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Biomedical subjects

A C Brown

Publications and source records attributed to A C Brown.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Familial eosinophilic cellulitis, dysmorphic habitus, and mental retardation.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic cellulitis is a polymorphous, chronic disease characterized by eosinophil infiltration and granulomatous inflammation. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe the clinical, histologic, and immunohistologic findings in three family members who have had eosinophilic cellulitis since childhood associated with mental retardation and abnormal body habitus. METHODS: Family members were evaluated. Multiple skin biopsy specimens were obtained and examined after hematoxylin-and-eosin staining, by immunofluorescence and by electron microscopy. Blood specimens were analyzed by immunoassays for eosinophil granule proteins and eosinophil active cytokines. RESULTS: Three short-statured, mentally retarded family members with abnormal body habitus in at least two generations had recurrent eosinophilic cellulitis. Peripheral blood and bone marrow eosinophilia was present. Plasma eosinophil granule major basic protein and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin levels were elevated with normal plasma eosinophil cationic protein levels. Eosinophil survival in culture was increased by patients' plasma and was blocked with monoclonal interleukin-5 antibody. The level of plasma interleukin-5 was elevated. Lesional skin biopsy specimens showed massive staining for three eosinophil granule proteins. Electron microscopy showed eosinophil disruption. CONCLUSION: Eosinophilic cellulitis, mental retardation, and abnormal body habitus were likely inherited as a dominant syndrome in this family in which eosinophil involvement was striking.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1996

Is routine drainage of pelvic anastomosis necessary?

The routine use of drains for pelvic anastomosis is controversial. This study was undertaken to determine whether drainage alters leak rate, aids in diagnosing a leak, and/or prevents the need for laparotomy when a leak occurs. Records of 156 consecutive patients who underwent elective resection and pelvic anastomosis for cancer from 1986 to 1994 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were stratified into two parent groups, I and II. One hundred and eleven Group I patients who routinely had Jackson-Pratt 10-mm drains inserted were subdivided into subgroup I-A (n = 24) with proximal intraoperative diversion and subgroup I-B (n = 87), without diversion. Forty-five Group II patients routinely did not have drains inserted. They were also subdivided, into II-A (n = 3) and II-B (n = 42), i.e., with and without simultaneous diversion, respectively. The overall leak rate was 5.1 per cent (8/156). Subgroups I-A and II-A had leak rates of 8.33 per cent (2/24) and 0 per cent (0/3), respectively. The leak rates were 4.6 per cent (4/87) in subgroup I-B and 4.8 per cent (2/42) in subgroup II-B, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Also, no significant difference was noted when the overall leak rate for diverted cases was compared with nondiverted ones. Of the four leaks in I-B, three occurred after the drains were removed; two of these required laparotomy, drainage, and diversion. The fourth occurred with the drain in place, but failed to demonstrate feces or pus in the drainage fluid or prevent the need for laparotomy. The presence of a drain did not affect the leak rate (P > 0.10). Drain contents did not aid in diagnosing anastomotic dehiscence. Routine prophylactic use of Jackson-Pratt drains seems unjustified because leaks either occurred after the drains were removed or failed to prevent the need for laparotomy.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Sweet's syndrome after splenic irradiation for chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Sweet's syndrome is defined as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis. Characteristic features are fever; peripheral neutrophilia; and painful cutaneous nodules and plaques on the face, neck, trunk, and limbs. Biopsy specimens of these lesions show a mature neutrophilic infiltrate of the dermis. Vasculitis is absent. Sweet's syndrome is associated with malignancy in approximately 20% of reported cases. The pathogenesis is unknown. The authors describe Sweet's syndrome in a 39-year-old man 5 weeks after splenic irradiation for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Treatment with parenteral corticosteroids resulted in dramatic improvement of the patient's condition. The authors discuss the diagnosis of Sweet's syndrome and the fact that it is thought to be cytokine-induced.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Cadmium-binding proteins from a tunicate, Pyura stolonifera.

The determination of cadmium levels in tissues of the tunicate Pyura stolonifera collected from uncontaminated sites revealed highest concentrations in the liver. After keeping P. stolonifera under laboratory conditions in Cd-containing water for 15 days, cadmium accumulated most markedly in liver tissue. Liver tissue of Cd-exposed specimens was used for the isolation of Cd-binding proteins. Five Cd-binding proteins, which differ in their chromatographic properties, could be purified. At least four of these Cd-binding proteins are heat stable and cysteine-rich. The N-terminal sequence (Met-Asp-Pro-Cys-Asn-Cys-Ala-Glu...) of at least two of these peptides resembles fish (plaice) metallothionein. Unlike vertebrate metallothioneins, P. stolonifera Cd-binding proteins are not N-terminally blocked by acetylation of methionine.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Dietary survey of Hopi Native American elementary students.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diets of 96 Hopi fifth- and sixth-grade students on the Hopi reservation in Arizona. DESIGN: Dietary food intakes were collected using a 3-day dietary record and were analyzed with a computer software program to obtain information on the intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, fiber, 10 vitamins, and six minerals. SETTING: The survey was conducted during the health class or homeroom period in the elementary schools located on the Hopi reservation in Arizona. SUBJECTS: The survey population consisted of 96 fifth- and sixth-grade Hopi elementary students attending the five schools on the Hopi reservation. MAIN OUTCOME: Before data collection we hypothesized the average diet of Hopi elementary students did not meet dietary recommendations (eg, Dietary Goals, Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), and/or National Cancer Institute recommendations). STATISTICS: The nutrient analyses and demographic data were analyzed for frequencies and percentages of responses. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated where appropriate. RESULTS: Results of the analysis revealed a mean daily dietary intake of 2,123 kcal consisting of 35% fat (84 g), 48% carbohydrate (261 g; 38% from sugar), and 17% protein (89 g), with 27 g saturated fat, 442 mg cholesterol, 11 g fiber, and 2,477 mg sodium. At least 97% or 100% of the RDA was met for all analyzed vitamins and minerals except for vitamin D (146 IU; 37% RDA), calcium (874 mg; 82% RDA), and zinc (12 mg; 94% RDA). CONCLUSIONS: Given the health problems relatively new to Native Americans, such as diabetes, obesity, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, fetal alcohol syndrome, and increasing rates of heart disease and cancer, dietary modification may benefit them in their adult life. Modifications to meet current recommended dietary goals would include reducing fat to below 30% of energy; cholesterol to less than 250 mg; sodium to lower levels but not below 500 mg/day; and decreasing refined sugars. Carbohydrates would be increased to at least 58% energy; fiber to 20 to 30 g; and vitamin D, calcium, and, possibly, zinc to RDA levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia due to nasal application of petroleum jelly.

We describe a patient who presented with a history of unexplained exertional dyspnea and pulmonary infiltrates. She was evaluated for interstitial lung disease, presumed to be idiopathic and underwent an open lung biopsy. The pathologic findings were compatible with exogenous lipoid pneumonia and her history revealed longstanding use of intranasal petroleum jelly (Vaseline) at bedtime.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1994

A method based on PCR for the construction of cDNA libraries and probes from small amounts of tissue.

A PCR-based method is described for the production of cDNA libraries and total cDNA probes from a few milligrams of tissue. Using a model system, we show how a PCR library and PCR probes can be used to identify genes expressed at different levels in two tissues. Small amounts of tissue derived from two plants, one infected with arabis mosaic virus and the other uninfected, were used to make a library and probes. This library and the probes were used to identify viral genes expressed only in the infected plant.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Serum cholesterol levels of nondiabetic and streptozotocin-diabetic rats fed a high cholesterol diet.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of dietary cholesterol on the total blood cholesterol levels of nondiabetic and streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: nondiabetic/control diet (C), streptozotocin-diabetic/control diet (D), nondiabetic/control diet + 2% cholesterol (CH), and streptozotocin-diabetic/control diet + 2% cholesterol (DH). Plasma cholesterol levels were not significantly elevated in the D group (63.4 +/- 9.0 mg/dl) when compared with the C group (71.3 +/- 3.9 mg/dl) but were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the CH group (89.8 +/- 8.1 mg/dl). There was nearly a six-fold significant elevation (p < 0.0025) in the DH group (530.0 +/- 58.0 mg/dl) contrasted to the nondiabetic rats fed the same diet. The results of this study indicate that streptozotocin-diabetic rats fed a high cholesterol diet experience hypercholesterolemia.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Anterior resection for the treatment of rectal prolapse: a 20-year experience.

Between 1971 and 1991, 41 patients underwent anterior resection for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse. Anterior resection was performed after full rectal mobilization to the levator ani muscles with reanastomosis (39 hand-sewn and two stapled) carried out to peritonealized distal rectum. The 41 patients comprised 35 women and six men with an average age of 56 years (range, 7-88 years). Postoperative follow-up averaged 6 years (range, 6 months to 18 years). Three patients (7%) suffered recurrent prolapse in 2, 2.5, and 5.5 years, respectively. Mortality was 0 per cent; morbidity was 15 per cent including three incisional herniae, two small bowel obstructions, and one stroke. No pelvic sepsis, abscess, or anastomotic dehiscence occurred. Anal incontinence was a preoperative finding in 21 patients (51%) with rectal prolapse. Nineteen of these patients (90%) noted either improvement or no change in postoperative continence. Anterior resection is a familiar, frequently performed operation that does not require a foreign body or rectal suspension. We believe this to be the procedure of choice for patients with complete rectal prolapse. Anterior resection withstands long-term scrutiny both in terms of recurrence rate and associated complications.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1993

Day-night variation of airways status in sympathomimetic- and theophylline-treated asthma patients.

Eleven diurnally active asthma patients having a history of nocturnal asthma and treated regularly with albuterol or metaproterenol alone or with twice-daily sustained-release theophylline were evaluated for day-night pattern in peak expiratory flow (PEF) and use of supplemental beta-agonist aerosol for relief of acute asthma. Overall, significant day-night variation was observed in the supplemental use of beta-agonist medication and in airway patency. The patients managed by albuterol or metaproterenol alone used supplemental beta-agonist medication significantly more between 4 AM and 8 AM and also 8 PM and midnight in comparison to 4 PM to 8 PM; this was not true for those treated with both theophylline and beta-agonist aerosol. In patients taking a beta-agonist bronchodilator, the 24-hour mean PEF was greater than in those who also took theophylline, but the day-night variation in PEF was comparable. Supplemental isoproterenol use was significantly correlated with circadian amplitude of the PEF rhythm, but not with the 24-hour mean PEF. The greater the day-night variation in PEF, the greater the reliance on a supplemental beta-agonist bronchodilator.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1992

Differential induction of heme oxygenase in the hepatocarcinoma cell line (Hep3B) by environmental agents.

In situ hybridization and Northern analysis of heme oxygenase (HO) mRNA was used to determine the induction and expression of HO by various environmental agents. Exposure of Hep3B cells to hemin (10 microM) for as little as 5 min resulted in significant production of HO transcripts and mRNA expression as seen by in situ hybridization. We followed the pattern of HO transcript accumulation by heme and results indicate that the peak of induction of HO by heme was reached between 10 and 20 minutes. Other metalloporphyrins were all effective in inducing HO mRNA after 1 h exposure. On the other hand, CoCl2 caused accumulation of HO mRNA at a later time than seen with the metalloporphyrins. However, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) gave a more immediate effect on HO induction which was somewhat similar to heme in its time course. Direct measurements of HO activity revealed that enzyme activity could be detected after about 20 min exposure to hemin, and this activity was inhibited by tin protoporphyrin (SnPP). The different pattern of HO mRNA induction by LPS as contrasted with CoCl2 suggests that LPS may act through a different translational factor, or stimulate free radical formation and the subsequent release of heme and induction of HO. These results indicate that heme causes accumulation of HO mRNA by a different mechanism than that of CoCl2. Finally, LPS shares a concomitant effect on induction of HO as an acute phase reactant type protein.

Blotting, Northern↗
PubMed1992

Modulation of neurally mediated airway microvascular leakage in guinea-pig airways by beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists.

The effect of two beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists, salbutamol (100 micrograms/kg i.v.) and broxaterol (100 micrograms/kg i.v.), on airway microvascular leakage induced by vagal stimulation was studied in anaesthetised guinea pigs. Airway microvascular leakage was measured by Evans blue extravasation. Broxaterol, but not salbutamol, inhibited Evans blue dye extravasation at all airway levels, an effect prevented by pretreatment with propranolol (1 mg/kg). Neither of the beta 2-agonists had any effect on substance P-induced Evans blue dye extravasation. Broxaterol inhibits the prejunctional release of tachykinins from airway sensory nerves by stimulation of beta-receptors. The mechanism by which beta-adrenoceptor agonists prevent airway microvascular leakage deserves further study.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed1992

APIS: a software for model identification, simulation and dosage regimen calculations in clinical and experimental pharmacokinetics.

APIS is a software package based on mathematical modelling which provides a reliable approach in optimizing drug therapy. It was designed to assist clinicians in interpreting blood drug levels so that drug therapy may be better and more cost-effective. It is a methodological approach to describe, predict and control the kinetic behaviour of a drug. This software incorporates the principle of Bayesian procedures, i.e. one can use all available patient information (population) to determine patient-specific parameter estimates. These estimates can then be used to design an optimal and individualized drug regimen. APIS is an attractive and useful tool for clinical and experimental pharmacokinetics. APIS may be used on any IBM compatible computer using the Microsoft-Windows environment. The software is menu driven to provide a very user-friendly tool for analysing pharmacokinetic data and for designing dosage regimens.

Amikacin↗
PubMed1991

Body Mass Index and perceived weight status in young adults.

Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported height and weight for 1,123 university students who returned a questionnaire mailed to a 10 percent random sample of the entire undergraduate population of a large midwestern university. Seventeen percent of the females and 20 percent of the males were determined to be in excess of normal BMI standards. However, significantly more women (40%) considered themselves overweight in comparison to men (24%). Also, significantly more women (53%) than men (20%) reported experiencing discomfort due to excessive weight. Inaccurate perceptions of body image are common among individuals with eating disorders. There is a higher incidence of eating disorders among college-age women than among their male peers. A distorted body image as reflected by perceived overweight may serve as a marker for individuals at risk for eating disorders.

Body Image↗