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Biomedical subjects

C Plummer

Publications and source records attributed to C Plummer.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

First case report of X linked dystonia parkinsonism (XDP) or 'lubag' in Australia.

PURPOSE: To present the first genetically supported case of X linked dystonia parkinsonism (XDP) or 'lubag' reported in an Australian hospital. METHODS: We performed PCR amplification of microsatellite markers in and around the previously described segregating region for the XDP haplotype. RESULTS: Linkage was confirmed using markers ZNF261, DXS10017, and DXS10018. CONCLUSION: We present the first case of XDP or 'lubag' reported in an Australian hospital. It highlights the enlarging role of genetic testing in facilitating the diagnosis of dystonia in a clinical environment where a disease like XDP is rare, and where a corroborating family history may be unavailable.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

An unusual disease presenting at an unusual age: Susac's syndrome.

Susac's syndrome is a rare disease of unknown aetiology affecting the small vessels of the retina, brain, and cochlea. We present the case of a 55-year-old female, the oldest patient yet described with the condition, and highlight the syndrome's clinical features.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
PubMed2001

Schwalbe line's cell in the normal and glaucomatous dog.

OBJECTIVE: The canine iridocorneal angle contains an operculum, which is similar to that in nonhuman primates and consists of a peripheral extension of the inner cornea that overlies the anterior-most portion of the corneoscleral trabecular meshwork. This region contains cells, the Schwalbe line's (SL) cells, that have been found to have secretory and epithelial characteristics. This region of the iridocorneal angle represents the nonfiltering portion and becomes altered early during spontaneous glaucoma in the Beagle. The present study describes the SL cell for the first time in the dog and changes associated with canine primary open angle glaucoma. PROCEDURES: The iridocorneal angles from 18 Beagles with inherited glaucoma (3 months-8 years old) and 17 normal, age-matched Beagles were placed in 10% buffered formalin for light microscopic evaluation, or 2.5% glutaraldehyde for ultrastructural evaluation. Using at least three fields from each region of the iridocorneal angle (opercular, corneoscleral, and uveal) at x 1000 magnification, trabecular cell nuclei were counted. RESULTS: The operculum in the canine iridocorneal angle consisted of the peripheral extension of the corneal endothelium and underlying anterior-most corneoscleral meshwork, having no direct contact with the angular aqueous plexus. The SL cells associated with operculum-retained epithelial morphology (polyhedral in shape with rER, Golgi apparatus, and secretory vesicles) in both normal, pre-and early glaucomatous dogs. In animals with moderate and advanced stages the SL cells often became less epithelial and secretory in appearance. The number of SL cells in normal dogs declined by approximately one-third by the end of their first year with gradual loss thereafter. In the glaucoma group the decline was more substantial and continuous through the first three years. CONCLUSIONS: The SL cell is morphologically a distinct cell type within the canine iridocorneal angle that is specifically associated with the nonfiltering portion of the corneoscleral trabecular meshwork. Changes in the SL cells of the glaucomatous dog occurred with regard to age and progression of the disease.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Temporal lobectomy for refractory epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the long-term effectiveness of anterior temporal lobectomy for refractory epilepsy with regard to seizure control and related medical and psychosocial measures and to determine how patterns of early seizure recurrence relate to long-term prognosis. DESIGN: A cohort of patients prospectively followed up for 5 years after surgery. SETTING: Tertiary care comprehensive epilepsy center. PATIENTS: Eighty-nine patients with medically refractory epilepsy who were consecutively treated with anterior temporal lobectomy between 1986 and 1990. All patients had noninvasive preoperative evaluations, and 31 were evaluated with intracranial electrodes prior to surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative seizure frequency, neuropsychologic function, mortality, and postoperative employment status. RESULTS: Five years after surgery, 62 patients (70 percent) were seizure free, 8 (9 percent) had seizures on fewer than 3 days per year or exclusively had nocturnal seizures, 10 (11 percent) had greater than 80 percent reduction in seizure frequency, 5 (6 percent) had less than 80 percent reduction in seizure frequency, and 4 (4 percent) died of causes unrelated to surgery. The proportion of patients in each outcome class remained stable throughout the 5-year period. Fifty-five percent of seizure recurrences happened within 6 months of surgery, and 93 percent occurred within 2 years after surgery. Outcome at 1 year related only moderately well to outcome at 5 years. No significant cognitive or linguistic deficits occurred. All patients who died had persistent seizures after surgery. Underemployment and unemployment declined significantly after surgery, with improvement noted in seizure-free patients. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal lobectomy provides sustained seizure relief over 5 years to most patients who have surgery. Outcome at 2 years predicts long-term outcome. A seizure-free state is associated with reduced mortality and increased employment. Mere reduction in seizure frequency is not associated with improvement in those measures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Influence of flupirtine on human lower limb reflexes.

The influence of a single oral dose (400 mg) of flupirtine on lower limb reflexes was investigated in normal human subjects using H-reflex testing, flexor reflex testing and dynamic posturography. Flupirtine did not significantly change the latency of the H-reflex or the Hmax/Mmax ratio. Both, the first (F1) and the second (F2) components of the flexor reflex were significantly depressed. Flupirtine significantly decreased the size of the ML response following fast transient platform movements rotating toe-up around the ankle joint. We conclude that flupirtine acts on polysynaptic spinal pathways. In addition to its well known analgesic effect flupirtine might have a muscle relaxant effect.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Land, body and spirit--talking about adult mortality in an aboriginal community.

The aim of this article is to describe a classificatory framework, 'Land, body and spirit', which addresses the underlying causes of disease and which has proved useful in discussing with Northern Territory Aboriginal communities the causes and possible responses to premature adult deaths. Pie charts displaying proportional mortality ratios according to underlying cause of death, age and sex have also proved useful in such discussions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Effects of N,N-dimethylglycine on cardiorespiratory function and lactate production in thoroughbred horses performing incremental treadmill exercise.

In a crossover study, either a placebo paste or N,N-dimethylglycine was administered orally at a dose rate of 1.2 mg/kg twice daily for five days to six thoroughbred horses, with bodyweights ranging from 424 to 492 kg. Using previously determined regression equations for oxygen uptake (VO2) against speed for each horse, a standardised exercise test was given with speeds equivalent to fixed percentages of the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). The test consisted of two minutes at speeds equivalent to approximately 40 per cent and 50 per cent VO2max, and one minute at speeds that produced approximately 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 per cent VO2max. During the last five seconds of each exercise stage, the values of VO2, carbon dioxide production (VCO2), heart rate, arterial blood and plasma lactate concentrations, arterial blood gases and pH were measured. Before and immediately after the exercise test, muscle biopsies were collected from the middle gluteal muscle to determine the muscle lactate concentrations. The administration of N,N-dimethylglycine produced no significant differences in any of the measured values, and it is concluded that the compound has no beneficial effects on cardiorespiratory function or lactate production in the exercising horse.

Animals↗