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Biomedical subjects

C Price

Publications and source records attributed to C Price.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Early increase in plasma parathyroid hormone levels following liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The pathogenesis of post-transplantation bone loss is poorly understood, although glucocorticoid therapy is believed to play an important role. In the present study we have measured plasma parathyroid hormone concentrations in the first few months after orthotopic liver transplantation, in order to examine the potential contribution of hyperparathyroidism to bone disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients aged 32-54 years, 12 male, undergoing liver transplantation were studied prospectively before and for 3 months after operation. Plasma parathyroid hormone and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Plasma parathyroid hormone levels were normal in all but two patients prior to transplantation. There was a highly significant increase in plasma parathyroid hormone concentrations at 1 and 2 months (p < 0.0005 and 0.001, respectively, versus baseline); by 3 months, values were close to those obtained preoperatively. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations showed no significant change over the study period. However, 74% of the patients had subnormal values at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: An early and transient increase in plasma parathyroid hormone after liver transplantation may be responsible for the high rates of bone loss which occur during the first few post-operative months. Prevention of post-transplantation bone disease is most likely to be achieved by peri-operative intervention with an anti-resorptive agent.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Anatomical characterisation of surgical procedures in the Read Thesaurus.

Each concept in the surgical operations chapter of the Read Thesaurus has been analysed to determine its anatomical site component. The underlying structure of this chapter and its relationship to the anatomy chapter are explored. The defined anatomical sites have been included as atomic maps in the Read Code template table, one of the key component files of the Thesaurus, relevant features of which are described. The analysis methodology is outlined and the value of an anatomically characterised surgical procedure terminology is discussed together with the implications of semantically defining a wider range of characteristics of surgical procedures.

Anatomy↗
PubMed1995

Computerized three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging reconstructions of temporomandibular joints for both a model and patients with temporomandibular pain dysfunction.

The aim of this study was to assess computerized three-dimensional reconstruction of magnetic resonance images generated of a temporomandibular joint model and the temporomandibular joints of five patients with varying degrees of temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction. The three-dimensional image reconstruction of an artificial temporomandibular joint model, consisting of a human dried skull and synthetic disk, was used to test the accuracy and reproducibility of the three-dimensional technique. It was found that computerized three-dimensional reconstruction improved the display format of magnetic resonance imaging by enabling multiple two-dimensional images in shades of grey to be viewed as one three-dimensional image with anatomic structures colored as desired. Further, by rotating this image, the anatomic relationships of the temporomandibular joint could be seen from any viewpoint. Volume measurements showed accuracy and reproducibility by independent operators. Computerized three-dimensional reconstruction was applied to the magnetic resonance images obtained from patients. They were used to assess magnetic resonance imaging technique and its applications for interpreting the clinical findings. Disk position, as revealed by the three-dimensional images, was found to correspond with the clinical assessment, except in two instances when the original, right-sided, magnetic resonance imaging was unclear. Three-dimensional reconstruction was simple to apply, required no patient involvement, and made multiple magnetic resonance images easier to interpret.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Solubilisation of drugs in micellar systems studied by eluent gel permeation chromatography.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the potential of a chromatographic method which is based on elution gel chromatography (EGPC) in the study of solubilisation of drugs in micellar solutions. METHODS: The EGPC method differs from conventional GPC in the use of a solution of the associating surfactant as eluent (rather than solvent) and the injection of a small volume of solution of different concentration (or alternatively injection of solvent alone) to probe the association equilibrium in the eluent. The technique was applied to a study of the solubilisation of selected drugs in aqueous micellar solutions of a triblock copolymer (Synperonic-PE F127) composed of oxyethylene [E, OCH2CH2] and oxypropylene [P, OCH2CH(CH3)] units with nominal molecular formula E98P67E98. RESULTS: EGPC curves were obtained showing vacancy peaks at the elution volumes of the drugs, clearly demonstrating their solubilisation. In addition, the micelle-molecule equilibrium of the copolymer surfactant could be monitored at all times. Quantitative determination of the partition of solute between micelles and solvent phase was not possible due to the incomplete conversion of molecules to micelles in solutions of the selected copolymer. CONCLUSIONS: The EGPC technique provides evidence for the solubilisation of the drugs in aqueous solutions of Synperonic F127; a more thorough assessment of its potential for quantitative measurement of solubilisation requires the use of a surfactant which is wholly (or at least mainly) in the micellar state under the conditions of use.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1995

Recurrent mis-splicing of fibrillin exon 32 in two patients with neonatal Marfan syndrome.

The Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant heritable disorder of connective tissue. Variable and pleiotropic clinical features are observed in the skeletal, ocular, and cardiovascular systems. The most severe end of the phenotypic spectrum of this disorder comprises a group of patients usually diagnosed at birth, who have a life expectancy of little more than a year. To distinguish this group of patients from those with classical MFS, we refer to them as neonatal Marfan syndrome (nMFS). These infants usually die of congestive heart failure rather than aortic aneurysmal disease, the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in classical MFS. Defects in fibrillin, an elastin-associated microfibrillar glycoprotein, are now known to cause both the classical and neonatal forms of MFS. Here we report the recurrent mis-splicing of fibrillin (FBN1) exon 32, a precursor EGF-like calcium binding domain, in two unrelated infants with nMFS. The mis-splicing, in one patient, was due to an A-->T transversion at the -2 position of the consensus acceptor splice site; while that in the second patient was caused by a G-->A transition at the +1 position of the donor splice site. Characterization of FBN1 mutations in individuals at the most severe end of the Marfan syndrome spectrum should provide greater understanding of the multiple domains and regions of fibrillin.

Alleles↗
PubMed1995

Sensitometric evaluation of a new E-speed dental radiographic film.

A new Kodak E-speed dental X-ray film, Ektaspeed Plus, was compared with Ektaspeed and Ultra-speed. The new film was very nearly twice as fast as Ultra-speed and, unlike Ektaspeed, it maintained this speed throughout the useful density range. Ektaspeed Plus film contrast was similar to that of Ultra-speed and much greater than that of Ektaspeed at higher density values. Preliminary evaluation of resolution showed that Ektaspeed Plus had at least as good resolution as Ektaspeed, though both emulsions were inferior to Ultra-speed. It is concluded that Ektaspeed Plus could prove an acceptable alternative to Ultra-speed film.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1994

Differential activation of right and left posterior sylvian regions by semantic and phonological tasks: a positron-emission tomography study in normal human subjects.

A previous study of brain activation in normal subjects during a phonological (Phonemes) task and a lexical semantic (Words) task using positron-emission tomography [3] is complemented by new data after a method for image realignment was applied [17]. The pattern of cerebral blood flow increases associated with Words compared with Phonemes, involved several foci of activation but these were not exclusively distributed in the left hemisphere as it also included the right angular gyrus, suggesting a participation of the right hemisphere in lexical semantic processes. Conversely, by comparison to Words, Phonemes activated left-sided perisylvian regions, involving the inferior part of the left supramarginal gyrus, in accordance with previous results on verbal short-term memory [12].

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injury and acute hospitalization and rehabilitation charges for spinal cord injuries in Oklahoma, 1988-1990.

Few injuries result in more profound and long-term disability than traumatic spinal cord injury. This study describes the demographic and epidemiologic characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury among Oklahoma residents reported to the statewide, population-based surveillance system in 1988-1990; initial acute hospital and rehabilitation charges for 1989 are also included. There was a reported incidence rate of 40 per million population. Based on a reporting sensitivity of 77%, the "true" incidence of spinal cord injury was estimated to be 51 per million population. Motor vehicle crashes accounted for 48% of injuries. Males aged 15-29 years and blacks were at highest risk of injury. Among blacks, the injury rate due to violence was seven times that for whites or Native Americans. Alcohol/drug use was a contributing factor in 39% of injuries and was highest among males aged 20-29 years (58%), Native Americans (57%), and victims of motor vehicle crashes (48%) or violence (51%). The combined initial charges for persons receiving both acute and rehabilitative care ranged from $9,790 to $666,510, with a median of $53,410 per patient; for complete quadriplegia, the combined median charge was $88,585. Despite its low incidence, hospitalization and rehabilitation charges for spinal cord injury in 1989 caused an economic burden of an estimated $8.4 million. While the charges presented were only a small portion of the total costs of spinal cord injury, they further substantiate the need for prevention efforts targeting these debilitating, often permanent injuries. These efforts should target young males and blacks, and should focus on preventing injuries associated with motor vehicle crashes, violence, and alcohol/drug use.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1994

Depression in children and adolescents with sickle-cell disease.

OBJECTIVE: To look at the role of a standardized screening test for assessing depression in children and adolescents with and without sickle-cell disease and to compare findings with this instrument with clinical evaluations by child psychiatrists. In addition, to suggest the prevalence of clinical depression in children and adolescents with sickle-cell disease. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, sequential sample of subjects, convenience control sample, prevalence study using the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised and an interview assessment by a child psychiatrist based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition. SETTING: Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center outpatient clinic and ambulatory Resident Practice Clinic at the University of South Alabama Children's Medical Center, Mobile. STUDY PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 6 through 18 years with homozygous sickle-cell disease (hemoglobin SS) served as study subjects. Subjects of the same age and race who did not have sickle-cell disease served as controls. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The mean Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised total scores were 27.1 and 22.1 in study and control groups, respectively (P = .0073). Eleven (29%) of 38 children in the study group had scores indicating a high risk for clinical depression. Four (12%) of 34 children in the control group were in this category. The four items accounting for most of this significant difference were excessive fatigue, physical complaints, self-esteem, and morbid ideation. This contrasted with the clinical evaluation by a child psychiatrist in a clinical interview in which 13% of study subjects and 15% of control subjects had evidence of clinical depression (P = .85). CONCLUSION: Excessive fatigue and physical complaint factors contributed to a high false-positive rate when the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised was used to screen for depression among patients with sickle-cell disease. Based on the clinical interview by a child psychiatrist, the actual prevalence of clinical depression was not increased in children with sickle-cell disease compared with those without this chronic illness.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

A slow death or eternal life? Future directions for annual public health reports.

Several years after their reintroduction, district public health reports continue to face questions about purpose, content and evaluation. As public health embraces the wider vision of the World Health Organisation's 'Health for All' strategy, and the consequent need for collaboration with other sectors and participation with communities, there is a need for the reports to respond accordingly. This theme is explored in relation to the needs of the report's diverse audience, the type of local research required to make the report relevant and effective, and approaches to evaluation. A growing local research function has resource and training implications for Departments of Public Health. The demands of producing a report every year suggest that biennial publication of the main report, with other targeted products over the intervening period, would be a more realistic and effective option.

Annual Reports as Topic↗
PubMed1994

A cephalometric and electromyographic study of upper airway structures in the upright and supine positions.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep, usually in the supine position. To investigate the relationship between upper airway size and genioglossus (GG) muscle activity, upright and supine cephalograms were obtained in 20 OSA patients and 10 symptom-free control subjects. Tongue electromyographic (EMG) recordings were obtained with surface electrodes, and pressure transducers were placed in the 10 symptom-free controls. The tongue cross-sectional area increased 4.3% (p < 0.05), and the oropharyngeal area decreased 36.5% (p < 0.01) when the OSA patients changed their body position from upright to supine. No changes were observed in the tongue area, but soft palate thickness increased (p < 0.01) when the control subjects changed from the upright to the supine position. Furthermore, the oropharyngeal cross-sectional area decreased 28.8% (p < 0.01) despite a 34% increase (p < 0.05) in resting GG EMG activity. Posterior tongue pressure increased 17% (p < 0.05) with the change from upright to supine. On the basis of these findings, we propose that body posture has a substantial effect on upper airway structure and muscle activity. This postural effect should be taken into account when assessing upper airway size in the erect posture (conventional cephalography) and in the supine position (computed tomography). The vertical and anteroposterior position of the tongue and its relationship to airway size may be more important than soft palate size in the pathogenesis of OSA.

Airway Resistance↗
PubMed1994

A PET study of cognitive strategies in normal subjects during language tasks. Influence of phonetic ambiguity and sequence processing on phoneme monitoring.

We previously demonstrated using PET in normal subjects (Démonet et al., Brain 1992; 115: 1753-68) that, by comparison to a reference task of monitoring for pure tones, a phoneme monitoring task involving two factors of complexity (sequence processing and perceptual ambiguity) activated Wernicke's area and Broca's area. In the present experiment, we explored the respective influence of these factors on brain activation. In addition to the reference task, four phoneme monitoring tasks in non-words were used with stimuli presented binaurally. These included an easy, non-sequential, unambiguous task; a perceptually ambiguous, but non-sequential task; a sequential, but perceptually unambiguous task; a sequential and ambiguous task identical to the one we used in our previous study. Changes in regional cerebral blood flow were measured in nine right-handed volunteers using PET and infusion of H2(15)O. The sequential unambiguous task was associated with the same pattern of activation as that observed for the equivalent non-sequential task, i.e. activation of Wernicke's area. The two tasks with perceptual ambiguity gave rise to activations in the left fusiform gyrus and in Broca's area, respectively. Activation of the left fusiform gyrus in the perceptually ambiguous but non-sequential task suggests a prominent role for a strategy involving phoneme-to-grapheme transcoding in subjects, who thereby attempted to visualize non-words that they could not decipher auditorily. Activation of Broca's area in the sequential and ambiguous task reproduces our previous result and suggests that subjects resorted to a predominantly verbal rehearsal strategy when performing this task.

Adult↗