Biomedical subjects

E Matthews

Publications and source records attributed to E Matthews.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1990

Heparin abolishes the chemotherapy-induced increase in plasma fibrinopeptide A levels.

PURPOSE, PATIENTS, AND METHODS: Blood coagulation abnormalities are common in patients with cancer, particularly after treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. Chemotherapy has been associated with an increased incidence of thromboembolic events, and patients treated with chemotherapy often develop evidence of local phlebitis, which may lead to loss of venous access. We have utilized the radioimmunoassay for plasma fibrinopeptide A (FPA) and in vitro FPA generation to assess the rate of in vivo blood coagulation and the level of plasma thrombin activity in 16 cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Eight patients were treated twice, once with chemotherapy alone and once with chemotherapy after an intravenous infusion of heparin (5,000 U). RESULTS: Our results confirm that FPA levels are elevated in most cancer patients. Following chemotherapy, FPA levels were further increased within 45 minutes (mean FPA = 5.2 ng/mL before chemotherapy versus 8.3 ng/mL after chemotherapy, p less than 0.01) and were accompanied by an increase in the FPA generation rate. Infusion of heparin prior to chemotherapy significantly lowered plasma FPA levels and abolished post-chemotherapy FPA generation. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that patients receiving chemotherapy express thrombin-like activity in plasma and, therefore, may be at risk for clinically significant intravascular activation of coagulation. Heparin diminished the laboratory evidence of this chemotherapy-related coagulopathy and may have a role in the prevention of thromboembolic disorders in some cancer patients undergoing cytotoxic therapy.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed1990

Influence of an insect growth regulator on the larval development of an estuarine shrimp.

The influence of methoprene, an insect growth regulator used in mosquito control, on larval development of the estuarine grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) was examined in the laboratory. No grass shrimp larvae successfully completed metamorphosis when continuously exposed to 1000 microg methoprene litre(-1). Completion of larval metamorphosis was significantly reduced by exposure to 100 microg litre(-1) of the isomeric mixture (R,S)-methoprene but not the single isomer formulation (S)-methoprene. No statistically significant difference was revealed, however, in ability to inhibit metamorphosis between these two isomeric types across the broad range of exposure concentrations from 0.1 to 1000.0 microg litre(-1). The first two larval stages and the final premetamorphic larval stage were more sensitive to methoprene toxicity than intermediate larval stages. Methoprene exposure did not alter either the duration of total larval development or the total number of larval stages prior to metamorphosis.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1989

Pharmacological profile of MDL 26,024GO: a novel antiasthmatic agent.

MDL 26,024GO was shown to be an orally absorbed mediator release inhibitor in the rat PCA and PPA tests. In addition, the compound was shown to both elicit and inhibit elicitation of the Bezold-Jarisch reflex in the dog. MDL 26,024GO also significantly reduced Ascaris-induced changes in pulmonary mechanics in cynomolgus monkeys. The compound inhibited both early and late phase antigen induced-changes in Ascaris-sensitive sheep, as well as the increased airway hyperreactivity which normally follows antigen challenge. These results suggest the compound may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of asthma.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Fibrinopeptide A during normal pregnancy.

Fibrinopeptide A (FPA) is the first peptide released from fibrinogen upon thrombin action. Plasma FPA is cleared rapidly with a first order kinetics and therefore its level reflects the rate of thrombin cleavage of fibrinogen. A prospective study was undertaken to establish normal values of FPA during pregnancy. The mean FPA for the pregnant group (n = 136) was 2.8 ng/ml (SD = 3.3) while it was 1.24 ng/ml (SD = 0.4) for a nonpregnant control group of healthy women (n = 30). The median FPA for the pregnant group was 2.2 ng/ml and 1.4 ng/ml for the nonpregnant group (Wilcoxon test P less than 0.0001). Plasma FPA levels increased with gestational age. The median value was 1.5 ng/ml in the first trimester (n = 18), 1.8 ng/ml in the second trimester (n = 40), and 2.5 ng/ml in the third trimester (n = 78). Plasma FPA concentrations in the third trimester were significantly higher than in the first and second trimester. These findings suggest increased thrombin activity and fibrin generation during the course of normal pregnancy.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

PubMed1986

Can paternalism be modernised?

The contention that paternalism can be modernised in such a way as to avoid the usual criticisms is examined and dismissed. The alleged 'modernisation' consists simply in going through the motions of achieving the patient's free consent, while leaving the ultimate decision to the physician. Paternalism in this form is no better than the more old-fashioned variety, since it still takes away from patients the fundamental human right to make decisions about their own fate.

Disclosure↗

PubMed1984

Two-dimensional echocardiographic diagnosis of intracardiac masses in infancy.

Intracardiac masses in infancy are uncommon. Tumors, thrombi and vegetations of bacterial endocarditis are exceedingly rare in this age group. These masses are seldom diagnosed before the infant's death. In a review of two-dimensional echocardiograms performed from May 1979 to January 1981 on 741 infants less than 2 years of age, intracardiac masses were prospectively identified in 6 patients. All six patients presented with unexplained murmurs associated with either hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias or systemic emboli. One patient had a vegetation from bacterial endocarditis, one had an intracardiac thrombus associated with myocarditis, three had rhabdomyomas (two patients with tuberous sclerosis) and one had a fibro-fatty nodule attached to the eustachian valve. Two-dimensional echocardiography not only was important in the diagnosis, but also provided guidance in the medical and surgical treatment of these patients.

Echocardiography↗

PubMed1984