1
|
Schioppo M, Kronjäger J, Silva A, Ilieva R, Paterson JW, Baynham CFA, Bowden W, Hill IR, Hobson R, Vianello A, Dovale-Álvarez M, Williams RA, Marra G, Margolis HS, Amy-Klein A, Lopez O, Cantin E, Álvarez-Martínez H, Le Targat R, Pottie PE, Quintin N, Legero T, Häfner S, Sterr U, Schwarz R, Dörscher S, Lisdat C, Koke S, Kuhl A, Waterholter T, Benkler E, Grosche G. Comparing ultrastable lasers at 7 × 10 -17 fractional frequency instability through a 2220 km optical fibre network. Nat Commun 2022; 13:212. [PMID: 35017500 PMCID: PMC8752831 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27884-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrastable lasers are essential tools in optical frequency metrology enabling unprecedented measurement precision that impacts on fields such as atomic timekeeping, tests of fundamental physics, and geodesy. To characterise an ultrastable laser it needs to be compared with a laser of similar performance, but a suitable system may not be available locally. Here, we report a comparison of two geographically separated lasers, over the longest ever reported metrological optical fibre link network, measuring 2220 km in length, at a state-of-the-art fractional-frequency instability of 7 × 10-17 for averaging times between 30 s and 200 s. The measurements also allow the short-term instability of the complete optical fibre link network to be directly observed without using a loop-back fibre. Based on the characterisation of the noise in the lasers and optical fibre link network over different timescales, we investigate the potential for disseminating ultrastable light to improve the performance of remote optical clocks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Schioppo
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK.
| | - J Kronjäger
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK.
| | - A Silva
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - R Ilieva
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - J W Paterson
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - C F A Baynham
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - W Bowden
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - I R Hill
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - R Hobson
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - A Vianello
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | | | - R A Williams
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - G Marra
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - H S Margolis
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - A Amy-Klein
- Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers (LPL), Université Paris 13, CNRS, Villetaneuse, France
| | - O Lopez
- Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers (LPL), Université Paris 13, CNRS, Villetaneuse, France
| | - E Cantin
- Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers (LPL), Université Paris 13, CNRS, Villetaneuse, France
- LNE-SYRTE, Observatoire de Paris - Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, LNE, Paris, France
| | - H Álvarez-Martínez
- LNE-SYRTE, Observatoire de Paris - Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, LNE, Paris, France
- Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada (ROA), 11100, San Fernando, Cádiz, Spain
| | - R Le Targat
- LNE-SYRTE, Observatoire de Paris - Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, LNE, Paris, France
| | - P E Pottie
- LNE-SYRTE, Observatoire de Paris - Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, LNE, Paris, France
| | | | - T Legero
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - S Häfner
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - U Sterr
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - R Schwarz
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - S Dörscher
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - C Lisdat
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - S Koke
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - A Kuhl
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - T Waterholter
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - E Benkler
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - G Grosche
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Machin LL, Latcham N, Lavelle C, Williams RA, Corfield L. Exploring the perceived medical ethics and law training needs of UK foundation doctors. Med Teach 2020; 42:92-100. [PMID: 31558083 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2019.1665636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Foundation doctors (FDs) encounter a wide range of ethical and legal issues during their first two years of work. Despite ethics being a key part of most modern undergraduate curricula, FDs can struggle with the issues they see. This study is based on results from an on-line survey answered by 479 UK FDs regarding their medical law and ethics learning needs, and their undergraduate training in this area. Over two-thirds stated they would wish to receive MEL training as an FD on self-discharge against medical advice (∼71%), sedating patients (∼70%), decision making in emergency medicine (∼67%), and withholding and withdrawing treatment (∼66%). Over half of all respondents want MEL training during their Foundation Programme on DNACPR orders (∼63%), dealing with patients with suicidal intent (∼59%), Mental Health Act (∼55%), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (∼54%), and end of life care (∼53%). We therefore propose a minimum curriculum for ethics and law training for FDs based on these topics, as well as cases brought by the FDs themselves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L L Machin
- Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - N Latcham
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Foundation Trust, Lancaster, UK
| | - C Lavelle
- Wirral GP Specialty Training Scheme, Birkenhead, UK
| | - R A Williams
- Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - L Corfield
- Keele Medical School, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
When patients undergo fertility treatment, it is likely that a surplus of embryos will be created. The existence of these surplus embryos creates responsibilities for the clinics where they are stored and for the people who own them. Since 2001, the owners of the surplus embryos in the UK have the option to donate them to be used in stem cell research (SCR). This development has generated a new population-potential embryo donors to SCR-who have unique support needs as they are neither fertility patients nor donors. However, little is known how lay and professional stakeholders associated with fertility treatment and SCR have conceptualised the support needs of potential embryo donors to SCR or have responded to the additional task once the option became available. In this article, we draw on Gieryn's concept of boundary-work to explore how the emergence of donating embryos to SCR has provided opportunities for embryologists, counsellors, and scientists to shift, adapt, or confirm their roles, knowledge base, and areas of expertise. We present a thematic analysis of 21 in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted with UK lay and professional stakeholders associated with fertility treatment and SCR. We conclude with reflections on the implications this boundary-work has for those contemplating donating embryos to SCR and the care they receive when making their decision. Such insights are pertinent given the current policy and practice discussions led by the National Donation Strategy Group to improve the care of donors in the UK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura L Machin
- a Lancaster Medical School , Lancaster University , Lancaster , UK
| | - R A Williams
- b Lancaster Management School , Lancaster University , Lancaster , UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
|
5
|
Genkina D, Aycock LM, Stuhl BK, Lu HI, Williams RA, Spielman IB. Feshbach enhanced s-wave scattering of fermions: direct observation with optimized absorption imaging. New J Phys 2016; 18:013001. [PMID: 26903778 PMCID: PMC4759653 DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/18/1/013001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We directly measured the normalized s-wave scattering cross-section of ultracold 40K atoms across a magnetic-field Feshbach resonance by colliding pairs of degenerate Fermi gases (DFGs) and imaging the scattered atoms. We extracted the scattered fraction for a range of bias magnetic fields, and measured the resonance location to be B0 = 20.206(15) mT with width Δ = 1.0(5) mT. To optimize the signal-to-noise ratio of atom number in scattering images, we developed techniques to interpret absorption images in a regime where recoil induced detuning corrections are significant. These imaging techniques are generally applicable to experiments with lighter alkalis that would benefit from maximizing signal-to-noise ratio on atom number counting at the expense of spatial imaging resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Genkina
- Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899 USA
| | - LM Aycock
- Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899 USA
- Physics Department, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850 USA
| | - BK Stuhl
- Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899 USA
| | - H-I Lu
- Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899 USA
| | - RA Williams
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - IB Spielman
- Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899 USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cull B, Prado Godinho JL, Fernandes Rodrigues JC, Frank B, Schurigt U, Williams RA, Coombs GH, Mottram JC. Glycosome turnover in Leishmania major is mediated by autophagy. Autophagy 2015; 10:2143-57. [PMID: 25484087 PMCID: PMC4502677 DOI: 10.4161/auto.36438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a central process behind the cellular remodeling that occurs during differentiation of Leishmania, yet the cargo of the protozoan parasite's autophagosome is unknown. We have identified glycosomes, peroxisome-like organelles that uniquely compartmentalize glycolytic and other metabolic enzymes in Leishmania and other kinetoplastid parasitic protozoa, as autophagosome cargo. It has been proposed that the number of glycosomes and their content change during the Leishmania life cycle as a key adaptation to the different environments encountered. Quantification of RFP-SQL-labeled glycosomes showed that promastigotes of L. major possess ~20 glycosomes per cell, whereas amastigotes contain ~10. Glycosome numbers were significantly greater in promastigotes and amastigotes of autophagy-defective L. major Δatg5 mutants, implicating autophagy in glycosome homeostasis and providing a partial explanation for the previously observed growth and virulence defects of these mutants. Use of GFP-ATG8 to label autophagosomes showed glycosomes to be cargo in ~15% of them; glycosome-containing autophagosomes were trafficked to the lysosome for degradation. The number of autophagosomes increased 10-fold during differentiation, yet the percentage of glycosome-containing autophagosomes remained constant. This indicates that increased turnover of glycosomes was due to an overall increase in autophagy, rather than an upregulation of autophagosomes containing this cargo. Mitophagy of the single mitochondrion was not observed in L. major during normal growth or differentiation; however, mitochondrial remnants resulting from stress-induced fragmentation colocalized with autophagosomes and lysosomes, indicating that autophagy is used to recycle these damaged organelles. These data show that autophagy in Leishmania has a central role not only in maintaining cellular homeostasis and recycling damaged organelles but crucially in the adaptation to environmental change through the turnover of glycosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Cull
- a Wellcome Trust Center for Molecular Parasitology; Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences ; University of Glasgow ; Glasgow , UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jiménez-García K, LeBlanc LJ, Williams RA, Beeler MC, Qu C, Gong M, Zhang C, Spielman IB. Tunable spin-orbit coupling via strong driving in ultracold-atom systems. Phys Rev Lett 2015; 114:125301. [PMID: 25860752 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.114.125301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Spin-orbit coupling is an essential ingredient in topological materials, conventional and quantum-gas-based alike. Engineered spin-orbit coupling in ultracold-atom systems-unique in their experimental control and measurement opportunities-provides a major opportunity to investigate and understand topological phenomena. Here we experimentally demonstrate and theoretically analyze a technique for controlling spin-orbit coupling in a two-component Bose-Einstein condensate using amplitude-modulated Raman coupling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Jiménez-García
- Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
- Departamento de Física, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México Distrito Federal 07360, México
| | - L J LeBlanc
- Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
| | - R A Williams
- Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
| | - M C Beeler
- Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
| | - C Qu
- Department of Physics, the University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080 USA
| | - M Gong
- Department of Physics, the University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080 USA
| | - C Zhang
- Department of Physics, the University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080 USA
| | - I B Spielman
- Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Starr SE, McConnell TE, Bruskotter JS, Williams RA. Typology of Ohio, USA, tree farmers based upon forestry outreach needs. Environ Manage 2015; 55:308-320. [PMID: 25312296 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-014-0382-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study differentiated groups of Ohio tree farmers through multivariate clustering of their perceived needs for forest management outreach. Tree farmers were surveyed via a mailed questionnaire. Respondents were asked to rate, on a 1-7 scale, their informational needs for 26 outreach topics, which were reduced to six factors. Based on these factors, three clusters were identified-holistic managers, environmental stewards, and pragmatic tree farmers. Cluster assignment of individuals was dependent upon a tree farmer's age, acreage owned, and number of years enrolled in the American Tree Farm System. Holistic managers showed a greater interest in the outreach topics while pragmatic tree farmers displayed an overall lesser interest. Across clusters, print media and in-person workshops were preferred over emails and webinars for receiving forest management information. In-person workshops should be no more than 1 day events, held on a weekday, during the daytime, at a cost not exceeding $35. Programming related to environmental influences, which included managing for forest insects and diseases, was concluded to have the greater potential to impact clientele among all outreach factors due to the information being applicable across demographics and/or management objectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S E Starr
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shaw WL, Williams RA, Dreizin EL, Dlott DD. Using laser-driven flyer plates to study the shock initiation of nanoenergetic materials. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/500/18/182010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
10
|
Williams RA, Beeler MC, LeBlanc LJ, Jiménez-García K, Spielman IB. Raman-induced interactions in a single-component Fermi gas near an s-wave Feshbach resonance. Phys Rev Lett 2013; 111:095301. [PMID: 24033043 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.111.095301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Ultracold gases of interacting spin-orbit-coupled fermions are predicted to display exotic phenomena such as topological superfluidity and its associated Majorana fermions. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a route to strongly interacting single-component atomic Fermi gases by combining an s-wave Feshbach resonance (giving strong interactions) and spin-orbit coupling (creating an effective p-wave channel). We identify the Feshbach resonance by its associated atomic loss feature and show that, in agreement with our single-channel scattering model, this feature is preserved and shifted as a function of the spin-orbit-coupling parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Williams RA, Buskist WF. Twenty-five years of JEAB: A survey of selected demographic characteristics related to publication trends. Behav Anal 2012; 6:161-5. [PMID: 22478586 DOI: 10.1007/bf03392395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Some demographic characteristics related to authorship of research reports in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB) were analyzed as to affiliation and location (U.S. or foreign) of authors. In addition, the incidence of publications by the members of the editorial board was tallied. The number of different affiliations of JEAB authors has decreased steadily over the past several years with substantially fewer papers deriving from independent laboratories and medical schools. While the number of papers by foreign authors has generally increased over the years there is a recent reduction in their number. These data paint a mixed picture of the "health" status of the experimental analysis of behavior as reflected in its major publication outlet.
Collapse
|
12
|
Jiménez-García K, LeBlanc LJ, Williams RA, Beeler MC, Perry AR, Spielman IB. Peierls substitution in an engineered lattice potential. Phys Rev Lett 2012; 108:225303. [PMID: 23003612 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.108.225303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Artificial gauge fields open the possibility to realize quantum many-body systems with ultracold atoms, by engineering Hamiltonians usually associated with electronic systems. In the presence of a periodic potential, artificial gauge fields may bring ultracold atoms closer to the quantum Hall regime. Here, we describe a one-dimensional lattice derived purely from effective Zeeman shifts resulting from a combination of Raman coupling and radio-frequency magnetic fields. In this lattice, the tunneling matrix element is generally complex. We control both the amplitude and the phase of this tunneling parameter, experimentally realizing the Peierls substitution for ultracold neutral atoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Jiménez-García
- Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Caulkin R, Jia X, Fairweather M, Williams RA. Geometric aspects of particle segregation. Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys 2010; 81:051302. [PMID: 20866221 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.81.051302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 01/24/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Size segregation is a natural occurrence both in everyday life and in industrial processes. Understanding and research of the phenomenon has overwhelmingly been from a mechanistic point of view. This paper demonstrates through simulations that segregation can also be explained and trends predicted geometrically. The algorithm used in this study contains three simple elements: random walks combined with a rebounding probability to encourage particles to settle, plus the non-overlap constraint. It is implemented digitally in a regular lattice grid, to make it easy to deal with arbitrary shapes. It does not explicitly consider any particle interaction forces, and it does not include any rules specifically designed to promote or suppress segregation. Yet particle movement, which occurs within a digitized cubic grid, leads to shaking-induced segregation comparable to that observed in physical tests. The paper details the comparison of shaking-induced particle segregation between a series of computer based simulations and those of physical experiments undertaken in the laboratory. A range of mixtures, comprising nonspherical, arbitrary shaped/sized particles are investigated, having been packed into pseudo-two-dimensional containers. The simulation results suggest that segregation can be adequately explained, from a geometrical point of view, as a result of the relative motion between particles of different sizes and shapes. The geometrical algorithm thus provides a fast and qualitative prediction as to how likely segregation is to occur for any given mixture of arbitrary shapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Caulkin
- Institute of Particle Science and Engineering, School of Process, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Williams RA, Al-Assam S, Foot CJ. Observation of vortex nucleation in a rotating two-dimensional lattice of Bose-Einstein condensates. Phys Rev Lett 2010; 104:050404. [PMID: 20366752 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.104.050404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We report the observation of vortex nucleation in a rotating optical lattice. A 87Rb Bose-Einstein condensate was loaded into a static two-dimensional lattice and the rotation frequency of the lattice was then increased from zero. We studied how vortex nucleation depended on optical lattice depth and rotation frequency. For deep lattices above the chemical potential of the condensate we observed a linear dependence of the number of vortices created with the rotation frequency, even below the thermodynamic critical frequency required for vortex nucleation. At these lattice depths the system formed an array of Josephson-coupled condensates. The effective magnetic field produced by rotation introduced characteristic relative phases between neighboring condensates, such that vortices were observed upon ramping down the lattice depth and recombining the condensates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
A Williams R, Savage CE, Jones RC. A comparison of direct electron microscopy, virus isolation and a DNA amplification method for the detection of avian infectious laryngotracheitis virus in field material. Avian Pathol 2009; 23:709-20. [PMID: 18671136 DOI: 10.1080/03079459408419039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Seventy-two post-mortem samples of mainly tracheal tissue from commercial chickens from 25 commercial chicken flocks with suspected infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) were examined for the presence of the virus using direct electron microscopy (EM), virus isolation (VI) in primary chick embryo liver cell culture and a DNA amplification method (polymerase chain reaction; PCR). ILT virus was identified in 22 outbreaks, and in 58 of the 72 specimens. PCR detected virus in 52 of the 72 specimens and VI was positive in 48. In five instances, VI was positive where the other methods were negative and in three, PCR was the only test positive. Direct EM examination detected virus in only 19 of the 58 positive samples and in no case was EM the only method positive. An advantage of PCR was that it could sometimes detect virus in samples that were too heavily contaminated with bacteria for virus to be isolated and on other occasions it was positive for ILT virus when the only virus that could be detected by growth in tissue culture was adenovirus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Departments of Veterinary Pathology and Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Williams RA, Pillet JD, Al-Assam S, Fletcher B, Shotter M, Foot CJ. Dynamic optical lattices: two-dimensional rotating and accordion lattices for ultracold atoms. Opt Express 2008; 16:16977-16983. [PMID: 18852806 DOI: 10.1364/oe.16.016977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate a novel experimental arrangement which can rotate a 2D optical lattice at frequencies up to several kilohertz. Ultracold atoms in such a rotating lattice can be used for the direct quantum simulation of strongly correlated systems under large effective magnetic fields, allowing investigation of phenomena such as the fractional quantum Hall effect. Our arrangement also allows the periodicity of a 2D optical lattice to be varied dynamically, producing a 2D accordion lattice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Williams RA, Al-Afaleq AI, Jordan FT, Bradbury JM, Gaskell RM, Bennett M, Jones RC. Pathogenicity of latent infectious laryngotracheitis virus in chickens. Avian Pathol 2008; 21:287-94. [PMID: 18670940 DOI: 10.1080/03079459208418843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Groups of specific pathogen-free chickens were inoculated with the same dose of a field strain of infectious laryngotracheitis virus that had either been isolated from tracheal swabs taken from infected birds during acute phase shedding, or that had been isolated during an episode of virus shedding after a latent period of 12 to 17 weeks. Birds in both groups developed characteristic clinical signs of ILT including difficulty in breathing, rales and sneezing. Thus, ILT virus shed after a latent period is capable of causing disease in susceptible birds similar to that seen in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Williams RA, Savage CE, Worthington KJ, Jones RC. Further studies on the development of a live attenuated vaccine against turkey rhinotracheitis. Avian Pathol 2008; 20:585-96. [PMID: 18680056 DOI: 10.1080/03079459108418798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT) virus attenuated by passaging in Vero cells was tested at two different passage levels (15 or 25 passages) and two dose levels [10(3) or 10(4) TCID50 (50% tissue culture infectious doses) per bird] to determine the efficacy in protecting turkey poults against experimental challenge with virulent TRT virus. Following administration by the eyedrop route at 10 days of age, all four preparations proved successful in providing protection against clinical disease and establishment of challenge virus in the trachea when challenged with virulent virus 3 weeks later. Twelve-day-old poults given the 25th Vero passage TRT virus at a dose of 10(3.5) TCID50 per bird were protected against experimental challenge with virulent virus for at least 22 weeks post-primary inoculation. The 25th passage virus was tested for safety by administering ten times the dose (10(4.5) TCID50 per bird) used in the previous trial to a group of 10-day-old turkey poults. None of the birds showed any clinical signs during 21 days post-inoculation. Attempts to back-passage the virus from bird to bird were unsuccessful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Three preparations of a strain of turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT) virus were tested for their ability to protect turkey poults against challenge with virulent virus given 3 weeks later. The preparations were as follows: one had been passaged in turkey embryo tracheal organ culture (TOC) 98 times, another had been passaged in primary chick embryo fibroblast (CEF) monolayers 28 times and the third had undergone 17 passages in Vero cell monolayers. Each was administered by the eyedrop route to groups of 21-day-old TRT-seronegative turkey poults. The TOC preparation caused clinical signs consistent with TRT infection, indicating the virus had not been attenuated. The CEF and Vero preparations produced no clinical effects. Following challenge with virulent TRT virus at 21 days post-inoculation, the CEF group developed clinical signs consistent with TRT but the TOC and Vero virus groups showed none. All other parameters correlated with these findings. All groups showed an increase in specific SN and ELISA antibodies following challenge. These results indicated that after relatively few passages in Vero cells, this strain of TRT virus became satisfactorily attenuated and was able to offer protection against clinical disease following experimental challenge. Two of the three virus preparations (TOC and Vero) were also shown to spread from the inoculated birds to uninoculated contact birds, introduced into the groups at 5 days post-inoculation, and they induced protection in these contacts against virulent virus challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary Field Station, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Wirral, England
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Billups KL, Bank AJ, Padma-Nathan H, Katz SD, Williams RA. Erectile dysfunction as a harbinger for increased cardiometabolic risk. Int J Impot Res 2008; 20:236-42. [DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3901634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
21
|
Abstract
The recent discovery that members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of secreted glycoproteins can mediate lymphatic vessel growth (lymphangiogenesis) via cell surface receptor tyrosine kinases expressed on endothelial cells has opened the way for therapeutic intervention for pathologies involving dysregulated lymphatic vessel function. At least two members of this family, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, have been shown to induce lymphangiogenesis in vivo. Lymphatic vessels and their specific growth factors have been directly implicated in a number of significant human pathologies. In cancer, VEGF-C and VEGF-D appear to correlate with tumor metastasis and poor patient outcome in a range of prevalent human cancers. Experimental studies have demonstrated that expression of the lymphangiogenic growth factors in tumor models induces increased lymphangiogenesis and results in spread of tumor cells via the lymphatics. In contrast, conditions such as lymphedema, where lymphatic vessels fail to clear fluid from interstitial spaces, are opportunities for which the application of growth factors to generate new lymphatic vessels may be a viable therapeutic option. The list of molecules that control lymphangiogenesis is now expanding, allowing more opportunities for the development of drugs with which to manipulate the relevant signalling pathways. Modulating these pathways and other molecules with specificity to the lymphatic endothelium could offer alternative treatments for a number of important clinical conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S A Stacker
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, PO Box 2008, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria 3050, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Maple-Brown LJ, Williams RA, Ward RL. Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia in a large family with neurofibromatosis 1. Clin Genet 2002; 62:252-4. [PMID: 12220444 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0004.2002.620313.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
24
|
Brody BL, Gamst AC, Williams RA, Smith AR, Lau PW, Dolnak D, Rapaport MH, Kaplan RM, Brown SI. Depression, visual acuity, comorbidity, and disability associated with age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmology 2001; 108:1893-900; discussion 1900-1. [PMID: 11581068 DOI: 10.1016/s0161-6420(01)00754-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 372] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine (1) the prevalence of depressive disorders in community-dwelling adults with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and (2) the relationship in this population between depression, visual acuity, the number of comorbid medical conditions, disability caused by vision loss as measured by the National Eye Institute-Vision Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) and the vision-specific Sickness Impact Profile (SIPV), and disability caused by overall health status as measured by the Sickness Impact Profile-68 (SIP). DESIGN Analysis of cross-sectional baseline data from a randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 151 adults aged 60 and older (mean age, 80 years) with advanced macular degeneration whose vision was 20/60 or worse in their better eye. METHODS Subjects were interviewed using measures of depression, disability, and chronic medical conditions. Visual acuity was obtained. Nonparametric correlation analyses and linear regression analyses were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), NEI-VFQ, SIPV, and SIP. RESULTS Of the participants, 32.5% (n = 49) met SCID-IV criteria for depressive disorder, twice the rate observed in previous studies of community-dwelling elderly. Over and above depression (GDS), visual acuity aided in prediction of the level of vision-specific disability (NEI-VFQ and SIPV). CONCLUSIONS Depressive disorder is a significant problem for the elderly afflicted with advanced macular degeneration. Further research on psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions for depressed AMD patients is warranted to improve depression and enhance functioning. Over and above depression, visual acuity aided in predicting vision-specific disability. Treatment strategies that teach patients to cope with vision loss should be developed and evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B L Brody
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0946, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Williams RA. Fighting the "pickle" in my head. Med Econ 2001; 78:93-4, 99. [PMID: 11573396] [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: 02/21/2023]
|
26
|
Williams RA. Clinical and professional reference guides. Cut-off and toxicity levels for drugs-of-abuse testing. MLO Med Lab Obs 2001; 33:16-7. [PMID: 11571830] [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: 02/21/2023]
|
27
|
Berrie JR, Williams RA, Smith KE. Microbial transformations of steroids--XII. Progesterone hydroxylation profiles are modulated by post-translational modification of an electron transfer protein in Streptomyces roseochromogenes. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2001; 77:87-96. [PMID: 11358678 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-0760(01)00024-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
When Streptomyces roseochromogenes strain 10984 was incubated with exogenous progesterone for 25 h the major monohydroxylated metabolite, 16alpha-hydroxyprogesterone was produced in 3.6 fold excess to the minor metabolite 2beta,16alpha-dihydroxyprogesterone. In a reconstituted system containing highly purified progesterone 16alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P-450, and electron transfer proteins ferredoxin-like redoxin (roseoredoxin) and redoxin reductase (roseoredoxin reductase), both metabolites were produced but in a 10:1 ratio. When S. roseochromogenes was pre-incubated for 8 h with 0.32 mM progesterone and the purified components of the hydroxylase system incubated as before, the ratio of 16alpha-hydroxyprogesterone to 2beta,16alpha-dihydroxyprogesterone produced decreased to 2.8:1, virtually identical to the ratio in whole cell transformations. Reconstitution assays containing all combinations of hydroxylase proteins purified from progesterone pre-incubated and control cells showed that the roseoredoxin was solely responsible for the observed changes in in vitro metabolite ratios. The fact that the lower 16alpha-hydroxyprogesterone to 2beta,16alpha-dihydroxyprogesterone ratio was also obtained when S. roseochromogenes was exposed to 0.335 mM cycloheximide for 8 h prior to the progesterone pre-incubation, pointed to post-translation modification of the roseoredoxin. Separation of two isoforms of roseoredoxin by isoelectric focusing supported this proposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J R Berrie
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary and Westfield College Medical School, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Achen MG, Williams RA, Minekus MP, Thornton GE, Stenvers K, Rogers PA, Lederman F, Roufail S, Stacker SA. Localization of vascular endothelial growth factor-D in malignant melanoma suggests a role in tumour angiogenesis. J Pathol 2001; 193:147-54. [PMID: 11180159 DOI: 10.1002/1096-9896(2000)9999:9999<::aid-path757>3.0.co;2-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Expression of angiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors by tumours may influence the route of metastatic spread. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a regulator of tumour angiogenesis, but studies of the inhibition of solid tumour growth by neutralizing anti-VEGF antibodies indicated that other angiogenic factors may be involved. VEGF-D may be an alternative regulator because like VEGF it is angiogenic and it activates VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), an endothelial cell receptor which is a key signalling molecule in tumour angiogenesis. This study reports the generation of monoclonal antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of VEGF-D and the use of these antibodies to localize VEGF-D in malignant melanoma. VEGF-D was detected in tumour cells and in vessels adjacent to immunopositive tumour cells, but not in vessels distant from the tumours. These findings are consistent with a model in which VEGF-D, secreted by tumour cells, activates endothelial cell receptors and thereby contributes to the regulation of tumour angiogenesis and possibly lymphangiogenesis. In addition, VEGF-D was detected in the vascular smooth muscle, but not the endothelium, of vessels in adult colon. The endothelium of these vessels was negative for VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. As VEGF receptors can be up-regulated on endothelium in response to vessel damage and ischaemia, these findings of a specific localization of VEGF-D in smooth muscle of the blood vessels suggest that VEGF-D produced by vascular smooth muscle could play a role in vascular repair by stimulating the proliferation of endothelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M G Achen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Post Office Box 2008, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria 3050, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Stacker SA, Caesar C, Baldwin ME, Thornton GE, Williams RA, Prevo R, Jackson DG, Nishikawa S, Kubo H, Achen MG. VEGF-D promotes the metastatic spread of tumor cells via the lymphatics. Nat Med 2001; 7:186-91. [PMID: 11175849 DOI: 10.1038/84635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 887] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.6] [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: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis to local lymph nodes via the lymphatic vessels is a common step in the spread of solid tumors. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the spread of cancer by the lymphatics, we examined the ability of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-D, a ligand for the lymphatic growth factor receptor VEGFR-3/Flt-4, to induce formation of lymphatics in a mouse tumor model. Staining with markers specific for lymphatic endothelium demonstrated that VEGF-D induced the formation of lymphatics within tumors. Moreover, expression of VEGF-D in tumor cells led to spread of the tumor to lymph nodes, whereas expression of VEGF, an angiogenic growth factor which activates VEGFR-2 but not VEGFR-3, did not. VEGF-D also promoted tumor angiogenesis and growth. Lymphatic spread induced by VEGF-D could be blocked with an antibody specific for VEGF-D. This study demonstrates that lymphatics can be established in solid tumors and implicates VEGF family members in determining the route of metastatic spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S A Stacker
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
Szapocznik J, Williams RA. Brief Strategic Family Therapy: twenty-five years of interplay among theory, research and practice in adolescent behavior problems and drug abuse. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2000; 3:117-34. [PMID: 11227062 PMCID: PMC1480650 DOI: 10.1023/a:1009512719808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This article describes a systematic program of research that focuses on Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) and the adaptations that were developed based on BSFT principles. The culture-specific origins of BSFT are reviewed, as well as its broader applications to the field of family therapy. Research is reviewed demonstrating that BSFT is a promising family-based approach to treating Hispanic youth behavior problems and drug abuse. Treatment innovations are described that address the combination of intergenerational and cultural differences that occur among youths and their Hispanic parents. Programmatic work is described that challenges basic principles of family therapy by expanding BSFT to a One Person modality and a strategic engagement procedure. Both of these novel approaches are intended to add tools to therapists' repertoire in working with difficult-to-engage families. A preview discussion of results is presented from a randomized clinical trial that is an application of an ecosystemic prevention version of BSFT. The implications of the work of the Center for Family Studies are discussed in the context of the broader service system. Ultimately, this article articulates a way of thinking about adolescent problem behavior, its social interactional determinants, and a range of theoretically consistent family-centered strategies that attempt to change social ecological processes that impact adolescent developmental trajectories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Szapocznik
- Center for Family Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
This study examined changes in directed attention and short-term memory in depression using a newly constructed battery of computerized measures. A repeated measures design was used with two sample groups; 25 individuals meeting DSM-IV criteria for Major Depression and a group-matched comparison sample of 27. Both groups were tested at three points in time over a 10-week period. Test-retest reliability of the measures was examined. Profile analysis demonstrated that there were differences between the depressed and comparison groups in both directed attention and short-term memory. Recommendations for specific improvements in the testing battery are discussed. The ability to detect changes in directed attention and short-term memory may have clinical utility in early detection of impending onset of depression or subtle residual symptoms of an acute episode that may impair functioning or signal a relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- University of Michigan, School of Nursing, 400 N. Ingalls, Room 4352, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Brody BL, Williams RA, Thomas RG, Kaplan RM, Chu RM, Brown SI. Age-related macular degeneration: a randomized clinical trial of a self-management intervention. Ann Behav Med 2000; 21:322-9. [PMID: 10721440 DOI: 10.1007/bf02895965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized clinical trial to assess whether a self-management group intervention can improve mood, self-efficacy, and activity in people with central vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ninety-two elderly patients with AMD (average age = 79) from a university ophthalmology clinic were randomly assigned to the self-management intervention (n = 44) or to a wait-list (n = 48). All patients were legally blind in at least one eye. The intervention consisted of 6 weekly 2-hour group sessions providing education about the disease, group discussion, and behavioral and cognitive skills training to address barriers to independence. All participants eventually completed the intervention allowing pre-post comparisons for all patients. The battery of measures included the Profile of Mood States (POMS); Quality of Well-Being Scale; and assessments of self-efficacy, participation in activities, and use of vision aids. Participants' initial psychological distress was high (mean total POMS = 59.72) and similar to distress experienced by other serious chronic illness populations (e.g. cancer, bone marrow transplant). Analysis of covariance testing the primary hypothesis revealed that intervention participants experienced significantly (p = .04) reduced psychological distress (pre mean = 61.45; post mean = 51.14) in comparison with wait-list controls (pre mean = 57.72; post mean = 62.32). Intervention participants also experienced improved (p = .02) self-efficacy (pre mean = 70.16; post mean = 77.27) in comparison with controls (pre mean = 67.71; post mean = 69.07). Further, intervention participants increased their use of vision aids (p < .001; pre mean = 3.37, post mean = 6.69). This study demonstrates that a relatively brief behavioral intervention can substantially reduce psychological distress and increase self-efficacy in elderly adults experiencing vision loss due to macular degeneration. Self-management intervention appears to improve mood, self-efficacy, and use of vision aids, further enhancing the lives of poorly sighted individuals with AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B L Brody
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Ophthalmology, La Jolla 92093-0946, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
Determining the most appropriate management approach for patients with unsuspected choledocholithiasis may be difficult because of the subjective nature of this decision in the absence of clinical data. Treatment of incidental choledocholithiasis during laparoscopic cholecystectomy was reviewed during a 25-month period. Operative cholangiograms were analyzed retrospectively to determine if associations exist between common bile duct stone characteristics and the intraoperative treatment selected by the operating surgeon. Cholangiographic data included quantification of common bile duct stones, stone dimension, position, and presence of radiopaque contrast flow into the duodenum. Two hundred thirty-six laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients underwent operative cholangiography; 25 (11%) demonstrated choledocholithiasis. Seven patients were converted to open common bile duct exploration (group I), 16 patients were referred for postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (group II), and two patients were observed (group III). Evaluation of the operative cholangiograms revealed multiple common bile duct stones (>1) in 86% (6 of 7) in group I, 25% (4 of 16) in group II, and none in group III. All patients in group I had at least one stone larger than 5 ml in greatest diameter, whereas only 33% (6 of 18) in groups II and III combined had stones larger than 5 ml. Group I had significantly (P = 0.027) more representation of delayed or no contrast flow during operative cholangiography compared to groups II and III. The intraoperative decision to proceed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and rely on postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for stone retrieval rather than open common bile duct exploration was associated with (1) a single common bile duct stone, less than or equal to 5 ml in size on operative cholangiogram and (2) normal contrast flow into the duodenum. Open common bile duct exploration was more frequently associated with the demonstration of multiple or large (>5 ml) stones. A periampullary stone did not discriminate among treatment choices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Duensing
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California 92868, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Giaretti W, Rapallo A, Sciutto A, Macciocu B, Geido E, Hermsen MA, Postma C, Baak JP, Williams RA, Meijer GA. Intratumor heterogeneity of k-ras and p53 mutations among human colorectal adenomas containing early cancer. Anal Cell Pathol 2000; 21:49-57. [PMID: 11310641 PMCID: PMC4615987 DOI: 10.1155/2000/747524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular pathways and the timing of genetic events during human colorectal carcinogenesis are still not fully understood. We have addressed the intratumor heterogeneity of the mutational status of the k-ras oncogene and of the p53 oncosuppressor gene during the adenoma-carcinoma sequence by investigating 26 human colorectal adenomas containing early cancer. An intratumor comparative analysis was obtained among the adenomatous and carcinomatous component pairs. Additionally, we have analyzed 17 adenomas having cancer in the near vicinity. The adenomatous components of the adenomas containing early cancer and the adenomas having cancer in the near vicinity had comparable frequencies for k-ras mutations (28 and 47%) but different for p53 mutations (52 and 7%, p-value = 0.01). Interestingly, the adenomatous and carcinomatous components of the adenomas containing early cancer were rarely heterogeneous for the k-ras mutational status (only in 13% of the cases) but were characterized by heterogeneity of the p53 status in 59% of the cases (p-value < 0.01). In addition, the mutations of p53 for the adenomatous components of the adenomas containing early cancer were statistically significantly associated with severe dysplasia (p-value = 0.01). Intratumor homogeneity of k-ras status during the human colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence suggests that the role of k-ras is more related to tumor initiation than to tumor progression. On the contrary, intratumor heterogeneity of p53 mutations indicates that the type of the p53 mutations may also be relevant for selection and expansion of new subclones leading to tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Giaretti
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Cytometry, National Cancer Institute (IST), Genova, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Berrie JR, Williams RA, Smith KE. Microbial transformations of steroids-XI. Progesterone transformation by Streptomyces roseochromogenes-purification and characterisation of the 16alpha-hydroxylase system. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1999; 71:153-65. [PMID: 10659704 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-0760(99)00132-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Streptomyces roseochromogenes, NCIB 10984, contains a cytochrome P450 which, in conjunction with two indigenous electron transfer proteins, roseoredoxin and roseoredoxin reductase, hydroxylates exogenous progesterone firstly to 16alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and thereafter in a second phase bioconversion to 2beta,16alpha-dihydroxyprogesterone. The progesterone 16alpha-hydroxylase P450 and the two electron transfer proteins have been purified to homogeneity. A reconstituted incubation containing these three purified proteins and NADH, the natural electron donor, produced identical hydroxy-progesterone metabolites as in intact cells. Peroxy and hydroperoxy compounds act in a shortened form of the cycle known as the 'peroxide shunt' by replacing the natural pathway requirement for the electron donor NADH, the electron transfer proteins and molecular O2, the terminal electron acceptor. In an NaIO4 supported incubation, the initial rate of progesterone hydroxylation was marginally higher (1.62 mmol progesterone/mmol P-450/h) than in the reconstituted natural incubation (1.18 mmol progesterone/mmol P-450/h) but the product yield was significantly lower, 0.45 mol hydroxyprogesterone produced/mol P-450 compared to 6.0 mol hydroxyprogesterone produced/mol P-450. These yield data show that in the reconstituted natural pathway, progesterone 16alpha-hydroxylase P450 supports multiple rounds of hydroxylation in contrast to a likely single oxygenation by a minority of P450s in the peroxide shunt pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J R Berrie
- Department of Biochemistry, Queen Mary and Westfield College, London, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Atkinson JH, Slater MA, Wahlgren DR, Williams RA, Zisook S, Pruitt SD, Epping-Jordan JE, Patterson TL, Grant I, Abramson I, Garfin SR. Effects of noradrenergic and serotonergic antidepressants on chronic low back pain intensity. Pain 1999; 83:137-45. [PMID: 10534584 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3959(99)00082-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
To understand the relative efficacy of noradrenergic and serotonergic antidepressants as analgesics in chronic back pain without depression, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-control head-to-head comparison of maprotiline (a norepinephrine reuptake blocker) and paroxetine (a serotonin reuptake blocker) in 103 patients with chronic low back pain. Of these 74 completed the trial; of the 29 who did not complete, 19 were withdrawn because of adverse effects. The intervention consisted of an 8-week course of maprotiline (up to 150 mg daily) or paroxetine (up to 30 mg daily) or an active placebo, diphenhydramine hydrochloride (up to 37.5 mg daily). Patients were excluded for current major depression. Reduction in pain intensity (Descriptor Differential Scale scores) was significantly greater for study completers randomized to maprotiline compared to placebo (P=0.023), and to paroxetine (P=0.013), with a reduction of pain by 45% compared to 27% on placebo and 26% on paroxetine. These results suggest that at standard dosages noradrenergic agents may provide more effective analgesia in back pain than do selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J H Atkinson
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0603, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Williams RA, Strasser PB. Depression in the workplace. Impact on employees. AAOHN J 1999; 47:526-37; quiz 538-9. [PMID: 10865540] [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: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Given the current high incidence of depression, occupational health nurses in all work settings are likely to encounter many employees who suffer from some form of depression. Depression has the highest medical benefit costs for all behavioral conditions and results in more days of disability than chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and lower back pain. Advances in understanding the physiologic changes in the brain which cause depression have lead to development of effective psychopharmacologic agents for treatment. Depressed individuals have the most positive responses with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Nurses need to assist affected employees to obtain optimal mental health care so they may remain as functional as possible, thereby diminishing the detrimental effects of the illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Williams RA, Baak JP, Meijer GA, Charlton IG. Influence of section thickness, mean nuclear diameter and nuclear crowding on DNA ploidy in histologic sections of melanocytic skin lesions. Anal Quant Cytol Histol 1999; 21:413-24. [PMID: 10560524] [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: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of section thickness, nuclear diameter (MND) and area percentage of nuclei (a measure of nuclear crowding) on histologic DNA ploidy assessed by image cytometry (ICM) of primary melanocytic skin neoplasms (MSNs). STUDY DESIGN Initially a feasibility study was performed to determine if comparable DNA ploidy histograms could be obtained from cell disaggregates and tissue sections. Following this, DNA ICM was performed on Feulgen-stained tissue sections (4, 6, 8 and 10 microns thick) from 30 primary MSNs (20 benign, 10 malignant) with nuclear diameters from 5.6 to 8.6 microns. Area percentage of nuclei was assessed in all cases at all section thicknesses. RESULTS The feasibility study produced comparable results for cytocentrifuge and tissue section preparations. For sectioned MSNs, DNA ploidy histograms from 4-micron sections had a higher coefficient of variation of the 2c peak than those from 6-, 8- and 10-micron sections. Ten-micrometer sections had marked overlapping of nuclei, and only small numbers of cells could be measured, giving inadequate results. MND and area percentage of nuclei did not have an important influence on the results. CONCLUSION Adequate DNA ploidy profiles can be obtained by DNA ICM on 6- and 8-micron-thick histologic sections of MSNs, provided that a strict measurement protocol is followed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Williams RA, Baak JP, Meijer GA, Charlton IG. DNA ploidy and nuclear morphometry for the classification of dysplastic nevi. Anal Quant Cytol Histol 1999; 21:437-44. [PMID: 10560527] [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: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the diagnostic value of DNA ploidy and nuclear morphometric features in sporadic dysplastic nevi as compared to those in compound nevi and melanoma. STUDY DESIGN DNA ploidy profiles plus seven direct and three derived nuclear features were obtained in a series of 120 melanocytic skin neoplasms (30 dysplastic nevi [DN], 30 melanomas [MM], 60 compound nevi [CN]) and the results compared. RESULTS DNA ploidy separated melanomas from benign melanocytic skin neoplasms with 96.5% accuracy in classifying the grouped cases. The derived nuclear shape factor Form PE and nuclear axis ratio were the most successful discriminants separating DN from MM but allowed only 73.3% correct classification of cases. Separation of DN from CN was best achieved using Form PE and mean nuclear area (74.4% correctly classified). Results from compound nevi in subjects < 25 years of age fell between those for DN and MM. CONCLUSION Quantitative nuclear cytologic characteristics in sporadic dysplastic nevi span a range seen in common nevi through to those in thin melanomas. Cytologic changes in sporadic dysplastic nevi overlap those seen in other melanocytic skin neoplasms. Therefore, other reproducible morphometric features need to be assessed in order to further refine the histopathologic diagnosis of this entity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Fervenza FC, Terreros D, Boutaud A, Hudson BG, Williams RA, Donadio JV, Schwab TR. Recurrent Goodpasture's disease due to a monoclonal IgA-kappa circulating antibody. Am J Kidney Dis 1999; 34:549-55. [PMID: 10469867 DOI: 10.1016/s0272-6386(99)70084-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We describe the case of a 54-year-old man who first presented with a clinical syndrome manifested by recurrent pulmonary hemorrhage, hematuria, and mild renal insufficiency. Direct immunofluorescence of renal biopsy sections showed linear deposition of IgA-kappa in the glomerular (GBM) and tubular basement membranes. Serum protein immunoelectrophoresis was positive for a monoclonal immunoglobulin A (IgA)-kappa protein. Serum analysis showed circulating IgA anti-GBM antibodies. Treatment with high-dose steroids, cyclophosphamide, and plasma exchange resulted in resolution of the clinical picture. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Goodpasture's disease associated with the presence of a circulating monoclonal IgA-kappa antibody.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F C Fervenza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Williams RA, Hagerty BM, Hoyle K, Yousha SM, Abdoo Y, Andersen C, Engler D. Research from afar: considerations for conducting an off-site research project. J Prof Nurs 1999; 15:288-93. [PMID: 10554469 DOI: 10.1016/s8755-7223(99)80054-4] [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: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
An off-site research project is defined as a research study having a conduction location and data-collection site from which the principal investigator is geographically separated. Off-site research projects will likely increase because they afford greater access to larger research subject pools relevant to research questions and allow participation research at a site from which research would otherwise not be conducted. The critical elements proposed to make an off-site study successful include system negotiations, attending to personnel issues, fostering communication, encouraging subject participation, optimizing data collection and management, considering privacy issues, and ensuring optimal research team performance. An example of a specific off-site study involving a major midwest research university in one state and a large United States Navy training center in another state is discussed, and essential elements in establishing off-site research are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Division of Acute, Critical, and Long-Term Care Programs, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Radford AD, Bennett M, McArdle F, Dawson S, Turner PC, Williams RA, Glenn MA, Gaskell RM. Quasispecies evolution of a hypervariable region of the feline calicivirus capsid gene in cell culture and persistently infected cats. Vet Microbiol 1999; 69:67-8. [PMID: 10515272 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1135(99)00090-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The study determines the sequence evolution of feline calicivirus both in cell culture and in persistently infected cats and relates this to changes in virus neutralisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A D Radford
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Podnos YD, Campbell B, Wilson SE, Williams RA. Patterns of graduating medical student career selections from 1993 to 1998 and their effect on surgery as a career choice. Arch Surg 1999; 134:876-80; discussion 880-1. [PMID: 10443812 DOI: 10.1001/archsurg.134.8.876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Despite successful efforts in California to increase the number of graduating medical students entering primary care residencies, general surgery remains a popular career choice. DESIGN Retrospective survey of annual graduating medical student residency selections from allopathic medical schools in California between 1993 and 1998. METHODS Each medical school in California was sent a survey of its graduates' specialty choices from 1993 to 1998. Once quantified, comparisons using t tests, chi2 analyses, and analyses of variance were performed to assess differences in graduating medical student career choices. RESULTS Surveys were received from 7 of 8 allopathic medical schools in California representing 5154 students (3645 from University of California medical schools). In the study period, the number entering primary care residencies rose from 45.5% in 1993 to 54.3% in 1998. Despite this overall trend, statistically significant increases were seen only for pediatrics between 1993 and 1994. The number of students entering general surgery did not change significantly. Significant decreases were seen in emergency medicine and obstetrics and gynecology between 1997 and 1998 and in anesthesiology between 1994 and 1995 and again between 1995 and 1996. When considering only University of California graduates, the number choosing primary care residencies rose from 46.6% in 1993 to 54.2% in 1998. As before, the number entering general surgery did not change (6.1% in 1993 and 6.3% in 1998). CONCLUSION Owing to institutional, legislative, and market pressures, more graduates of California medical schools (both public and private institutions) are choosing to become primary care practitioners. A corresponding decrease in medical students entering general surgery has not resulted, which points to an optimistic future and continuing demand for surgeons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y D Podnos
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange 92868, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Williams RA, Rode J, Baak JP, Charlton IG. Discrimination between benign and malignant melanocytic skin lesions by multivariate analysis, quantitative S-100 immunohistochemistry, nuclear morphometry and DNA cytometry. Anal Quant Cytol Histol 1999; 21:353-7. [PMID: 10560514] [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: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether combined quantitative immunohistochemistry of S-100, nuclear morphometry and DNA image cytometry improves discrimination between benign and malignant melanocytic skin lesions (MSLs). STUDY DESIGN S-100 protein expression was measured in tissue sections of MSLs using an image cytometry system. Localized areas of high S-100 expression were used to identify regions in sequential, facing sections in which morphometric and cytometric features of nuclei, including DNA ploidy, were also measured. RESULTS Malignant cases had significantly higher S-100 protein staining intensity, larger nuclei and greater DNA content (P < .05). High staining intensity for S-100 protein weakly correlated with variation in size of the mean nuclear area (P = .04) and DNA content (P = .03). Combining the features of nuclear area and DNA integrated optical density in areas of high-intensity staining for S-100 protein discriminated more accurately between 12 benign and 16 malignant areas than any of the features along (P = .0003). CONCLUSION Combined multivariate quantitative immunohistochemical, morphometric and DNA cytometric analysis greatly improves discrimination between benign MSLs and malignant melanoma. Larger test sets are required to confirm the promising results of this initial study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand transmission of microbes by health care workers is a primary cause of nosocomial infections in both long-term and acute care facilities. Compliance with effective handwashing and hand sanitization regimens can break this cycle. METHODS We investigated the antimicrobial efficacy and irritation potential of 5 handwash product regimens: a nonantimicrobial lotion soap, an antimicrobial lotion soap, an alcohol gel sanitizer, a nonantimicrobial lotion soap with an alcohol gel sanitizer, and an antimicrobial lotion soap with an alcohol gel sanitizer. The regimens were evaluated by using a Healthcare Personnel Handwash procedure, and irritation was assessed by using expert hand evaluation after 25 consecutive washes. RESULTS The Healthcare Personnel Handwash data showed that the mean log reductions from baseline were greatest for the lotion soaps with alcohol gel sanitizer, less for the alcohol and the antimicrobial soap alone, and least for the bland soap. All of the product regimens showed a low potential for skin irritation. CONCLUSION In terms of both microorganism reduction and skin irritation, the most effective product regimens were the use of alcohol gel sanitizer in combination with either an antimicrobial or a plain lotion soap.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D S Paulson
- BioScience Laboratories, Inc, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of interpersonal phenomena have been linked to depression, including sense of belonging, social support, conflict, and loneliness. OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of the interpersonal phenomena of sense of belonging, social support, loneliness, and conflict on depression, and to describe the predictive value of sense of belonging for depression in the context of other interpersonal phenomenon. METHOD A sample of clients with major depressive disorder and students in a midwestern community college participated in the study by completing questionnaires. RESULTS Path analysis showed significant direct paths as postulated, with 64% of the variance of depression explained by the variables in the model. Social support had only an indirect effect on depression, and this finding supported the buffer theory of social support. Sense of belonging was a better predictor of depression. CONCLUSIONS The study findings emphasize the importance of relationship-oriented experiences as part of assessment and intervention strategies for individuals with depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B M Hagerty
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand the health care needs (or perceived needs) of incarcerated female adolescents by comparing their rates of physical complaints, health attitudes, and treatment seeking to a normative sample. METHODS A sample (n = 138) of incarcerated girls was administered the Somatic Symptom Checklist, the Illness Attitudes Scales, and the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale to assess lifetime prevalence of physical symptoms, attitudes toward health, treatment-seeking experience, and emotional distress, and allow for comparison with a normative sample. Information regarding length of incarceration, race, and school achievement was obtained from institutional records. RESULTS A median lifetime prevalence of 12 symptoms for the incarcerated sample differed significantly from the median of six symptoms reported by a normative sample. The symptoms most commonly expressed by the detainees were dizziness, heart pounding, chest pains, and nausea. In both their attitudes toward illness and actual physical complaints, these subjects were more concerned about illness and perceived themselves to be more physically impaired. Self-reported symptoms of depression and illness were positively correlated. Physical complaints were independent of age, race, length of incarceration, or achievement scores. CONCLUSIONS The frequency and variety of somatic complaints, as well as their relationship to emotional distress, among these incarcerated girls highlight the need for integration of physical and mental health services within juvenile facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia 31207, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Beliefs about and attitudes toward pharmacotherapy have been shown to play an important role in mediating compliance with psychoactive medications. This study is an examination of attitudes toward drug treatment in a sample of delinquent incarcerated girls. METHOD Female adolescents (N = 214) in a juvenile detention facility were administered a questionnaire assessing general beliefs and specific concerns about taking psychiatric medications. Demographic and historical data, including prior psychiatric drug treatment and illicit substance abuse, were also examined as possible influencing variables. RESULTS Nearly one half of subjects were skeptical about the benefits of pharmacotherapy. Prior illicit drug use did not influence attitudes, but having been treated with psychiatric medication was related to enhanced perceptions of the efficacy and acceptance of such therapy. Specific concerns about untoward effects of pharmacotherapy were identified. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that these delinquent adolescents would benefit from techniques to improve initial attitudes toward treatment and challenge the prescribing physician to consider the unique worries and concerns that may undermine compliance with medication regimens among teenagers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Williams
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207-0001, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Sideso O, Williams RA, Welch SG, Smith KE. Progesterone 6-hydroxylation is catalysed by cytochrome P-450 in the moderate thermophile Bacillus thermoglucosidasius strain 12060. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1998; 67:163-9. [PMID: 9877217 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-0760(98)00101-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The moderate thermophile, Bacillus thermoglucosidasius, transforms progesterone into four metabolites. These are 6alpha- and 6beta-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and testosterone. This is the first report of bacterial 6alpha-hydroxylation of steroids. The identity of the progesterone metabolites shows that there are three major types of transforming activity in this organism; C-17-C-20 lyase that cleaves the pregnane side chain of the substrate, C-17 oxidoreductase that interconverts the metabolites androstenedione and testosterone, and 6-hydroxylation. 6-hydroxylation activity was purified virtually to homogeneity and was shown to be catalysed by a cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase enzyme. This is the first report of a thermostable cytochrome P-450.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O Sideso
- Department of Biochemistry, Queen Mary and Westfield College, London, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|