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Biomedical subjects

F Quinn

Publications and source records attributed to F Quinn.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

A comparison of paediatric soccer, gaelic football and rugby injuries presenting to an emergency department in Ireland.

OBJECTIVES: Children presenting with sport related injuries (SRIs) as a result of soccer, rugby and gaelic football are frequently seen in an emergency medicine (EM) setting in Ireland. A comparison of the demographics of injuries in these three sports has however not previously been performed. The purpose of this study was to provide up-to-date data on the nature of these SRIs. METHOD: Data was collected retrospectively on all children (<17 years of age), injured in these three sports, presenting to an emergency medicine department over 6 months, and was entered into a database for analysis. RESULTS: Retrospective analysis was performed on 23,000 charts, and 409 SRIs were identified over a 6-month period. None of the children reported using any form of protective gear, and 27% reported a previous presentation to the emergency department with a SRI. Most injuries were as a result of soccer (56%), with 24% occurring in gaelic football, and 20% occurring in rugby. The predominant mechanism of injury was different in each sport, in soccer-falls (38%), in gaelic football-collisions with objects (balls) (37%), and in rugby-collision with persons (55%). Although the predominant type of injury in soccer and gaelic football was a fracture, accounting for 50% and 42% of injuries, respectively, in rugby however, skin/soft tissue injuries presented more commonly, accounting for 44% of injuries. When the general site of injury was investigated, the upper limb accounted for the majority of SRIs in each sport. In the management of SRIs, oral analgesics were prescribed in 50%, however, it was observed that no use was made of topical, intramuscular or rectal analgesic routes of administration. In addition it was observed that RICE/general injury advice was given in only 27%, physiotherapy was requested in 2%, and no injury prevention advice was given to any child. Overall, 8% required admission. CONCLUSIONS: The data provided from this study may raise awareness of the nature of SRIs affecting children in each of these three sports, and may be useful in formulating much needed injury prevention strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) expression in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a wide range of WT1 expression levels, its impact on prognosis and minimal residual disease monitoring.

Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) is overexpressed in the majority (70-90%) of acute leukemias and has been identified as an independent adverse prognostic factor, a convenient minimal residual disease (MRD) marker and potential therapeutic target in acute leukemia. We examined WT1 expression patterns in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), where its clinical implication remains unclear. Using a real-time quantitative PCR designed according to Europe Against Cancer Program recommendations, we evaluated WT1 expression in 125 consecutively enrolled patients with childhood ALL (106 BCP-ALL, 19 T-ALL) and compared it with physiologic WT1 expression in normal and regenerating bone marrow (BM). In childhood B-cell precursor (BCP)-ALL, we detected a wide range of WT1 levels (5 logs) with a median WT1 expression close to that of normal BM. WT1 expression in childhood T-ALL was significantly higher than in BCP-ALL (P<0.001). Patients with MLL-AF4 translocation showed high WT1 overexpression (P<0.01) compared to patients with other or no chromosomal aberrations. Older children (> or =10 years) expressed higher WT1 levels than children under 10 years of age (P<0.001), while there was no difference in WT1 expression in patients with peripheral blood leukocyte count (WBC) > or =50 x 10(9)/l and lower. Analysis of relapsed cases (14/125) indicated that an abnormal increase or decrease in WT1 expression was associated with a significantly increased risk of relapse (P=0.0006), and this prognostic impact of WT1 was independent of other main risk factors (P=0.0012). In summary, our study suggests that WT1 expression in childhood ALL is very variable and much lower than in AML or adult ALL. WT1, thus, will not be a useful marker for MRD detection in childhood ALL, however, it does represent a potential independent risk factor in childhood ALL. Interestingly, a proportion of childhood ALL patients express WT1 at levels below the normal physiological BM WT1 expression, and this reduced WT1 expression appears to be associated with a higher risk of relapse.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

The SIS extracellular matrix scaffold-preliminary results of use in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair.

There is no ideal bio-tensile material for tissue replacement in paediatric surgical conditions. A variety of materials have been described to replace or reinforce tissue deficits in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The problems with these materials range from extensive surgery to body wall deformity and hernia recurrence. The ideal graft would be safe, strong, have the potential to grow and not require replacement, not affect chest wall development or produce deformity, and have minimal risk of recurrence. Surgisis is a biomaterial composed of porcine intestinal submucosa that provides inherent tensile strength as a collagen lattice and is ultimately replaced by native collagen tissue. Our objective was to prospectively assess the utility of Surgisis as a replacement graft in a cohort of 10 children undergoing primary or recurrent CDH repair. The graft was well tolerated, and there was no recurrence of herniation. We conclude that Surgisis collagen mesh may be a useful alternative for tissue replacement or reinforcement in difficult cases of CDH and diaphragmatic agenesis. The biological framework of Surgisis may also prove useful in other situations of complex tissue loss in children.

Extracellular Matrix↗
PubMed2001

Deregulation of renal transforming growth factor-beta1 after experimental short-term ureteric obstruction in fetal sheep.

Renal malformations are the commonest cause of chronic renal failure in children and they are often associated with urinary tract abnormalities that impair fetal urine flow. Up-regulation of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) occurs after experimental postnatal urinary tract obstruction and we recently reported increased levels of TGF-beta1 in human renal malformations (Yang SP et al, Am J Pathol 2000, 157:1633-1647). These findings led us to propose that obstruction-induced stretch of developing renal epithelia causes up-regulation of TGF-beta1, which then perturbs renal development. In this study, therefore, we examined expression of components of the TGF-beta1 signaling axis in a previously characterized ovine model of fetal short-term urine flow impairment in which complete unilateral ureteric obstruction was induced at 90 days when a few layers of glomeruli had formed. Up-regulation of TGF-beta1 mRNA and protein was observed in obstructed kidneys, compared to sham-operated control organs, after only 10 days. Increased levels of TGF-beta1 receptors I (TGF-betaR1) and II (TGF-betaR2) were also detected on Western blot, and the cytokine and TGF-betaR1 co-localized in disrupted epithelia on immunohistochemistry. De novo expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, a structural protein up-regulated during TGF-beta1-induced phenotypic switching between human renal dysplastic epithelial and mesenchymal lineages in vitro, was also observed in these aberrant epithelia. These findings implicate increased TGF-beta1 signaling in the early biological changes generated by fetal urinary tract obstruction.

Actins↗
PubMed2001

Three new European cases of urofacial (Ochoa) syndrome.

We report on three European cases of urofacial (Ochoa) syndrome. This entity was originally described in Colombian patients and very few cases have been reported from other countries. It is likely that they may be missed because of variability of the urinary problems and failure to recognize the characteristic facial grimacing. Establishing an early diagnosis has important consequences for the management and prognosis of urinary problems in these patients.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed2000

Y chromosome analysis of infertile men and their sons conceived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection: vertical transmission of deletions and rarity of de novo deletions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and type of Yq microdeletions in 86 consecutive men that fathered 99 sons by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and to determine the incidence of vertical transmission and de novo deletions in these boys. DESIGN: Prospective clinical observational study. SETTING: Genetics laboratory associated with a university IVF unit. PATIENT(S): Eighty-six consecutive infertile men presenting to an IVF clinic and their 99 ICSI-conceived sons. Fifty of the 86 men (58%) had idiopathic seminiferous tubule failure (STF); the remainder had a variety of other clinical indications for ICSI. INTERVENTION(S): Collection of peripheral and cord blood samples. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The Yq genetic status of fathers who underwent ICSI and of their sons by the presence or absence of 22 Y-specific markers covering the four azoospermia factor (AZF) subregions. RESULT(S): Yq deletions of the AZFd/c region were detected in two (6.9%) of 29 azoo- or severely oligospermic men with STF. Identical deletions were found in their respective sons. No de novo deletions were detected in the remaining 97 sons conceived by men without deletions. CONCLUSION(S): The detection of Yq deletions only in men with severe STF is consistent with previous studies, with the AZFd/c region being most commonly affected. This study demonstrates the vertical transmission of these Yq deletions through the use of ICSI and supports the notion that, in most cases, Yq deletions will be inherited by male offspring. The absence of de novo Yq deletions in the male offspring indicates that these events are rare following ICSI in men with both STF and other common male factor indications.

Fathers↗
PubMed1999

Histological evaluation of repair using a bioresorbable membrane beneath a resin-modified glass ionomer after mechanical furcation perforation in dogs' teeth.

Resorbable barriers have been shown both clinically and histologically to produce favorable periodontal regenerative outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the histological response to one such resorbable barrier (Atrisorb) when used as a matrix under a resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) sealant in the repair of furcation perforations in experimental animals. After anesthesia, pulp extirpation and filling of radicular canals with zinc oxide-eugenol cement, furcal perforations were made in 30 lower premolar (P2, P3, and P4) teeth of labrador dogs with a 1 mm diameter round bur in a conventional handpiece. The perforated teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 15 teeth. Group 1 teeth were treated with RMGI alone and group 2 with the resorbable barrier under RMGI. Six teeth without perforations served as negative controls. Pulp chambers of all teeth were filled with RMGI cement. Animals were sacrificed after 3 months. The teeth and the surrounding structures were processed for light microscopy. There were no differences found between results for glass ionomer alone and barrier with glass ionomer. The conclusion of this study is that placement of a resorbable barrier at the pulp chamber aspect of a furcation perforation did not result in superior healing, compared with the use of resin-modified glass ionomer alone.

Absorbable Implants↗
PubMed1999

Laser ablation of gall bladder stones.

Study of laser interaction with calculi is presented. A system of Nd-Yag and Ho-Yag pulsed lasers were used to produce fluorescence and plasma signals at the stone surface surrounded by saline and bile fluids. Fourth harmonic from Nd-Yag laser was transmitted to the samples by graded UV optical fibres. Gall bladder stones of various compositions were subjected to the high power Ho-Yag laser. Temporal transients and spectral evolution of plasma and fluorescence signals were monitored by a streak camera. A profile of acoustic pressures generated by shock waves was recorded with sensitive hydrophones placed in the surrounding fluids. Ablation threshold, cavitation process and fluorescence dependence on the laser parameters were studied in detail. Potential of stone identification by fluorescence and possible hydrodynamic model for ablation of biological samples is discussed.

Bile Duct Diseases↗
PubMed1999

Reduced interleukin-8 production by cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells.

The acquisition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is the initial event leading to bronchiectasis and lung disease. Although the host factors that permit initial airway colonization are largely unknown, recent studies suggest that secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 by airway epithelia and local recruitment of neutrophils is the final pathway in a pulmonary cytokine network. To determine whether differences in cytokine production exist between normal and CF airway epithelia, secretion of immunoreactive IL-8 and IL-10 as well as specific messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance were compared in airway epithelia expressing normal and mutant CF transmembrane regulator. After induction with IL-1beta, a CF airway cell line engineered to express the wild-type CF gene (CFT1-LCFSN) secreted significantly more immunoreactive IL-8 than did its isogenic parent that expressed the mutant CF gene (CFT1) or an isogenic vector control line (CFT1-LC3). Further studies with the three related cell lines demonstrated that expression of CFT1-LCFSN was associated with a significant increase in uninduced secretion of immunoreactive IL-8 as well as a 10- to 20-fold increase in IL-8 mRNA abundance when compared with the isogenic lines expressing the mutant gene. IL-1beta induction and intracellular accumulation of IL-8 appeared to be unaffected by CF genotype. These studies suggest that IL-8 secretion by CF airway epithelial cells is defective and may contribute to Pseudomonas persistence in the CF airway. Further studies are needed to confirm this difference in other cell lines and determine the linkage between IL-8 production and CF gene expression.

Bronchi↗
PubMed1998

Simultaneous evaluation of basal follicle-stimulating hormone and 17 beta-estradiol response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue stimulation: an improved predictor of ovarian reserve.

OBJECTIVE: To compare different predictors of ovarian reserve. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: The Assisted Conception Unit, University College London Hospitals. PATIENT(S): One hundred seventy-seven patients undergoing IVF treatment. INTERVENTION(S): Blood samples were collected on cycle day 2 to determine basal levels of FSH and 17beta-E2 and the FSH/LH ratio, and on cycle days 3 and 4 to assess the increase in FSH (deltaFSH) and 17beta-E2 (deltaE2) after the commencement of GnRH analogue (GnRH-a) stimulation. Ultrasound scans were performed during ovarian stimulation to assess the number of follicles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Day 2 FSH and 17beta-E2 levels, the FSH/LH ratio, and the deltaFSH and deltaE2 after the commencement of GnRH-a stimulation were correlated with the number of follicles obtained after ovarian stimulation. RESULT(S): All the possible predictors considered, except for the day 2 E2 level and the deltaFSH, correlated significantly with the ovarian response. The best single correlation was between the number of follicles and the deltaE2 (GnRH-a test). When the FSH level was evaluated simultaneously, the correlation was strengthened, resulting in a better negative predictive value. CONCLUSION(S): Simultaneous evaluation of basal levels of FSH and of the response of E2 to GnRH-a stimulation seems to be the best marker of ovarian reserve and a sensitive predictor of response to ovarian stimulation in patients undergoing IVF treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Mycobacterium avium bacilli grow saprozoically in coculture with Acanthamoeba polyphaga and survive within cyst walls.

Protozoans are gaining recognition as environmental hosts for a variety of waterborne pathogens. We compared the growth of Mycobacterium avium, a human pathogen associated with domestic water supplies, in coculture with the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba polyphaga with the growth of M. avium when it was separated from amoebae by a 0.1-micron-pore-size polycarbonate membrane (in a parachamber). Although viable mycobacteria were observed within amoebal vacuoles, there was no significant difference between bacterial growth in coculture and bacterial growth in the parachamber. This suggests that M. avium is able to grow saprozoically on products secreted by the amoebae. In contrast, Legionella pneumophila, a well-studied intracellular parasite of amoebae, multiplied only in coculture. A comparison of amoebae infected with L. pneumophila and amoebae infected with M. avium by electron microscopy demonstrated that there were striking differences in the locations of the bacteria within amoebal cysts. While L. pneumophila resided within the cysts, M. avium was found within the outer walls of the double-walled cysts of A. polyphaga. These locations may provide a reservoir for the bacteria when environmental conditions become unfavorable.

Acanthamoeba↗
PubMed1998

Short-term urinary flow impairment deregulates PAX2 and PCNA expression and cell survival in fetal sheep kidneys.

Renal malformations account for most children with chronic renal failure and are often associated with urinary tract anatomical obstruction. We examined cellular and molecular events after experimental urinary flow impairment in fetal sheep. Ovine gestation lasts 144 to 150 days with the metanephros appearing at 27 to 30 days. We generated complete unilateral ureteric anatomical obstruction at 90 days when a few layers of glomeruli had formed. After 10 days, we recorded ureteric and pelvic dilatation with renal parenchymal weight greater than contralateral organs or those from unoperated fetuses. The nephrogenic cortex was replaced by disorganized cells separated by edema and prominent vascular spaces. Cortical histology was dominated by cysts associated with malformed glomerular tufts. Cystic epithelia expressed PAX2, a growth-stimulating transcription factor down-regulated during normal maturation, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a surrogate marker of cycling cells. Detection of apoptosis using propidium iodide and in situ end labeling showed a significant increase of the point prevalence of death in the obstructed cortex. Hence, PAX2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression as well as death were deregulated, as we previously reported in human kidney malformations. Medullary collecting ducts and loops of Henle were also disrupted, correlating with impaired urinary dilution and sodium reabsorption. Therefore, complex aberrations of morphogenesis, gene expression, cell turnover, and urine composition occur relatively early after experimental impairment of fetal urinary flow.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Comparative analysis of 16S and 23S rRNA sequences of Listeria species.

In order to establish the taxonomic value of 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA for distinguishing Listeria species, the complete 23S rRNA sequences for all Listeria species were determined by using the type strains. We designed and experimentally validated a universal 23S rRNA sequencing method, which included PCR amplification of the rDNA gene and direct cycle sequencing of the amplicon with eubacterial primers. The results of our sequence comparison indicated that the genus Listeria can be divided into two subgroups; one subgroup is composed of Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria innocua, Listeria ivanovii, Listeria seeligeri, and Listeria welshimeri, whereas the other subgroup includes Listeria grayi subsp. grayi and Listeria grayi subsp. murrayi. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that these species diverged recently. These results are consistent with 16S rRNA sequence analysis data. For application purposes, one 16S rRNA region that can be sued to distinguish each Listeria species except L. Monocytogenes and L. innocua has been described. In this study we found four 23S rRNA signature regions which, when used in combination, can be used to distinguish the species.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

An in-vitro investigation into the sealing ability of two fourth generation dentine bonding agents and two resin modified glass polyalkenoate restoratives.

To determine the in-vitro sealing ability of two resin modified glass polyalkenoate cements and two fourth generation dentine bonding systems, fifty mixed class V cavities were filled with each material and evaluated for leakage. At enamel margins, no significant differences in leakage extent was noted; however, at cemental margins the two resin modified glass polyalkenoates performed significantly better than the resin based systems. Crazing was frequently noted on enamel margins with both glass polyalkenoate materials. Surface application of unfilled glaze did not affect the leakage at either enamel or cemental margins for one of the polyalkenoate restorative materials.

Composite Resins↗
PubMed1995

The performance of conventional, fixed bridgework, retained by partial coverage crowns.

A retrospective study was carried out on 248 partial coverage retained fixed bridges, in 211 patients. All were inserted at an undergraduate dental clinic and their length of service ranged from 1 to 19 years. In 211 prostheses, on which current information was available a total of 20 (9.5%) bridges had failed. The reasons for failure were loss of retention and, to a lesser extent, caries. Using a LIFE TABLE of survival, it was calculated that the percentage of short span, partial veneer retained prostheses that would survive TEN years was 76.5% +/- 5.99% (standard error). This figure is comparable to that quoted for resin-bonded bridges, and hence would militate against the use of conventional partial coverage fixed retainers on intact teeth. Where abutment teeth are heavily restored, full coverage retainers provide a more predictable, long term result.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Immunogold labelling of Listeria monocytogenes virulence-related factors within Caco-2 cells.

We demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy that listeriolysin O (LLO), phospholipases and other putative virulence-related proteins produced by Listeria monocytogenes were primarily cell-wall-associated when the bacterium infected Caco-2 tissue culture cell monolayers. Antibodies made to LLO, serogroup 1/2a reacted poorly with serogroup 4b cells and vice-versa, indicating fundamental structural differences in the two proteins. Finally, comet-tail pseudopod structures shown to be involved in cell-to-cell passage of Listeria in Caco-2 cells did not possess detectable Listeria antigens on their anterior surface or within their structure, suggesting that the phagocytic process is primarily host-cell-dependent once it is initiated by the bacterial cell.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1993

Gastrointestinal manifestations of neurofibromatosis in childhood.

Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis (VRN) is a familial disorder characterised by a generalized neuroectodermal dysplasia--symptomatic involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is rare. We report on our experience with two children who had proven gastrointestinal neurofibromas and highlight the need for careful assessment in children with VRN who develop abdominal pain.

Child↗