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Biomedical subjects

D Hunt

Publications and source records attributed to D Hunt.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Gambling among methadone patients.

In this paper we assess participation in various forms of gambling activities and establish the prevalence of pathological gambling in a sample of patients (N = 117) enrolled in a large methadone maintenance treatment program in New York City. Respondents were interviewed with a protocol that incorporates the South Oaks Gambling Screen. We found that gambling was a common part of the regular activities of many patients, that 15% of the patients had some problem with gambling, and that an additional 16% were probable pathological gamblers. The implications of our findings are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Catheter ablation of the atrioventricular node using radiofrequency energy.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation of the atrioventricular (AV) junction using stored direct current (DC) energy from a standard DC Cardioverter defibrillator was first reported in 1982. Since then many patients have been treated using this procedure for refractory supraventricular arrhythmias, usually atrial fibrillation and flutter. Undesirable thermal effects such as barotrauma and arcing are largely responsible for complications associated with the use of DC energy. This report details our experience of catheter ablation of the AV junction using radiofrequency (RF) energy in a series of 30 consecutive patients. METHODS: RF ablations were performed using steerable Mansfield (Webster Laboratories) 4 mm tipped electrodes and locally assembled RF energy delivery system. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in 27/30 (90%) patients using RF energy, while three patients required DC energy to achieve successful AV junction ablation. General anaesthesia was required in nine patients, six of whom required this for cardioversion to sinus rhythm so that an adequate His Bundle spike could be recorded and three for DC ablation. Dual chamber permanent pacemakers with automatic mode switching were implanted in four patients who had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or flutter and the remainder had ventricular rate responsive pacemakers. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with drug refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and flutter and in patients with established atrial fibrillation where control of the ventricular rate is difficult, catheter ablation of the AV junction using RF energy is a safe and effective procedure with a high success rate.

Atrial Fibrillation↗
PubMed1994

Physical mapping of 38 highly informative genetic markers to 10 intervals of chromosome 11q: integration of the physical and genetic maps.

A large number of highly polymorphic microsatellite markers particularly suitable for genetic linkage analysis have recently been developed. In order to facilitate integration of the genetic maps of chromosome 11q generated using these types of markers with the physical maps of 11q currently being assembled, we have regionally assigned the Genethon markers and the 11q designated index plus other commonly used polymorphic markers to ten physical intervals of 11q. These intervals are defined by translocation breakpoints immortalized in somatic cell hybrid lines and can therefore serve as readily accessible and stable landmarks for detailed map integration and facilitate the derivation and placement of new markers and cloned contigs.

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMed1994

Two loci for tuberous sclerosis: one on 9q34 and one on 16p13.

32 families informative for the segregation of Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) have been examined for genetic markers on chromosomes 9, 11, 12 and 16. In one large family there was clear evidence of linkage to markers on chromosome 16p13.3 (lodscore with D16S291 of 4.7 at theta = 0) but other families were too small to give individually convincing lodscores. Combined results for all families gave positive results with ABO/DBH on chromosome 9 (max lod 2.63) and with D16S291 on chromosome 16 (max lod 3.98) at values of theta of 0.2 in each case. Further analysis showed strong evidence for heterogeneity with approximately half the families linked to a locus TSC1 on chromosome 9 between ASS and D9S298 and half to TSC2 on chromosome 16 close to D16S291. There was no definite support for a third locus although in many families this could not be excluded. In three families the segregation pattern of TSC remains unexplained. In two of these the family apparently segregates for TSC1 but in each case a single affected individual appeared to exclude the whole of the candidate region. Preliminary analysis of clinical features did not reveal any definite differences in incidence of mental handicap between individuals in different linkage groups or with different sex of the parent of origin. The frequencies of periungual fibromas and facial angiofibromas were also similar in both linkage groups. The difficulties of detecting linkage in small families where there is locus heterogeneity are discussed. The program ZZ was found to be helpful in this respect.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Permanent ventricular pacing via the great cardiac vein.

Two cases of left ventricular pacing via the great cardiac vein are presented. A 64-year-old female with a mechanical prosthetic tricuspid valve and slow atrial fibrillation had a failed attempt at pacing from the middle cardiac vein. In a 58-year-old male with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and bradycardia tachycardia syndrome, transvenous permanent pacing could not be achieved via the right ventricle or middle cardiac vein. In both cases, successful pacing via the great cardiac vein was achieved but with an elevated stimulation threshold. These cases illustrate an alternate transvenous route when difficulties occur using standard ventricular pacing sites.

Atrial Fibrillation↗
PubMed1994

Rat C-reactive protein causes a charge modification of LDL and stimulates its degradation by macrophages.

We have previously shown the binding of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to immobilized rat C-reactive protein (CRP) and the formation of a fluid-phase complex between these two proteins. In this report we used immunoelectrophoresis and agarose gel electrophoresis to show increased anodic migration of the LDL particle as a result of the modification of LDL by rat CRP. The degradation of the modified 125I-LDL by rat peritoneal macrophages was increased more than twofold in the presence of rat CRP. The increase in rat CRP-mediated 125I-LDL degradation by macrophages was dependent on the concentrations of 125I-LDL and rat CRP. This increased 125I-LDL degradation was inhibited by phosphorylcholine. In contrast, the degradation of 125I-acetyl-LDL by macrophages was not affected by rat CRP, although acetylated LDL inhibited the rat CRP-stimulated degradation of 125I-LDL. Increasing concentrations of LDL did not affect the degradation of rat 125I-CRP by the macrophages, which suggested that the rat CRP and the modified LDL did not enter the cell as a complex. Our results suggested that the increased degradation of 125I-LDL was caused by the charge modification of 125I-LDL by rat CRP, due to a fluid-phase complex formation between 125I-LDL and rat CRP, and that the degradation involved the scavenger receptor present on the macrophages.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Stressed?

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Emergency Medical Technicians↗
PubMed1993

The investigation of chest pain: audit and intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the patterns of tests requested for patients admitted with chest pain, and to monitor the effects on those patterns of issuing a set of guidelines formulated by an expert panel. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital (teaching). DESIGN: A retrospective audit of the patterns of testing of patients with chest pain compared with testing recommended by an expert panel, followed by comparison with patterns of testing after guidelines were issued. INTERVENTION: Practice guidelines, based on the expert committee's recommendations, were drawn up for use in the cardiology unit. OUTCOME MEASURES: Tests per admission, bed days per admission, emergency readmission rate. PATIENTS: Sixty-seven patients with diagnosis at the time of admission of chest pain and a discharge diagnosis of "intermediate coronary syndrome". RESULTS: The major finding of the audit was the excessive use of "biochemistry test profiles" instead of targeted tests as recommended by the expert committee. Intervention led to a decrease in the number of tests per admission in the cardiology unit from an average of 22.9 tests in the six months before intervention to 9.7 in the six months after (P < 0.001). There was no effect on bed days per admission or emergency readmission rates. CONCLUSION: Audit and intervention in a specialised unit of patients with a specified diagnosis led to more cost effective use of the resources of the Royal Melbourne Hospital Department of Biochemistry.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Degradation of rat C-reactive protein by macrophages.

Rat C-reactive protein (CRP) is a serum glycoprotein belonging to the 'pentraxin' family of proteins. In this study we have shown the specific binding of 125I-CRP to rat peritoneal macrophages at 4 degrees C. This binding was dependent upon incubation time, CRP and cell concentrations, and was not inhibited by either phosphorylcholine or human IgG. At 37 degrees C, the surface-bound 125I-CRP was internalized and degraded. The degradation of 125I-CRP was measured by the formation of 125I-labelled trichloroacetic-acid-soluble CRP peptides by either precipitation assays or by h.p.l.c. of the incubation medium using a gel-filtration column. Since chloroquine and leupeptin inhibited CRP degradation, it was concluded that degradation of CRP occurred in the lysosomal compartment of the macrophage. There was an absolute requirement for the presence of bivalent cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+) in the incubation medium for the binding and degradation of CRP, which could be inhibited by EDTA but not by phosphorylcholine or human IgG. H.p.l.c. analysis of the medium obtained from incubation of macrophages with 125I-CRP revealed the presence of 125I-labelled low-M(r) peptides, the formation of which was dependent upon incubation time.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Qualitative and quantitative studies of cytokines synthesized and secreted by non-human primate peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Non-human primates are being utilized in a variety of pre-clinical studies, including those involved with mechanisms of organ transplant rejection and those being used as models to test the efficacy of vaccines against a variety of infectious diseases, most notably AIDS. These studies clearly involve immunological effector mechanisms, which include the interaction between T cells, B cells, monocytes, and cytokines that regulate these interactions. However, there is very little known about assays and quantitation of cytokines from non-human primates. In attempts to address this issue, bioassays, commercially available EIA kits, and primer pairs and probes specific for human cytokines were evaluated for their ability to detect and quantitate the non-human primate homologues. Data suggest that although the EIA kits that were evaluated for human IL-1 alpha, IFN-gamma, and TNF-beta failed, the EIA kits for IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, the bioassays and RT-PCR assays for each of the cytokines were successful in detection and most likely quantitation of the non-human primate cytokine homologues. These assays will greatly facilitate future studies on the role of cytokines in these non-human primate studies.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: a report of 135 procedures.

BACKGROUND: Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) is a common condition which until recently has been treated with anti-arrhythmic drugs or surgery. Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is a new mode of treatment which provides a cure of this condition. AIMS: To present our early experience of RF catheter ablation for PSVT. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five procedures were performed in 117 patients. The diagnostic study and therapeutic catheter ablation were performed as a combined electrophysiological procedure in 74 patients (63%). In 58 patients (50%), PSVT was due to Atrio-ventricular junctional (nodal) re-entrant tachycardia (AVJRT). Twenty-five of the 58 patients underwent a fast pathway ablation while 33 had ablation of their slow pathway. The mean number of radiofrequency pulses delivered was ten for a mean duration of 25 seconds. Radiofrequency ablation of accessory pathways was attempted in 58 patients; pathways were left-sided in 29 patients, postero-septal in 21, midseptal in five, Mahaim connection in two, antero-septal in one and right free wall in one patient. One patient with incessant automatic atrial tachycardia also underwent a successful RF ablation. RESULTS: Using RF ablation cure of PSVT was achieved in 90% of patients. Cure of AVJRT was achieved in 95% (55/58) of patients using either fast or slow pathway ablation. Only one patient required permanent pacemaker implantation for Mobitz type I AV block following fast pathway ablation. The overall success rate for ablation of accessory pathways was 85%. There is an operator learning curve for this procedure suggested by the fact that the success rate for accessory pathway ablation at first attempt was 63% in the first 29 patients and 93% in the remaining 29. There was no significant morbidity or mortality during or after the procedure. In a mean follow-up of nine months in the patients with successful ablation only two patients with AVJRT had a recurrence of documented PSVT. Both these patients had successful repeat RF ablation. Catheter ablation using radiofrequency energy is an effective and safe therapeutic option for patients with symptomatic PSVT.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

ISIS 5 possibilities.

There are five major therapeutic groups for possible evaluation in the ISIS 5 trial. They include intravenous beta-blocking agents, glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) therapy, newer anticoagulant and antithrombotic agents (hirudin and Hirulog), newer thrombolytic drugs such as recombinant plasminogen activator (r-PA) and surfactant and emulsifying agents such as Rheothrx. Many pilot studies are underway. Selection of agents will depend on the scientific interest of collaborating hospitals as well as the agent's safety and efficacy.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1993

Identification and regional localization of a highly polymorphic dinucleotide repeat D11S614 to the interval in 11q23.3 flanked by recurrent translocation breakpoints.

A highly informative dinucleotide repeat polymorphism has been identified at the D11S614 locus on chromosome 11q23. Ten different alleles have been observed at this locus, and the heterozygosity frequency is approximately 85%. Physical localization of this marker in a panel of somatic cell hybrids containing chromosome 11 translocations showed that it maps to 11q23.3, within the interval between the recurrent t(4;11) leukaemia breakpoint and the t(11;22) Ewing's sarcoma breakpoint. This physical mapping data is consistent with the genetic mapping which indicates tight linkage to other markers in the q23.3 region including PBGD, CD3D and D11S29. Regional localization of highly informative markers such as D11S614 will facilitate integration of the genetic and physical maps.

Alleles↗
PubMed1993

Malignant ventricular arrhythmias in patients with mitral valve prolapse and mild mitral regurgitation.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common disorder that, in general, has a good prognosis. Rare occasions of sudden death have been reported in patients with MVP and it is presumed that the basis of sudden death is arrhythmic. We report seven patients with moderate to severe MVP and malignant ventricular arrhythmias. All patients had trivial to mild mitral regurgitation and normal left ventricular function. Three patients presented with syncope, two with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and three with recurrent palpitations and presyncope. In a mean follow-up period of 2.5 years (range 6 months to 5 years), two patients died suddenly despite successful control of their nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) with sotalol as shown by ambulatory monitoring. Two patients, who had sustained VT despite antiarrhythmic drug therapy, had mitral valve surgery, however, monomorphic VT could be induced in both even after surgery. The arrhythmias in the remaining three patients are controlled on antiarrhythmic drugs. We conclude that a selected subset of patients with MVP, malignant ventricular arrhythmias, and mild mitral regurgitation are at risk of sudden death. Syncope, inferolateral repolarization changes, complex ventricular ectopy, and a markedly myxomatous valve may be pointers to higher risk of sudden death and mitral valve surgery may not provide control of ventricular arrhythmias.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Antigen mimicry in autoimmune disease sharing of amino acid residues critical for pathogenic T cell activation.

A nonamer peptide from murine nicotinic acetylcholine receptor delta chain (ACR delta), which shared four amino acid residues with a nonamer peptide of murine ovarian zona pellucida glycoprotein ZP3, induced murine autoimmune oophoritis and IgG autoantibody to the zona pellucida. Crossreaction between the ACR delta and ZP3 peptides was established by the response of a ZP3 peptide-specific, oophoritogenic T cell clone to both peptides in association with IA (alpha k beta b). By substituting the ZP3 peptides with a single alanine, four amino acids within the ZP3 peptide were found to be important for ovarian autoimmune disease, autoantibody response, and stimulation of the ZP3-specific T cell clone. Substitution with conservative amino acids of three residues also ablated activity, whereas the fourth, a phenylalanine, was replaceable by tyrosine without loss of activity. Of the four critical amino acids, three were shared between the ZP3 peptide and the ACR delta peptide. Moreover, polyalanine peptides with the four critical ZP3 amino acids or the four amino acids common to the ZP3 and ACR delta peptides induced immune response to ZP3 and elicited severe ovarian autoimmune disease. Thus, organ-specific autoimmune disease can occur through immune response against unrelated self (or foreign) peptides that share with a self-peptide sufficient common amino acid residues critical for activation of pathogenic, autoreactive T cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Clinical experience with surgery for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: a report of 103 cases.

One-hundred-and-three patients underwent surgery for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). In eighty-three patients (81%), PSVT was due to an accessory atrioventricular pathway (Group I) and in 20 (19%) to Atrioventricular Junctional (AV nodal) Reentrant Tachycardia (AVJRT:Group II). Initial surgery successfully divided 77 of 83 accessory pathways, including 58 of 60 left free wall pathways, 12 of 15 posteroseptal pathways, six of seven right free wall pathways and one anteroseptal pathway. Twenty patients had successful surgery for AVJRT. Surgery was performed with low morbidity and no early or late mortality in either group. One patient in each group required permanent pacemaker implantation. Immediate (within one week) postoperative electrophysiological study using epicardial wires was performed in 96% of patients and repeat electrophysiological study six months later was possible in 65/103 (63%) patients. Patients with surgery for accessory pathways were followed-up for a mean 34 +/- 23 months, while those with surgery for AVJRT for a mean of 13 +/- seven months. No patient with successful surgery has had a clinical recurrence of PSVT. Thus the results indicate that surgery is a safe and curative therapy for patients with PSVT.

Adolescent↗