Showing papers by "Medical University of South Carolina published in 1994"
TL;DR: It is concluded that autoxidation of glucose or Amadori compounds on protein plays a major role in the formation of gly Coxidation products and cross-liking of collagen by glucose in vitro and that chelators, sulfhydryl compounds, antioxidants, and aminoguanidine act as uncouplers of glycation from subsequent glycoxidation andCross-linking reactions.
Abstract: The Maillard or browning reaction between sugar and protein contributes to the increased chemical modification and cross-linking of long-lived tissue proteins in diabetes. To evaluate the role of glycation and oxidation in these reactions, we have studied the effects of oxidative and antioxidative conditions and various types of inhibitors on the reaction of glucose with rat tail tendon collagen in phosphate buffer at physiological pH and temperature. The chemical modifications of collagen that were measured included fructoselysine, the glycoxidation products N epsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine and pentosidine and fluorescence. Collagen cross-linking was evaluated by analysis of cyanogen bromide peptides using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by changes in collagen solubilization on treatment with pepsin or sodium dodecylsulfate. Although glycation was unaffected, formation of glycoxidation products and cross-linking of collagen were inhibited by antioxidative conditions. The kinetics of formation of glycoxidation products proceeded with a short lag phase and were independent of the amount of Amadori adduct on the protein, suggesting that autoxidative degradation of glucose was a major contributor to glycoxidation and cross-linking reactions. Chelators, sulfhydryl compounds, antioxidants, and aminoguanidine also inhibited formation of glycoxidation products, generation of fluorescence, and cross-linking of collagen without significant effect on the extent of glycation of the protein. We conclude that autoxidation of glucose or Amadori compounds on protein plays a major role in the formation of glycoxidation products and cross-liking of collagen by glucose in vitro and that chelators, sulfhydryl compounds, antioxidants, and aminoguanidine act as uncouplers of glycation from subsequent glycoxidation and cross-linking reactions.
481Â citations
TL;DR: Differences between gender, age, and race groups appear to be related to differential risk of exposure, reporting biases, as well as a differential risk for developing post-traumatic symptoms.
Abstract: Objective To determine the range and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms exhibited by children after exposure to a natural disaster. Method Three months after Hurricane Hugo struck Berkeley County, South Carolina, 5,687 school-aged children were surveyed about their experiences and reactions related to the storm. Self-reports of PTSD symptoms were obtained by use of a PTSD Reaction Index. Results Significant variation in the prevalence of PTSD symptoms was found across race, gender, and age groups. Self-reported symptoms were used to derive a post-traumatic stress syndrome classification according to DSM-III-R guidelines for the diagnosis of PTSD. More than 5% of the sample reported sufficient symptoms to be classified as exhibiting this post-traumatic stress syndrome. Females and younger children were more likely to receive this classification. At the symptom level, females reported more symptoms associated with emotional processing and emotional reaction to the trauma. Males were more likely to report symptoms related to cognitive and behavioral factors. Younger children were more likely to report symptoms overall. Conclusions Children exposed to a high magnitude natural disaster report sufficient symptoms to establish a DSM-III-R derived classification of a PTSD syndrome. Differences between gender, age, and race groups appear to be related to differential risk of exposure, reporting biases, as well as a differential risk for developing posttraumatic symptoms.
408Â citations
TL;DR: This review lists the medicinal agents currently available for chemical pleurodesis but defer discussion of less considered and unavailable agents such as CalmetteGurin bacillus cell-wall skeleton, nitrogen mustard, quinacrine, and thiotepa.
Abstract: Purpose: To provide information about available agents for chemical pleurodesis. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (1966 to October 1992) was conducted using the terms malignant pleural effusion and p...
401Â citations
TL;DR: Radiofrequency catheter ablation has been used extensively to treat refractory supraventricular tachycardia in adults, but few data are available on its safety and efficacy in children and adolescents.
Abstract: Background Although radiofrequency catheter ablation has been used extensively to treat refractory supraventricular tachycardia in adults, few data are available on its safety and efficacy in children and adolescents. We reviewed registry data obtained from 24 centers to evaluate the indications, early results, complications, and short-term follow-up data in young patients who underwent this procedure. Methods Standardized data were submitted for 652 patients who underwent 725 procedures between January 1, 1991, and September 1, 1992. The mean length of follow-up was 13.5 months. Results The median age of the patients was 13.5 years, and 84 percent of them had structurally normal hearts. The initial success rates for ablation of atrioventricular accessory pathways (508 of 615 procedures) and atrioventricular-node reentry (63 of 76 procedures) were both 83 percent. Greater institutional experience in performing ablation in children and location of the accessory pathway in the left free wall correlated with...
349Â citations
TL;DR: Clinical and experimental evidence support the concept that the current amount of perioperative glucocorticoid coverage is excessive and has been based on anecdotal information.
Abstract: ObjectiveThe authors review the historical basis for the provision of perioperative glucocorticoid coverage, and detail the evolution in the understanding of the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortical (HPA) axis in response to physical stressors. New recommendations are proposed for glu
336Â citations
TL;DR: Pregnancy-induced hypertension may be a problem of primipaternity rather than primigravidity, and an extended duration of sexual cohabitation before conception may protect against pregnancy- induced hypertension.
332Â citations
TL;DR: Level of trait anxiety appears to be the single strongest risk for the development of severe post-traumatic reactions after a disaster, suggesting that females and younger children are more likely to develop posttraumatic reactions following a disaster.
Abstract: Objective To examine the influence of subject and exposure variables on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and syndrome in children exposed to disaster. Method Three months after Hurricane Hugo, 5,687 school-aged children were surveyed about their experiences and reactions to the hurricane. Self-reports of PTSD symptoms were obtained by use of a PTSD Reaction Index. Results The presence of PTSD symptoms was strongly related to children's reported severity of the hurricane, degree of home damage sustained, and continued displacement; however, children's level of trait anxiety and their reported emotional reactivity during the hurricane were more strongly related to the presence of PTSD symptoms than were the exposure factors. Different sets of risk factors appeared to differentially influence the development of the three DSM-III-R PTSD symptom clusters. Little evidence for a differential effect of the risk factors between females and males and younger and older children was found. Conclusions Level of trait anxiety appears to be the single strongest risk for the development of severe post-traumatic reactions. The higher rate of post-traumatic symptoms in females and younger children in combination with the absence of differential reaction to the risk factors suggests that females and younger children are more likely to develop posttraumatic reactions following a disaster.
330Â citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a household probability sample of 229 adults was interviewed four to seven months after the Sierra Madre earthquake (June 28, 1991; Los Angeles County) and three major hypotheses were supported: resource loss was positively associated with psychological distress, resource loss predicted psychological distress when other predictors were statistically controlled, and resource loss associated with mild to moderate elevations in of psychological distress.
Abstract: A household probability sample of 229 adults was interviewed four to seven months after the Sierra Madre earthquake (June 28, 1991; Los Angeles County). The study predicted psychological distress from these variables: demographics, traumatic event history, low magnitude event history, earthquake related threat perceptions, and earthquake related resource loss. Based on the Conservation of Resources (COR) stress model, it was predicted that resource loss would be central in predicting psychological distress. Three major hypotheses were supported: (1) resource loss was positively associated with psychological distress; (2) resource loss predicted psychological distress when other predictors were statistically controlled; and (3) resource loss was associated with mild to moderate elevations in of psychological distress. The findings support COR stress theory. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
325Â citations
TL;DR: This study reassessed the theory and methodology of BIA and describes a new technique for measuring segmental impedance that may resolve some major limitations associated with the current whole body impedance methodology.
Abstract: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for body composition has been based on the volume conductor model that results in the mathematical relationship Ht2/R approximately FFM, where Ht is body height, R is whole body resistance or impedance, and FFM is fat-free mass. Although this relationship exists in the human subject, its strength and usefulness have been subject to conflicting reports. This study reassessed the theory and methodology of BIA and describes a new technique for measuring segmental impedance that may resolve some major limitations associated with the current whole body impedance methodology. By use of data from 200 adult subjects, a new theory and methodology for BIA were developed in four steps: 1) a rationale was presented for replacing the Ht2/R model by one based on electrical resistivity, 2) a practical six-electrode technique for segmental BIA that uses only peripheral electrode sites was described, 3) prediction equations for fat weight based on the new segmental BIA technique were developed, and 4) prediction equations for fat distribution, a potential new use of impedance methodology, were developed using a new measure of fat distribution, the impedance index.
261Â citations
TL;DR: As an effective, inexpensive, and safe pleurodesis agent for use at the bedside is needed, there has been renewed interest in bleomycin and talc as well as new investigation of tetracycline-like agents, such as minocycline2 and doxycycline.
246Â citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the clinicopathologic features of a benign syndrome ("silent sinus syndrome") with this constellation of features and discuss the possible pathophysiology, which affects individuals at approximately the fourth decade of life.
TL;DR: Psychosocial and "environmental" correlates of childhood anxiety disorders are explored, consistent with previous findings suggesting the familial transmission of anxiety disorders and recent speculations regarding a relationship between behavioral inhibition, environmental control, and anxiety.
Abstract: Objective This study explored psychosocial and "environmental" correlates of childhood anxiety disorders. The study examined relationships among parental psychiatric symptomatology, perceived family environment, temperament, and self-competence in children with a DSM-III-R anxiety disorder. Method A community sample of third through sixth graders was screened initially for symptoms of test anxiety. Those with high and low scores were administered the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for Children. Three groups (childhood anxiety disorder, test-anxious only, and normal controls) were identified and compared on the psychosocial variables. Results Children with an anxiety disorder had greater impairment on the indices of perceived self-competence and temperamental flexibility than controls, with the test-anxious children showing intermediate, yet significant, levels of disturbance. There was a trend for children with an anxiety disorder to describe their families as less promoting of independence than the other groups. Finally, measures of parental psychiatric symptomatology revealed more obsessive-compulsive symptoms for the fathers of both the anxiety disorder and test-anxious children compared with controls. Conclusions Results are consistent with previous findings suggesting the familial transmission of anxiety disorders and recent speculations regarding a relationship between behavioral inhibition, environmental control, and anxiety. Further research may isolate psychosocial and family environmental factors as instrumental treatment targets in the management of childhood anxiety disorders.
TL;DR: Talc slurry instilled through a chest tube is an effective bedside method of pleurodesis and Fever occurs frequently and Respiratory failure is a rare but potentially serious complication that deserves further investigation.
TL;DR: It is suggested that individuals with bipolar affective disorder complicated by substance abuse may have more hospitalizations, a higher incidence of dysphoric mania, earlier onset of mood problems, and more comorbid axis I disorders.
Abstract: This interview study was conducted to explore the onset, course, and features of bipolar affective disorder complicated by substance abuse. Forty-four patients with a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Young Mania Rating Scale, and a questionnaire concerning psychiatric history. Current substance users averaged twice as many hospitalizations for mood problems. The age of onset of mood problems for substance users was significantly earlier than that of the nonusers (p < or = .05). Substance users were four times as likely to have other comorbid axis I disorders (p < or = .05) and twice as likely to have dysphoric mania at time of interview. This preliminary study suggests that individuals with bipolar affective disorder complicated by substance abuse may have more hospitalizations, a higher incidence of dysphoric mania, earlier onset of mood problems, and more comorbid axis I disorders.
TL;DR: Compared with Black women, White women perceived themselves to be larger and reported a lower ideal body weight and among those who were not overweight, Black women were half as likely as White women to consider themselves overweight.
Abstract: Eating restraint and body size perceptions of 404 White and African-American women 66 to 105 years of age (mean age = 73 years) were assessed by questionnaire. Compared with overweight White women, overweight Black women were 0.6 times as likely to feel guilty after overeating, 0.4 times as likely to diet, 2.5 times as likely to be satisfied with their weight, and 2.7 times as likely to consider themselves attractive. Among those who were not overweight, Black women were half as likely as White women to consider themselves overweight. Compared with Black women, White women perceived themselves to be larger and reported a lower ideal body weight.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the efficacy of two programs designed to reduce stress among nurses by increasing their coping resources based on principles of stress inoculation training and conservation of resources stress theory.
Abstract: We evaluated the efficacy of two programs designed to reduce stress among nurses by increasing their coping resources. The interventions were based on principles of Stress Inoculation Training and Conservation of Reources stress theory. A dual resource intervention targeted the enhancement of both social support and mastery resources. A single resource intervention targeted the enhancement of only mastery resources. Both interventions were contrasted to a no intervention control condition. Participants in the dual resource intervention experienced significant enhancements in social support and mastery compared to the no intervention control. The social support enhancement persisted through a five-week follow-up. Participants in the dual resource intervention with low initial levels of social support or mastery experienced significant reductions in psychological distress. Participants in the single resource intervention experienced a slight enhancement in mastery compared to the no intervention co...
TL;DR: Immunohistochemical localization reveals that prostasin is present in epithelial cells and ducts of the prostate gland and linear displacement curves for immunoreactive prostasin in body fluids and tissues were parallel with the standard curve of purified prostasin, indicating their immunological identity.
TL;DR: It is concluded that chronic beta blockade improves left ventricular function in chronic experimental mitral regurgitation with an improvement in the innate contractile function of isolated cardiocytes, which in turn is associated with an increase in the number of contractile elements.
Abstract: The mechanism by which beta blockade improves left ventricular dysfunction in various cardiomyopathies has been ascribed to improved contractile function of the myocardium or to improved beta-adrenergic responsiveness. In this study we tested two hypotheses: (a) that chronic beta blockade would improve the left ventricular dysfunction which develops in mitral regurgitation, and (b) that an important mechanism of this effect would be improved innate contractile function of the myocardium. Two groups of six dogs with chronic severe mitral regurgitation were studied. After 3 mo both groups had developed similar and significant left ventricular dysfunction. One group was then gradually beta-blocked while the second group continued to be observed without further intervention. In the group that remained unblocked, contractile function remained depressed. However, in the group that received chronic beta blockade, contractile function improved substantially. The contractility of cardiocytes isolated from the unblocked hearts and then studied in the absence of beta receptor stimulation was extremely depressed. However, contractility of cardiocytes isolated from the beta-blocked ventricles was virtually normal. Consistent with these data, myofibrillar density was much higher, 55 +/- 4% in the beta-blocked group vs. 39 +/- 2% (P < 0.01) in the unblocked group; thus, there were more contractile elements to generate force in the beta-blocked group. We conclude that chronic beta blockade improves left ventricular function in chronic experimental mitral regurgitation. This improvement was associated with an improvement in the innate contractile function of isolated cardiocytes, which in turn is associated with an increase in the number of contractile elements.
TL;DR: Most interventions demonstrated a significant improvement in the physician's ability to identify and treat psychiatric disorders but had a minimal effect on patient symptoms and no effect on short-term health care use.
Abstract: Studies of the prevalence, natural history, and outcome of unrecognized mental illness in general medical outpatient settings were reviewed. Approximately half of the patients with a psychiatric disorder were not recognized as having a mental illness by their primary care physician. The natural history of unrecognized mental illness suggests a poorer clinical course of anxiety disorders but not for depressive disorders. Most interventions demonstrated a significant improvement in the physician's ability to identify and treat psychiatric disorders but had a minimal effect on patient symptoms and no effect on short-term health care use. Although primary care physicians do not recognize psychiatric disorders in a high percentage of patients, efforts to improve recognition may not lead to decreased patient suffering or decreased health care costs.
TL;DR: Surface analysis indicated that with the exception of oxide thickness, there were no significant differences in surface characteristics between the two implant materials, which continue to indicate that cpTi and Ti alloy are suitable, biologically compatible materials for fabrication of dental implants.
Abstract: There are several reports in the literature concerning the similarities and the differences between the oxide on cpTi and Ti-6A1-4V alloy; however, their biological sequelae are not entirely known. In this work, a series of surface characterization techniques were used in conjunction with short term in vitro biological assays to assess the effects of materials selection (cpTi and Ti alloy) on osteoblast-like cell responses. Surface analysis indicated that with the exception of oxide thickness, there were no significant differences in surface characteristics between the two implant materials. These results were reflected in the biological studies, where the levels of cell attachment and adaptation of the attached cells to the titanium surfaces were similar. These results are in general agreement with previous in vivo studies and continue to indicate that cpTi and Ti alloy are suitable, biologically compatible materials for fabrication of dental implants.
TL;DR: The treatment was found to be effective with severe (generalized) social phobics, most of whom had co-occurring Axis I and/or II conditions.
TL;DR: The Life Situation Survey, a subjective indicator of life quality developed to address issues in chronic disability, served as the primary assessment tool as mentioned in this paper for identifying issues associated with quality of life after spinal cord injury.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the complex relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders and found that women with PTSD were more likely to have been victims of sexual and physical abuse, particularly childhood abuse.
Abstract: To further explore the complex relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PISD) and substance use disorders, the authors compared 30 women with PTSD in substance abuse treatment with 25 women without PTSD in substance abuse treatment on degree of addiction severity, psychopa-thology, and aftercare compliance. Women with PTSD were more likely to have been victims of sexual and physical abuse, particularly childhood abuse. They had significantly higher scores on the Addiction Severity Index, were more likely to have comorbid affective disorder, and less likely to comply with aftercare. These results suggest that screening for victimization and PTSD among women presenting for substance abuse treatment may have important prognostic and treatment implications.
TL;DR: For example, this paper found that flooding consistently was superior to placebo, whereas atenolol was not, on behavioral measures and composite indexes, and those who improved during treatment maintained gains at the 6-month follow-up regardless of whether they received flooding or placebo.
Abstract: Seventy-two social phobics were randomly assigned to behavioral (flooding) or drug treatment with atenolol or placebo. Treatment was administered over a 3-month period of time, and duration of treatment effects was determined at a 6-month follow-up assessment. Multiple measures of outcome were used, including self-report, clinician ratings (including assessment by independent evaluators), behavioral assessment, and performance on composite indexes. The results indicated that flooding consistently was superior to placebo, whereas atenolol was not. Flooding also was superior to atenolol on behavioral measures and composite indexes. Those subjects who improved during treatment maintained gains at the 6-month follow-up regardless of whether they received flooding or atenolol. The variability of outcome on different measures in social phobia research is discussed, and the need for broad-based treatment strategies to address the pervasive deficits associated with social phobia is noted.
TL;DR: Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy provided pain relief, had a low morbidity rate, and no early postoperative deaths, and long-term outcome was poor based on the patient's health status, continued alcohol and narcotic use, employment status, subsequent hospitalization to treat recurrent pancreatitis or its complications.
Abstract: Objective To assess the outcome of lateral pancreaticojejunostomy in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Summary Background Data Chronic fibrocalcific pancreatitis associated with pancreatic ductal dilation and chronic pain has been managed successfully with lateral pancreaticojejunostomy. Early results, measured by pain relief and postoperative morbidity and mortality, have been excellent; however, long-term followup and overall outcome has been less clearly defined in these patients. Methods The outcome of 85 patients who had lateral pancreaticojejunostomy was assessed by reviewing hospital inpatient and outpatient records and conducting patient telephone interviews. Results Of 62 patients who were alive at follow-up, health status was characterized as good in 24%, fair in 31%, and poor in 45%
TL;DR: The prevalence of co-occurring anxiety and externalizing (i.e., attention deficithyperactivity, oppositional, and conduct disorders) conditions is examined in both epidemiological and clinic-referred studies among child and adolescent samples.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The efficacy and safety of RD heparin for the prevention of venous thromboembolic disease among patients managed with an elective total hip or total knee arthroplasty were compared with the efficacy andSafety of warfarin in an open-label prospective, multicenter trial.
Abstract: The efficacy and safety of RD heparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin, for the prevention of venous thromboembolic disease among patients managed with an elective total hip or total knee arthroplasty were compared with the efficacy and safety of warfarin in an open-label prospective, multicenter trial. Patients were randomized to receive either a fixed dose of fifty anti-factor-Xa units of RD heparin per kilogram of body weight, administered subcutaneously twice daily, beginning postoperatively; a fixed dose of ninety anti-factor-Xa units of RD heparin per kilogram of body weight, administered subcutaneously once daily, beginning postoperatively; or five milligrams of warfarin, administered orally preoperatively, followed by a daily adjusted dose of warfarin to prolong the prothrombin time ratio to 1.2 to 1.5. The primary measure of efficacy was contrast venography of the treated limb, performed by local radiologists blinded to the type of treatment that had been assigned. Nine hundred and sixty-nine patients had a complete assessment for the presence of deep-vein thrombosis. The over-all rates of venous thromboembolic disease were 16 percent (95 pecent confidence interval, 13 to 21 percent) (fifty-three) for the 328 patients who received RD heparin twice daily, 21 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 17 to 26 percent) (sixty-eight) for the 320 patients who received RD heparin once daily, and 27 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 22 to 32 percent) (eighty-seven) for the 321 patients who received warfarin (p < 0.001 for RD heparin administered twice daily compared with warfarin; p = 0.13 for RD heparin administered once daily compared with warfarin). Compared with warfarin, RD heparin administered twice daily and RD heparin administered once daily reduced the risk of venous thromboembolic disease by 41 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 20 to 56 percent) and 18 percent (95 percent confidence interval, -6 to 37 percent), respectively. The rates of venous thromboembolic disease after 523 total hip arthroplasties were 8, 14, and 14 percent for the patients who received RD heparin twice daily, those who received it once daily, and those who received warfarin (p = 0.07 for RD heparin administered twice daily compared with warfarin; p = 0.82 for RD heparin administered once daily compared with warfarin).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
TL;DR: The concordant findings of this American study with those in similar French and Finnish clinical populations, utilizing similar assay techniques, suggest that the measurement of CDT is clinically more useful than GGT in detecting recent heavy alcohol consumption in males.
Abstract: Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) has been described as a more specific and sensitive marker of recent heavy alcohol consumption as compared with the current tests now available, such as gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Most of the data generated from European populations have not compared the utility of CDT and GGT in the detection of heavy alcohol consumption as a function of gender. We examined the ability of both CDT and GGT to discriminate between 42 men and 18 women with heavy alcohol consumption (> 60 g/day) admitted to an alcohol detoxification center and a group of controls matched for age, race, and gender. CDT was higher, but GGT lower, in control females compared with males. Both CDT and GGT were higher in patients of both genders. At specificities > 90%, the sensitivity of CDT for detecting male alcohol abusers was 79% and for female alcohol abusers 44%. For GGT, the sensitivities were 65% and 44%, respectively. When both tests were used simultaneously, the sensitivity for the detection of alcohol abusers increased to 95% for males and 72% for females. Receiver Operator Characteristic analysis tended to confirm the superiority of CDT over GGT in the detection of heavy alcohol consumption in males, but not in females. A positive relationship was found between serum iron levels and CDT in control females but in no other group. The concordant findings of this American study with those in similar French and Finnish clinical populations, utilizing similar assay techniques, suggest that the measurement of CDT is clinically more useful than GGT in detecting recent heavy alcohol consumption in males.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TL;DR: It is shown that stress loading increases the microtubule component of the cardiac muscle cell cytoskeleton; this apparently is responsible for the entirety of the cellular contractile dysfunction seen in the model of pressure-hypertrophied myocardium.
Abstract: Cardiac hypertrophy in response to systolic pressure overloading frequently results in contractile dysfunction, the cause for which has been unknown Since, in contrast, the same degree and duration of hypertrophy in response to systolic volume overloading does not result in contractile dysfunction, we postulated that the contractile dysfunction of pressure hypertrophied myocardium might result from a direct effect of stress as opposed to strain loading on an intracellular structure of the hypertrophied cardiocyte The specific hypothesis tested here is that the microtubule component of the cytoskeleton is such an intracellular structure, which, forming in excess, impedes sarcomere motion The feline right ventricle was either pressure overloaded by pulmonary artery banding or volume overloaded by atrial septotomy The quantity of microtubules was estimated from immunoblots and immunofluorescent micrographs, and their mechanical effects were assessed by measuring sarcomere motion during microtubule depolymerization We show here that stress loading increases the microtubule component of the cardiac muscle cell cytoskeleton; this apparently is responsible for the entirety of the cellular contractile dysfunction seen in our model of pressure-hypertrophied myocardium No such effects were seen in right ventricular cardiocytes from normal or volume-overloaded cats or in left ventricular cardiocytes from any group of cats Importantly, the linked microtubule and contractile abnormalities are persistent and thus may be found to have significance for the deterioration of initially compensatory cardiac hypertrophy into the congestive heart failure state
TL;DR: Findings suggest a diagnostic overlap between panic disorder and irritable bowel syndrome, with similar demographic and clinical characteristics of patients.
Abstract: Objective Clinical experience and recent reports suggest that there is a high prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with panic disorder and that there is a high prevalence of panic disorder in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, a functional gastrointestinal disorder. To assess gastrointestinal symptoms in a nonpatient, community-based sample, the authors surveyed the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with panic disorder and other or no psychiatric disorders obtained in a national community survey. Method Subjects were 13,537 respondents at four sites of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Epidemiological Catchment Area project. DSM-III diagnoses were determined by using the NIMH Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS). Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed from the somatization disorder section of the DIS. Results Individuals with panic disorder had a significantly higher rate of endorsing gastrointestinal symptoms, including those typically associated with irritable bowel syndrome, than those with other or no psychiatric diagnosis. Conclusions Findings suggest a diagnostic overlap between panic disorder and irritable bowel syndrome, with similar demographic and clinical characteristics of patients. Limitations of the study are discussed in terms of medical assessment and self-report inventories. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.