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Biomedical subjects

B J Carroll

Publications and source records attributed to B J Carroll.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Laparoscopic trans-cystic-duct common-bile-duct exploration.

One thousand seventy-one consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed. Routine cholangiography was employed with a 99% success rate. One hundred thirty patients were found to have common duct stones (CBDS). In 48 (37%) patients they were unsuspected. One hundred eleven patients underwent attempted trans-cystic-duct extraction techniques (TCD-CBDE). One hundred three (93%) were successful. The following techniques were employed: 101--biliary endoscopy, 23--ampullary balloon dilation, 2--fluoroscopic basket retrieval. The average operative time was 136 min. The average postsurgical stay was 3.7 days. There were 19 (17%) complications--6 (5%) major. There were 4 retained stones (2 intentional) and 1 death. Patients over 65 years of age had more complications and patients with unsuspected CBDS under 65 years of age had the fewest. TCD-CBDE is a safe, effective way to extract common duct calculi. Endoscopy and basket stone retrieval was the primary technique employed.

Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic↗

Analysis of the chromosomal distribution of transposon-carrying T-DNAs in tomato using the inverse polymerase chain reaction.

We are developing a system for isolating tomato genes by transposon mutagenesis. In maize and tobacco, the transposon Activator (Ac) transposes preferentially to genetically linked sites. To identify transposons linked to various target genes, we have determined the RFLP map locations of Ac- and Dissociation (Ds)-carrying T-DNAs in a number of transformants. T-DNA flanking sequences were isolated using the inverse polymerase chain reaction (IPCR) and located on the RFLP map of tomato. The authenticity of IPCR reaction products was tested by several criteria including nested primer amplification, DNA sequence analysis and PCR amplification of the corresponding insertion target sequences. We report the RFLP map locations of 37 transposon-carrying T-DNAs. We also report the map locations of nine transposed Ds elements. T-DNAs were identified on all chromosomes except chromosome 6. Our data revealed no apparent chromosomal preference for T-DNA integration events. Lines carrying transposons at known map locations have been established which should prove a useful resource for isolating tomato genes by transposon mutagenesis.

Base Sequence↗

Laparoscopic transcystic choledochoscopy.

Preoperative prediction of common bile duct stones (CBDS) is imprecise. Cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the best method for detection of CBDS. Treatment of most stones detected at LC can be safely accomplished using transcystic choledochoscopy and stone extraction. This technique is applicable in nearly 90% of patients with CBD calculi. It may be preferable to endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in younger patients and is probably equivalent to ES in patients over 65 years of age.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic splenectomy.

Laparoscopic splenectomy was attempted in 16 patients and was performed successfully in 13 (81%) patients with the diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), AIDS-related thrombocytopenia, Hodgkin's disease, or lymphoma. The operative time averaged 157 min, and autologous transfusion was required in four patients. The postsurgical stay averaged 3 days in patients with completely laparoscopic splenectomies and 4 days in patients whose spleens were removed through small counterincisions. No major complications secondary to the procedure itself occurred postoperatively. Conversion to open operation was necessary in three (19%) patients because of bleeding or splenomegaly. With careful selection of patients and mastery of the technique, laparoscopic splenectomy can be safely performed on normal or slightly enlarged spleens. The advantages are less pain, shorter hospitalization, and reduced disability as compared to "open" splenectomy.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Comparison of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in obese and non-obese patients.

Results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in obese and non-obese patients were analyzed prospectively. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 841 patients-179 obese (Group I) and 662 non-obese (Group II). Operative time averaged 73.1 minutes in Group I and 73.7 minutes in Group II. There were no statistically significant differences in the ability to perform cholangiography (99.4% Group I; 97.9% Group II), conversion rate (1.1% Group I; 1.5% Group II), or complications (4.5% Group I; 3.8% Group II). In Group I no pulmonary complications were noted, nor any cases of venous thromboembolic disease. Risk of laparoscopic cholecystectomy appears comparable in obese and non-obese patients. Based on historical comparisons, laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be safer than traditional cholecystectomy in obese patients.

Adolescent↗

Brain mechanisms in manic depression.

Manic depressive illness (bipolar disorder) is the mood disorder classically considered to have a strong biological basis. During manic depressive cycles, patients show dramatic fluctuations of mood, energy, activity, information processing, and behaviors. Theories of brain function and mood disorders must deal with the case of bipolar disorder, not simply unipolar depression. Shifts in the nosologic concepts of how manic depression is related to other mood disorders are discussed in this overview, and the renewed adoption of the Kraepelinian "spectrum" concept is recommended. The variable clinical presentations of manic depressive illness are emphasized. New genetic mechanisms that must be considered as candidate factors in relation to this phenotypic heterogeneity are discussed. Finally, the correlation of clinical symptom clusters with brain systems is considered in the context of a three-component model of manic depression.

Bipolar Disorder↗

Dose response relationship between plasma ACTH and cortisol after the infusion of ACTH1-24.

The authors examined the dose response relationship between plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations after the administration of various doses of ACTH1-24 (0.025 micrograms, 0.125 micrograms, 0.25 micrograms, 1 microgram, 250 micrograms) in dexamethasone-suppressed normal volunteers. A logarithmic dose-response relationship between the dose of ACTH administered and plasma cortisol concentration was found. Although there was considerable variability in plasma ACTH concentrations, there was, however, a definite correlation between area under the curve for ACTH and area under the curve for cortisol after the various doses of ACTH.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Alkali treatment for rapid preparation of plant material for reliable PCR analysis.

For plant genetics, it would be useful to monitor easily the segregation of different alleles using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Preparation of DNA templates from individual plants needs to be rapid and reliable. A one tube protocol is described that involves subjecting plant tissue pieces to alkali, neutralization and heat denaturation prior to PCR analysis, and that proved to be much faster and more reliable than published protocols.

Alkalies↗

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in critically ill cardiac patients.

From August 1989 to January 1993, the authors performed laparoscopic biliary operations in 900 patients, 13 of whom had severe cardiac dysfunction. Nine patients were Goldman Class IV, and four patients were Goldman Class III. Three patients had recent myocardial infarction, five patients were known to have low left ventricular ejection fractions (10%, 21%, 25%, 26%, and 30%), one had severe myocardial ischemia, one had severe congestive heart failure, and one was in profound shock. Nine patients underwent successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystostomies were performed in three patients. One operation was converted to an open cholecystectomy. There was one death within 30 days of surgery. With appropriate hemodynamic monitoring and adequate perioperative support of cardiac function, laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely for acute cholecystitis in patients with severe cardiac disease. When compared with historical controls, laparoscopic cholecystectomy appears to be safer than open cholecystectomy.

Acute Disease↗

Laparoscopically guided cholecystectomy: a detailed report of the first 453 cases performed by one surgical team.

This study reports outcome data from a diverse population undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our technique differs from other laparoscopic methods in its use of electrocautery, blunt hilar dissection, and routine intraoperative cholangiography. This study includes 453 consecutive surgeries performed between August 1989 and March 1991. Only the first 20 patients were screened to exclude those with common bile duct stones, prior upper abdominal surgery, pregnancy, or acute cholecystitis. Patients had the following conditions: current acute cholecystitis (9%), a history of acute cholecystitis (16%), jaundice (5%), pancreatitis (4%), and prior abdominal surgery (38%). Nine per cent had common bile duct stones which were treated with either laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (69%), laparoscopic choledochotomy (5%), open choledochotomy (10%), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (10%), or observation (7%). Operative time averaged 78 minutes. One patient died, and 6% developed complications. Seventy-one per cent were discharged on the first postoperative day. Our experience demonstrates that LC can be performed safely, even in difficult cases, although considerable endoscopic experience and skill are required.

Cholangiography↗

Preliminary studies of 6 beta-hydroxydexamethasone and its importance in the DST.

The role of the metabolites of dexamethasone (DEX) in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) has never been fully elucidated. We report here our preliminary studies of 6 beta-hydroxydexamethasone (6 OH-Dex), a known metabolite of DEX, on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of the rat; its activity in the most commonly used radioimmunoassay for plasma DEX; and its plasma concentrations in a normal human subject during the standard 1.0 mg DST. Six OH-Dex administered subcutaneously to rats at a dose of 1 mg/kg was able to completely suppress corticosterone production for at least 3 hr. In the IgG Corp. radioimmunoassay for plasma DEX, 6 OH-Dex was moderately cross-reactive yielding a 50% cross-reactivity of 10%. Gas chromatographic coupled mass spectroscopic analysis of human plasma samples, obtained 12 to 20 hr after the oral ingestion of 1.0 mg DEX, demonstrated similar plasma concentrations for both the parent compound and the 6-hydroxyl metabolite. The relevance of these findings, particularly to pharmacokinetic studies of the DST, is discussed.

Animals↗

RU486 in depression.

RU486 is a synthetic glucocorticoid antagonist. The authors used RU486 to examine the hypothesis that the elevated plasma cortisol and ACTH in patients is due to suprahypophyseal stimulation of the anterior pituitary. Seven patients and matched controls were studied before and after the administration of RU486. RU486 produced an increase in HPA activity in depressed patients. Thus providing support for the hypothesis that there is increased suprahypophyseal stimulation of the anterior pituitary.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Laparoscopic choledochoscopy: an effective approach to the common duct.

With increasing acceptance of routine cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (for confirmation of anatomy) there has been increased identification of common duct calculi. A technique of laparoscopic transcystic common duct stone extraction is described and early clinical results are presented. Successful stone extraction was accomplished in 39 out of 41 consecutive attempts by one surgical team. Two cases required choledochotomy. There were four complications including hyperamylasemia (2), minor wound infection (1), and incidental pneumothorax (1). Recommendations regarding safety and indications are presented. Initial evaluation suggests laparoscopic transcystic stone extraction is safe and effective.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic-guided biopsy for diagnosis of hepatic candidiasis.

Histopathological evaluation of infected tissue is critical in the diagnosis of hepatic candidiasis since cultures are unreliable. Percutaneous techniques are inaccurate because lesions often are small and multifocal, and open biopsy is not always well-tolerated in acutely ill patients. The authors investigated the feasibility of laparoscopically guided biopsy in patients suspected of having hepatic candidiasis. Preliminary results suggest that laparoscopically guided biopsy is highly accurate and less invasive than open biopsy.

Adult↗