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C J Edwards

Publications and source records attributed to C J Edwards.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Feasibility and utility of microsatellite markers in archaeological cattle remains from a Viking Age settlement in Dublin.

Nineteen cattle bones from the Viking 10th and early 11th century levels in Dublin were assessed for presence of reliable genotypes from three autosomal markers. Due to the good preservational condition of the samples, it was possible to amplify and type at least two out of three of the microsatellite markers (CSRM60, HEL1 and ILSTS001) in 11 specimens. Full three-loci genotypes were obtained from a subset of seven of these samples. A comparative analysis was performed using data from the same three markers in 11 extant British, Irish and Nordic cattle breeds. Although the medieval remains displayed lower levels of diversity than the modern European breeds, the results fit within the ranges obtained from the extant populations. The results indicate a probable origin for the ancient Irish cattle as the remains group significantly more closely with breeds from the British Isles than with those from Scandinavia. The data collected indicate that microsatellites may be useful for the further study of ancient cattle.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Reversible acute gastrointestinal syndrome associated with active systemic lupus erythematosus in patients admitted to hospital.

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently have gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. These are usually self-limiting and related to treatment side-effects or concurrent illness. However, abdominal pain may be due to bowel ischaemia which can lead to infarction and perforation. The likelihood of these serious events is increased in individuals with pain severe enough to require assessment in hospital or a SLEDAI score > 5. This paper describes a group of patients with active SLE and GI symptoms severe enough to require admission to hospital using a retrospective review of 52 SLE patients admitted to hospital with acute abdominal symptoms. The results showed that abdominal pain (87%), vomiting (82%) and diarrhoea (67%) had been present for a mean of 4.4 +/- 6.5 days and SLEDAI score was > or = 4 in 83% of patients. CT scanning showed evidence of serositis and bowel involvement in 63% of patients who underwent this investigation. Intravenous (iv) fluids were used in 87%, parenteral steroids in 90% and iv cyclophosphamide in 31%. Most (n = 51) were discharged well. Recurrence of GI symptoms occurred in 12 patients. The conclusions are that active SLE may manifest as an acute gastrointestinal syndrome. Early diagnosis, bowel rest, supportive medical therapy and treatment with corticosteroids and/or immunosupressives can result in a good outcome.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2003

Hospitalization of individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus: characteristics and predictors of outcome.

We performed a retrospective study of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) admitted to hospital during a one-year period to describe characteristics associated with a poor outcome. There were 348 episodes of hospitalization of 223 individuals. The cause of admission was clinical flare of SLE (58%), infection (37%) and thromboembolic disease (8%). Readmission occurred in 35.8% and was associated with: active nephritis (HR 2.53, P < 0.01), flare of lupus (HR 2.0, P < 0.01) and more ACR criteria (HR 1.34 per extra criteria, P < 0.01). Individuals with multiple reasons for admission had a longer duration of stay [one = four days (2, 6), two = five days (3, 7) and three = 9.5 days (6.5, 14.5), P < 0.01]. There were 11 deaths (3.2% of admissions). The deaths were due to infection in nine cases (four with concurrent active SLE). In multivariate modelling, the main predictors of death were: previous multiple admissions (OR 12.4, P < 0.01), the presence of infection (OR 7.3, P < 0.01) and younger age (OR 0.93 per increase of one year, P = 0.03). The presence of active lupus nephritis and multisystem disease makes readmission more likely and individuals with multiple problems at the time of admission have longer hospital stays. Young patients with frequent readmissions and coexistent infections are most likely to die.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Primary meningococcal arthritis and endogenous endophthalmitis: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Arthritis and endophthalmitis are both recognised complications of meningococcal infection. They may occur in the presence or absence of meningitis or meningococcaemia. Primary meningococcal arthritis (PMA) and endophthalmitis are important diagnoses to recognise as delayed treatment would result in permanent joint and eye damage. We report the first patient with both PMA and meningococcal endophthalmitis and present a review of the literature. CLINICAL PICTURE: An afebrile, non-toxic, 54-year-old female presented with arthritis and a painful red left eye following an episode of diarrhoea. An initial diagnosis of reactive arthritis with uveitis was made. However, subsequent microbiological investigations isolated Neisseria meningitides thus confirming the final diagnosis. TREATMENT: Antibiotics were instituted. OUTCOME: There was complete resolution of the arthritis but her left eye vision had deteriorated to just perception of light. CONCLUSION: The presentations of PMA and meningococcal endophthalmitis are often confusing. This should be considered in the differential diagnosis of reactive arthritis and acute dermatitis-arthritis syndrome.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2002

Low-dose pulse methylprednisolone for systemic lupus erythematosus flares is efficacious and has a decreased risk of infectious complications.

We sought to test our clinical impression that using a low dose methylprednisolone pulse (MEP; < or = 1500 mg over 3 days) in treating flares of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was effective and associated with fewer serious infections. We retrospectively studied SLE patients who received MEP between 1989 and 2000. A 'low dose' group of 26 patients who had received 1-1.5 g and a 'high dose' group of 29 patients who received 3-5 g of MEP were identified. SLEDAI scores and prednisolone doses were recorded at the time of MEP pulses and 6 months later. All serious infections (requiring admission and i.v. antibiotics) occurring during this 6 month period and their outcomes were recorded. Both groups had similar demographic data, initial SLEDAI scores, i.v. cyclophosphamide use, and SLE organ involvement. Despite high- and low-dose MEP being efficacious in controlling disease activity (lowering of SLEDAI scores and subsequent prednisolone dose) there were only nine episodes of serious infection in seven patients in the low-dose group compared with 20 episodes in 17 patients from the high-dose group (P = 0.04). In both groups a majority of infections (75 and 77% in the high- and low-dose groups) occurred in the first month after MEP. Those with a low serum albumin (< 20 g/l) had an increased risk of mortality (OR 44, 90% CI 6.19-312.98) and a trend towards greater numbers of infections. Low-dose MEP was effective in controlling SLE flares and associated with fewer serious infections than traditional high-dose MEP.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Statins and bone morphogenetic proteins: new pathways in bone formation.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is a major public health problem leading to morbidity and mortality in many individuals. Treatment for osteoporosis has generally relied on mechanisms that decrease osteoclastic bone resorption. This review outlines new evidence that the cholesterol synthetic pathway may be important in bone metabolism and that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors or statins may increase bone formation. RESULTS: An experimental observation reported that statins increase bone formation in rodents and that statins have an important role for the cholesterol synthetic pathway in bone formation. This may be via potent bone-forming growth factors, the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Subsequent epidemiological studies (including a meta-analysis of 8 studies) have suggested that statin use may be associated with increased bone mineral density (BMD) and decreased fracture risk in humans. However, more recently published studies have challenged the effect on fracture risk. CONCLUSION: The effect of statins on bone mineral density and fracture risk in retrospective studies suggests an exciting new direction for research in bone formation that may lead to advances in the therapy of osteoporosis.

Bone Density↗
PubMed2001

Auditory and lateral line inputs to the midbrain of an aquatic anuran: neuroanatomic studies in Xenopus laevis.

Computation of rate in auditory signals is essential to call recognition in anurans. This task is ascribed to a group of central nervous system nuclei in the dorsal midbrain or torus semicircularis, homologous to the inferior colliculus of mammals. We have mapped the connections of the subnuclei of the torus semicircularis in Xenopus laevis to determine which receive auditory and which receive lateral line information. Relative to terrestrial anurans, the torus of X. laevis is hypertrophied and occupies the entire caudal, dorsal midbrain. Auditory input to the torus, that arising directly from the dorsal medullary nucleus, is present only in the laminar nucleus. The principal and magnocellular nuclei receive their input from the lateral line nucleus of the medulla. All three nuclei of the torus also have reciprocal connections with the superior olive and the nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. Ascending efferents from all three nuclei of the torus innervate central and lateral thalamic nuclei, and all have a weak reciprocal connection with the posterior thalamus. The laminar and magnocellular nuclei have reciprocal connections with the ventral thalamus, and all three nuclei of the torus receive descending input from the anterior entopeduncular nucleus. The laminar and magnocellular nuclei also receive descending input from the preoptic area. Based on our identification of toral nuclei and these results we assign a major function for the detection of water-borne sounds to the laminar nucleus and a major function for the detection of near field disturbances in water pressure to the principal and magnocellular nuclei.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Statins and bone: myth or reality?

In the space of a few weeks, four articles appeared in the The Lancet and JAMA suggesting that using 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) is associated with increased bone mineral density (BMD) and a reduced fracture risk. The stimulus for these case-control studies came from reports that the statins have unexpected effects on bone, increasing bone formation in rodents. These observations offered a new insight into the potential importance of the cholesterol synthesis pathway in bone turnover and future therapeutic opportunities.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Bone morphogenetic proteins in the development and healing of synovial joints.

OBJECTIVES: To review current knowledge of the role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in joint formation and how this may be relevant to healing in adult joints. METHOD: Review of published literature using a search of the PubMed database (1966 to 2000) made available by the National Library of Medicine. Additional articles of historical interest were identified from the bibliographies of published literature. RESULTS: BMPs and a related family, the growth and differentiation factors (GDFs), are stimulators of bone and cartilage formation in the developing skeleton. They, together with their antagonists, play key roles in the specification of the joint site and cavitation of synovial joints during embryonic development. Disruption of the GDF-5 gene in mice and humans is associated with abnormal joint formation. In situ hybridization studies have shown that BMPs are expressed during formation of synovial joints in the embryo. However, excessive BMP activity leads to obliteration of joints because of cartilage overgrowth. BMPs are being considered as therapeutic agents to stimulate healing of articular cartilage after damage. Evidence suggests that BMPs are present in adult joints and have roles in healing and maintenance. However, inflammatory cytokines and growth factors present in damaged joints modulate the actions of BMPs. CONCLUSIONS: BMPs, and in particular GDF-5, are involved in synovial joint formation. They may also have effects on the maintenance and healing of adult joints, but factors present after damage may alter their effectiveness. RELEVANCE: Articular cartilage heals poorly after damage. BMPs may be useful therapeutically to stimulate healing of damaged articular cartilage. Increased knowledge of their role in joint formation will improve understanding of how to use them. Semin Arthritis Rheum 31:33-42.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Melioidosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in patients from endemic areas.

Serious infection is a common problem in immunosuppressed patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Melioidosis is caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei and may present as an acute fulminant pneumonia or septicaemia that is often fatal. The organism is endemic in much of South-east Asia but is being increasingly reported from other parts of the world, including India, Northern Australia and North and South America. In addition to occurring in people who come into contact with contaminated soil or water in endemic areas, the infection is more common in immunosuppressed patients and must be recognised early and treated with appropriate antibiotics. Importantly, it can activate many years after the initial exposure, causing diagnostic confusion. We present the cases of three patients with SLE who were admitted with fever and in whom Burkholderia pseudomallei was isolated from blood cultures. Following treatment with intravenous ceftazidime all patients made a good recovery. These cases demonstrate the importance of considering this infectious organism in patients from endemic areas with unexplained fever. They also illustrate how successful outcomes can be achieved in a frequently fatal disease if an early diagnosis is made and appropriate antibiotics are started promptly.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2000

Mesenchymal precursor cells in the blood of normal individuals.

STATEMENT OF FINDINGS: Mesenchymal precursor cells found in the blood (BMPCs) of normal persons adhere to plastic and glass and proliferate logarithmically in DMEM-20% fetal calf serum (FCS) without growth factors. They form cells with fibroblast-like and stromal morphology, which is not affected by eliminating CD34, CD3, or CD14 cells. Osteogenic supplements (dexamethasone, ascorbic acid, and beta-glycerophosphate) added to the culture inhibited fibroblast formation, and BMPCs assumed the cuboidal shape of osteoblasts. After 5 days in supplemented medium, the elutriated cells displayed alkaline phosphatase (AP), and the addition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2 (1 ng) doubled AP production (P < 0.04). Two weeks later, 30% of the cells were very large and reacted with anti-osteocalcin antibody. The same cultures also contained sudanophlic adipocytes and multinucleated giant cells that stained for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and vitronectin receptors. Cultured BMPCs immunostain with antibodies to vimentin, type I collagen, and BMP receptors, heterodimeric structures expressed on mesenchymal lineage cells. In addition, BMPCs stain with anti-CD105 (endoglin), a putative marker for bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2000

Y-specific microsatellite polymorphisms in a range of bovid species.

At least five dinucleotide (CA)n microsatellite repeat arrays have been assigned to the bovine Y-chromosome, with one marker (INRA124) shown to be polymorphic. We describe here the assessment of a panel of four Y-specific microsatellite markers for polymorphism in a range of cattle and related species. It was possible to amplify all the markers in the animals sampled and all showed variation. Three of the microsatellite loci (INRA124, INRA189 and BM861) displayed putative taurine- and zebu-specific alleles which can be useful indicators of male-mediated gene flow in hybrid populations. In the future these microsatellites, in combination with other Y-specific markers should provide a high-resolution Y haplotype system for evolutionary studies in both domesticated cattle and other related species.

Alleles↗
PubMed2000

Relationships between the endangered Pustertaler-Sprinzen and three related European cattle breeds as analysed with 20 microsatellite loci.

We estimated the genetic relationships between the endangered German Pustertaler-Sprinzen cattle breed and the Pinzgauer, Vosges and Simmental breeds--decided upon after consultation of the available historical literature. Within-breed diversity of the four breeds was also assessed. Twenty microsatellite markers were amplified in 27-50 unrelated individuals from populations of each breed. Within-breed variation was estimated from average heterozygosity values and mean number of alleles. Breed relationships were evaluated by genetic distance and a neighbour-joining tree was calculated from these estimates. Bootstrap resampling of loci tested the robustness of the tree topology obtained. A tree was also constructed from distance matrices using individual animals as operational taxonomic units. From both the average heterozygosity values and mean number of alleles calculated, the Pustertaler breed appears to be no more genetically impoverished than the other breeds analysed. The breed tree showed an 85% support for the Pustertaler-Pinzgauer grouping, and this result is echoed in the genetic distance values and allele-sharing individual tree.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Selective attention in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Recent information-processing studies have suggested that a selective attention deficit may be involved in the symptomatology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In this study, individuals diagnosed with OCD were distinguished from those with panic disorder and from control participants by their relatively poorer performance on a series of psychometric tasks of selective attention. These results are interpreted as supporting the hypothesis of a diminished ability of people with OCD to selectively ignore competing external (sensory) and internal (cognitive) stimuli, especially intrusive thoughts.

Adult↗