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Biomedical subjects

D England

Publications and source records attributed to D England.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The significance of mammotome core biopsy specimens without radiographically identifiable microcalcification and their influence on surgical management--a retrospective review with histological correlation.

The aim of this study is to assess core specimens which do not contain radiographically visible calcification at stereotactic vacuum assisted core biopsy (SVACB) of indeterminate microcalcification, to determine what influence they may have on the surgical management of patients with breast disease. Review was made of the core biopsy and surgical histology results of 104 SVACB biopsies of indeterminate microcalcification over a 26 month period. Cores were placed in separate pots; POT A for cores containing microcalcification and POT B for cores without radiographically visible microcalcification before being sent to histology. Of 104 biopsies, 25% contained B3-B5 pathology in POT B and at surgery this correlated with a higher grade of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and an increased likelihood of invasive disease. The presence of B3-B5 pathology in POT B itself however did not act as a strong indicator of radiological-histological size discrepancy in this study.

Adult↗

Breast papilloma: mammogram, ultrasound and MRI appearances.

Breast papilloma are difficult to diagnose by triple assessment. Their symptoms, clinical signs and radiological appearances are differing widely. In this paper, we report the symptoms and clinical signs of 35 patients with proven breast papilloma and consider the relative merits of mammography, ultrasound scans and magnetic resonance imaging in their assessment.

Journal Article↗

Hepatic glycogen staining. Applications in injury survival time and child abuse.

Hepatic glycogen stores have long been known to decrease with starvation, trauma, acute stress, and shock. In this study, hepatic tissue was examined in 122 decedents ranging in age from 1 to 88 years who died of a variety of causes. Hepatic tissue was stained for glycogen/carbohydrates using the Best's carmine and/or period acid-Schiff (PAS)-alcian blue methods in 121 cases. The liver samples were evaluated for amount of staining, staining around hepatic injuries (if present), and presence of histologic abnormalities. Prominence of staining was decreased with increasing survival times after injury (P=.0001) and increasing postmortem interval. Staining along the edges of hepatic injuries was decreased in antemortem injuries but not in postmortem-induced injuries (P<.0001). If used in conjunction with circumstantial and autopsy information, hepatic glycogen/carbohydrate staining using the Best's carmine and PAS-alcian blue methods could greatly aid in the determination of injury survival times and the vital nature of questionable injuries in child deaths and other cases.

Adult↗

Quorum-sensing cross talk: isolation and chemical characterization of cyclic dipeptides from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other gram-negative bacteria.

In cell-free Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture supernatants, we identified two compounds capable of activating an N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) biosensor. Mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy revealed that these compounds were not AHLs but the diketopiperazines (DKPs), cyclo(DeltaAla-L-Val) and cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr) respectively. These compounds were also found in cell-free supernatants from Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter freundii and Enterobacter agglomerans [cyclo(DeltaAla-L-Val) only]. Although both DKPs were absent from Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas alcaligenes, we isolated, from both pseudomonads, a third DKP, which was chemically characterized as cyclo(L-Phe-L-Pro). Dose-response curves using a LuxR-based AHL biosensor indicated that cyclo(DeltaAla-L-Val), cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr) and cyclo(L-Phe-L-Pro) activate the biosensor in a concentration-dependent manner, albeit at much higher concentrations than the natural activator N-(3-oxohexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C6-HSL). Competition studies showed that cyclo(DeltaAla-L-Val), cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr) and cyclo(L-Phe-L-Pro) antagonize the 3-oxo-C6-HSL-mediated induction of bioluminescence, suggesting that these DKPs may compete for the same LuxR-binding site. Similarly, DKPs were found to be capable of activating or antagonizing other LuxR-based quorum-sensing systems, such as the N-butanoylhomoserine lactone-dependent swarming motility of Serratia liquefaciens. Although the physiological role of these DKPs has yet to be established, their activity suggests the existence of cross talk among bacterial signalling systems.

4-Butyrolactone↗

Delayed appearance of distal coronary perforation following stent implantation.

Coronary perforations are usually apparent immediately after the occurrence. We report a case of a 67-year-old woman where coronary perforation presented 16 hours after the procedure. This case illustrates the need for extra vigilance and careful evaluation of distal vasculature while using stiff coronary guidewires.

Aged↗

Sertraline in the treatment of panic disorder. A multi-site, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose investigation.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the efficacy and safety of sertraline to placebo in treating panic disorder. METHOD: 178 out-patients with panic disorder who exhibited at least four panic attacks during the four weeks prior to screening and three during the two weeks of lead-in were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of double-blind treatment with sertraline (50, 100 or 200 mg) or placebo. RESULTS: Sertraline was superior to placebo in reducing the number of panic attacks, situational attacks, unexpected attacks, limited symptom attacks, and time spent worrying (all P < 0.01) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (P < 0.05), although Clinical Global Impression (Improvement) did not significantly differentiate groups at 12 weeks and at end-point. No serious adverse events were associated with sertraline. No dose relationship was found for adverse events; overall drop-out rates were not different for sertraline or placebo, although more sertraline-treated subjects discontinued for adverse events, typically early in the study. Only dry mouth and ejaculation failure (primarily ejaculation delay) were associated significantly with sertraline. CONCLUSIONS: Sertraline was effective and safe in reducing panic attacks. Higher doses were no more effective than the 50 mg dose.

Adolescent↗

Leadership: as my father used to say.

This article addresses the requirements of sensitivity/respect, patience, selflessness, and sense of humor as essential qualities for all leaders. These qualities were selected because they were introduced by the author's father and have withstood the test of time and dramatic change.

Character↗

Nucleotide sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA-encoding gene from Opisthorchis viverrini.

The complete nucleotide (nt) sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA-encoding gene of Opisthorchis viverrini reported in this study is the first nt sequence reported for a trematode. The gene is 1992 nt long and has a G + C content of 50.94%. It is made up of alternated constant and variable regions that are similar to the gene organization of other eukaryotes. It is also of interest to note an unexpectedly high degree of sequence homology between O. viverrini and human genes.

Animals↗

T helper-cell leukemia/lymphoma: presentation as an acute immune-mediated illness.

A 36-year-old man presented with an acute immune-mediated illness characterized by leukocytoclastic vasculitis and polyarthritis. Evaluation of the synovial fluid, bone marrow, and peripheral blood revealed large numbers of abnormal lymphoid cells labeling a 4B4-positive, CD4-positive, IL-2 receptor-negative, helper T cells. Hypergammaglobulinemia, immune complexes, high levels of serum IL-2 receptors, serum antibodies against foreign alloantigens, and specific cytolysis of the patient's leukemic cells by his normal CD8+ T lymphocytes suggest an interaction of the malignant cells and his normal immune cells. Thus, some of the rheumatologic symptoms leading to the diagnosis of leukemia appear to reflect an immunoregulatory imbalance manifested by B-cell hyperactivity, likely induced by the malignant helper T cells, and attempted regulation of his malignant T cells by normal lymphocytes.

Adult↗

Effects of plasmapheresis and autotransfusion on complement recovery in dogs.

To study selectively the dilutional aspects of severe blood loss on the serum complement system, we developed an animal model consisting of isovolumic phlebotomy and reinfusion of washed autologous erythrocytes. This model avoided hypoperfusion, ischemia, and transfusion of foreign antigen. We measured total serum protein, C3 antigen, total complement hemolytic activity, and alternative pathway hemolytic activity. Each of the first three parameters dropped to 55% of initial value (P less than 0.005) by the end of the phlebotomy/reinfusion procedure and returned to normal levels by Day 1 or 2. C3 antigen and total complement hemolytic activity then rose to 150% of normal by Day 4 and gradually returned to normal within 2 weeks. Alternative pathway activity, by contrast, fell by more than 80% (P less than 0.005) within the first 6 hr, recovered by Day 4, and gradually rose to about 140% of normal by Day 21. Trauma patients treated for heavy blood loss who suffer depletion of hemolytic complement during the first few hours may be at greater risk of infection due to immune deficiencies. The implication of the results presented here is that the alternative pathway may be particularly weakened during blood loss and transfusion by simple dilution in addition to the effects of processes omitted in this model. Knowledge of the kinetics of complement recovery, independent of other effects usually accompanying trauma, may be helpful in determining whether these patients might benefit from exogenous manipulation of the complement system.

Animals↗

Lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and ischemic ulcers associated with giant cell arteritis.

A patient with previously treated, temporal artery biopsy proven, giant cell arteritis (GCA) developed lower extremity ulcers and sensory neuropathy. Sural nerve biopsy showed epineural vessels with focal mild chronic inflammation. The lower extremity skin and nerve abnormalities improved after retreatment with prednisone. The rare manifestations of lower extremity skin and peripheral nervous system involvement associated with GCA are discussed. GCA must be considered in lower extremity ischemic processes of the skin and peripheral nervous system.

Foot Diseases↗

Stimulation of rabbit synoviocyte prostaglandin E2 synthesis by lipopolysaccharides and their subunit structures.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induce synoviocyte activation and may lead to destruction of synovial joint tissues. We assessed the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as a measure of synoviocyte activation by LPS and their subunit structures. Diphosphoryl lipid A was the smallest portion of lipid A tested that stimulated PGE2 production. The polysaccharide fraction of LPS, containing the O antigen, was also active. Intraarticular injections of the polysaccharide resulted in a synovitis very similar to that found in association with the intact LPS molecule. These observations suggest that both parts of LPS might be involved in gram-negative, organism-associated synovitis.

Animals↗

Antineurofilament antibody evaluation in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus. Combination with anticardiolipin antibody assay and magnetic resonance imaging.

We used Western blot analysis to examine the occurrence and titer of antibody to cytoskeletal neurofilament protein antigens in patients with neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in controls. Twenty-two patients with neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) had an increased incidence of antineurofilament antibody (ANFA) compared with 34 patients with SLE without neuropsychiatric symptoms, 78 patients with other disease processes, and 22 healthy controls. ANFA were found to be directed against the 205,000- and 160,000-dalton proteins of the neurofilament triplet. Patients with a diffuse NPSLE clinical presentation had the greatest frequency of serum ANFA (7 of 12, 58%) compared with all other groups examined. Magnetic resonance imaging and serum anticardiolipin antibody testing were also performed in selected patients with NPSLE. Patients with a focal clinical presentation of NPSLE, positive magnetic resonance imaging findings, and negative serum ANFA had significantly elevated levels of anticardiolipin antibody.

Autoantibodies↗

The effect of nerve growth factor on the development of sodium channels in PC12 cells.

We have studied the development of the action potential Na+ channels in PC12 cells, an established line that has been useful as a model for neuronal differentiation. In continuous culture PC12 cells, although electrically inexcitable, nevertheless have a low level of Na+ channels as judged by the increase in 22Na+ uptake in the presence of veratridine and scorpion toxin. These two neurotoxins have been shown to promote activation of Na+ channels in a variety of electrically excitable cells. Following treatment with nerve growth factor (NGF), conditions which induce differentiation to an electrically excitably neuronal-cell type, the neurotoxin-activated 22Na+ uptake increases approximately 12-fold, on a per cell basis, reaching a maximum in 12-16 days. The dose-response curves for veratridine and scorpion toxin are unchanged by NGF treatment (K0.5 for veratridine, 18-14 microM; K0.5 for scorpion toxin, 120-96 nM). Na+ channels in both undifferentiated and differentiated cells are tetrodotoxin sensitive and NGF treatment has no effect on the inhibition constant (Ki, 10-12 nM). Na+ channel sites were measured directly by the specific binding of [3H]saxitoxin. In NGF-treated cells, the saxitoxin receptor density reaches 154 fmol/mg protein (Kd, 1.3 nM), a level comparable to other excitable cells. Levels in control cells were too low to measure accurately. These findings show that NGF treatment of PC12 cells leads to a substantial increase in the expression of neurotoxin-sensitive Na+ channels. Furthermore, these channels are pharmacologically similar, if not identical, to those which exist in undifferentiated cells and therefore do not appear to result from the conversion of preexisting channels.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

IgE antibody mediated inflammation of rat lung: histologic and bronchoalveolar lavage assessment.

Pulmonary antigen challenge in sensitized individuals elicits immediate and late phase responses (LPR). While mast cells and tissue inflammation are thought to be vital to the development of the LPR, the precise pathogenesis of these responses remains under investigation. Using the Sprague-Dawley rat as a model to study cutaneous LPR, we have previously demonstrated that rat cutaneous LPR are mast cell-dependent and are histologically characterized by early (1-8 h) neutrophil-rich and late (8-24 h) mononuclear cell-rich infiltrates. To compare and contrast this cutaneous response with IgE-dependent pulmonary inflammatory responses, we performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analyses of pulmonary inflammation following specific antigen challenge in actively immunized [IgE anti-ovalbumin (OA) antibody] and BAL and histologic analyses in passively sensitized [mouse hybridoma anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE antibody] rats. Following direct insufflation of OA into the trachea, actively sensitized animals demonstrated an increased number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) at 4 h in BAL fluid. These cell numbers were significantly increased over controls by 24 h following challenge. In addition, rats passively sensitized for 72 h with anti-DNP IgE hybridoma antibody (PCA = 1:10,000) were challenged with DNP-BSA aerosols. Examination of BAL fluid 1 to 2 h following challenge revealed significantly increased numbers of PMNs which returned to normal levels by 24 h. Numbers of lymphocytes and macrophages were unchanged compared to controls. Microscopic examination of lung tissue revealed alveolar and interstitial edema at 2 h following challenge and a focal peribronchiolitis characterized by a predominantly mononuclear cell infiltrate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Ventricular arrhythmia in unrepaired and repaired tetralogy of Fallot. Relation to age, timing of repair, and haemodynamic status.

Ventricular arrhythmias are common after repair of tetralogy of Fallot and are associated with late sudden death. This study examined the relation of ventricular arrhythmia during normal daily activities to the timing of repair, duration of follow up, and postoperative haemodynamic status. Forty eight hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring was performed in 145 patients: 60 (aged 3 months to 46 years) had not yet undergone repair and 85 were followed from four to 22 (mean 14.6) years after repair. Cardiac catheterisation was performed in 47 (55%) one to 22 (mean 8.9) years after repair. Twelve (20%) of the uncorrected group had ventricular arrhythmia. The incidence increased significantly with age from 0% in patients aged less than 8 years to 58% in those aged greater than or equal to 16 years. In the corrected group 44% had ventricular arrhythmia. The incidence of arrhythmia was associated with older age at repair but not with postoperative haemodynamic status, duration of follow up, or era of surgery. It is concluded that ventricular arrhythmia is common in older patients with tetralogy of Fallot before repair and that during long term follow up of patients after repair the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia is influenced by the timing of surgery rather that the duration of postoperative follow up, era of surgery, or the haemodynamic result.

Adolescent↗

Inability of exercise-induced R wave changes to predict coronary artery disease.

To determine the value of exercise-induced R wave changes in diagnosing coronary disease 200 patients undergoing coronary angiography were studied with 16 lead precordial exercise mapping. R wave amplitude was calculated before and immediately after exercise as the sum of R in all 16 leads, the sum of the R waves in the left plus the S waves in the right precordial leads, as well as the sum of the R waves only in those leads that manifested S-T depression. Coronary artery disease was found in 154 patients, S-T depression developed in 122 (sensitivity 79 percent); the sum of R increased or remained unchanged in 61 and decreased in 93 (sensitivity 40 percent). Forty-six patients did not have coronary artery disease; S-T depression developed in 5 (specificity 89 percent); the sum of R increased or was unchanged in 30 and decreased in 16 (specificity 35 percent). Similar results were obtained using the other criteria for calculating R wave amplitude. Exercise-induced S-T depression was identified in 5. 1 +/- 2.6 (mean +/- standard deviation) of the 16 precordial leads and in 2.0 +/- 1. 1 of the chest leads of the standard electrocardiogram (p less than 0.01). Thus, electrocardiographic alterations found in the standard chest leads represent only a small variable proportion of the total projection. When the whole precordial area was analyzed, R wave changes were so unpredictable that they could not be used in the diagnosis of coronary disease.

Adult↗