 47:141-9. [PMID: 2807899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
One hundred and forty-one consecutive admissions to a large local authority residential home were studied to assess their functional level. Both panel (71) and emergency (70) admissions were assessed. Forty-seven per cent of the panel admissions came from hospital and 39% from home compared with 4% and 83% of the emergency admissions. Severe mental impairment was found in 22% panel admissions and 34% of emergencies. Dementia was the commonest underlying condition. Inability to cope at home was the most common reason for referral in both groups. The activities of daily living (ADL) were assessed where possible on admission and after two to four weeks. No statistically significant change was found in any aspect of ADL between the two assessments although 9% of the panel and 19% of the emergency group were assessed as being unacceptable for residential care in one function. Residents initially showed a high level of negative attitude to the concept of residential care but this lessened over the four weeks. This study has shown that although new residents are suitable on admission to residential care, they are marginally so and are likely to become more dependent. This has future implications for staff levels and training in residential homes.
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Stafford W, Smith RG, Lewis SJ, Henery E, Stephen PJ, Rafferty J, Simpson GK, Bell PC, O'Rorke K. A study of zinc status of elderly institutionalized patients. Age Ageing 1988; 17:42-8. [PMID: 2834924 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/17.1.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In a study of zinc status in the elderly, the mean serum and leucocyte zinc concentrations were found to be significantly lower in continuing-care patients compared with elderly people living in the community. The mean daily dietary intakes of zinc, protein and fibre did not differ between the two groups. Serum zinc levels were found to correlate with serum albumin levels. No significant relationship was found between the mean serum or leucocyte zinc concentrations of patients and either their mental status or the presence of skin pressure damage, leg ulcers or unhealed wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Stafford
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Edinburgh
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Rafferty J, Smith RG, Williamson J. Medical assessment of elderly persons prior to a move to residential care: a review of seven years' experience in Edinburgh. Age Ageing 1987; 16:10-2. [PMID: 3565165 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/16.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Assessment prior to a move to residential care has been carried out by the Departments of Geriatric Medicine in the Lothian Region for many years. Results have been reviewed over 7 years in one Department; 688 people were assessed; 7% were placed in alternative accommodation as a result of the assessment and a further 15% were offered specialist advice. The workload was 50 assessments per 10,000 population over 65 years per year. Of these, 58% were already known to the geriatrician and 23% were seen as part of the normal work of the department. It was concluded that the benefits of assessment make the extra work involved well worth while.
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Schaller DF, Bostrom AW, Rafferty J. Quality of care review: recent experience in Arizona. Health Care Financ Rev 1986; 1986:65-74. [PMID: 10311928 PMCID: PMC4195080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is an HMO-oriented Medicaid demonstration project serving approximately 170,000 persons throughout the State of Arizona. To assure that its members are receiving high quality care and because of the potentially adverse incentives of capitation, AHCCCS places particular emphasis on quality-of-care review. A key component of that review is the development of annual, statewide medical audits. In this article, we describe the nature and organization of medical care delivery under AHCCCS, outline the evolution of the annual medical audits, describe the most recent of these audits, and present and discuss the results.
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Hornbrook M, Rafferty J. The economics of hospital reimbursement. Adv Health Econ Health Serv Res 1981; 3:79-115. [PMID: 10309786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Rafferty J. The footwall. Lamp 1980; 37:23-5. [PMID: 6901951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Rafferty J. Development of an item bank. Lamp 1980; 37:31-33. [PMID: 6903706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
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Abstract
This article presents a hospital model that recognizes the multiproduct nature of hospital output and incorporates trade-offs among various competing goals. A utility function for the hospital is defined over quantity, quality and the net revenues associated with the treatments produced. Utility is constrained by epidemiological factors and by availability of beds. The model is used to draw comparative statics implications, from which econometric hypotheses are developed and tested. This is accomplished by a set of equations that predict variations in patient-specific lengths of stay, admissions, expenses per admission, and occupancy rates. Empirical results are generally consistent with predictions. The model has a variety of policy applications, and these are illustrated.
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Schweitzer SO, Rafferty J. Variations in hospital product: a comparative analysis of proprietary and voluntary hospitals. Inquiry 1976; 13:158-66. [PMID: 132403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Rafferty J. Enfranchisement and rationing: effects of Medicare on discretionary hospital use. Health Serv Res 1975; 10:51-62. [PMID: 1107272 PMCID: PMC1071831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examines the effects of Medicare on hospital output using an economic model in which market demand for hospital care is treated as the sum of demands in separable markets. Results indicate that Medicare affected utilization patterns by the elderly, but in terms of an increased level of admissions and increased lengths of stay, not in terms of case mix or (apparently) in the level of the nondiscretionary component of care. However, the results also show the Medicare resulted in rationing of hospital services to patients under 65 years of age: case-specific lengths of stay declined, and there appears to have been a distinct decline in the degree of discretionary hospital use by this patient group.
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Rafferty J, Schweitzer SO. Communication: Comparison of for-profit and nonprofit hospitals: a re-evaluation. Inquiry 1974; 11:304-11. [PMID: 4279224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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