The Impact of the Polymerase Chain Reaction in Clinical Medicine
Article Abstract:
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has revolutionized the diagnosis of genetic disorders and the identification of infectious organisms in tissue specimens. PCR is used to create hundreds of copies of a DNA sequence, amplifying its presence in tissue specimens, and allowing it to be identified. It can detect the DNA sequence of an infectious organism or the DNA sequence of a defective gene. It can be used on almost any tissue sample, and can produce results in a few hours.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2000
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Mapping of a Gene for Severe Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux to Chromosome 13q14
Article Abstract:
Researchers have identified a potential gene linked to gastroesophageal reflux (GER). GER occurs when acidic digestive fluids from the stomach back up into the esophagus. The acidic fluids irritate the esophagus, causing pain. Genetic research on five families with several children affected by GER revealed a gene on chromosome 13q14 that appears to be linked to the condition.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2000
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Molecular analysis of bacterial pathogens in otitis media with effusion
Article Abstract:
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can identify the existence of bacterial DNA in children's middle ear fluid, which may signal an active infection, even if culture methods fail to detect it. Forty-seven samples of ear fluid from 97 children with otitis media were culture negative but PCR positive for Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antibiotics had not been effective in these cases of chronic middle ear infection. Symptoms of otis media (OM) are pain, fever, and a swollen ear drum. Speech and language development delay may result from hearing loss associated with otitis media effusion (OME). OM infections are encouraged by a child's underdeveloped anatomy, causing infections that interfere with eustachian tube functioning.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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