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Biomedical subjects

F Sharp

Publications and source records attributed to F Sharp.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Nd:YAG laser endometrial ablation: histological aspects of uterine healing.

Laser ablation of the endometrium performed under hysteroscopic control is a novel procedure for the conservative management of menorrhagia in cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The effect this has on the uterine cavity and the mechanism of reepithelialisation and endometrial regeneration have been examined by means of histological examination of endometrial biopsies and four hysterectomy specimens obtained for various indications at varying time intervals after laser endometrial ablation. During the first 3 months, fragments of necrotic and granulation tissue are found surrounded by a limited polymorph response. By 3 months, the uterine cavity appears to be completely reepithelialised. After 6 months, areas of normal-appearing endometrium may persist, but in other areas there is an attenuated cuboidal surface epithelium closely applied, to the underlying myometrium. Stromal fibrosis reminiscent of Asherman syndrome is also apparent.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Ethanol labeling: detection of early fluid absorption in endometrial resection.

A study is presented of ethanol labeling of irrigation fluid in endometrial resection. The introduction of ethanol labeling and intraoperative breath ethanol analysis provided an inexpensive and potentially useful means of detecting early fluid absorption during uterine surgery. The breath ethanol analyzer used was a hand-held meter; the irrigant solution was 5% dextrose with 1% ethanol. Simultaneous breath and venous samples were taken from women undergoing endometrial resection. An increase in breath ethanol was positively correlated with fluid absorption, blood ethanol, and serum glucose. This technique may prove valuable in preventing fluid overload during endometrial resection.

Endometrium↗
PubMed1991

Endocervical carcinoma and precursor lesions: c-myc expression and the demonstration of field changes.

The monoclonal antibody Myc 1-6E10 was used in an immunocytochemical technique to examine the expression of the c-myc oncogene in normal endocervices and those with glandular intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive malignancy. Eleven of 14 normal endocervical biopsy specimens did not express the gene, while three showed nuclear, or light basal cytoplasmic localisation of the gene product, or both. All but one of 14 cases of low and high grade glandular intraepithelial neoplasia, and all 17 cases of invasive adenocarcinoma, showed a pan-cellular pattern of immunostaining. Of considerable additional interest was the demonstration of field changes in morphologically normal glandular epithelium in those biopsy specimens with concurrent cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia or adenocarcinoma. This was manifest as increased concentrations of myc proteins compared with normal tissues. These results further support the role of the c-myc gene in oncogenesis, and in the light of field changes, suggest possible difficulties in the clinical management of this group of patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1991

In vitro studies of uterine electrosurgery.

This study investigated electrosurgical techniques in vitro with emphasis on the tissue effects and heat transfer through full-thickness blocks of excised uterine tissue. Uterine morphometry was also examined. The 7-mm cutting resection loop was associated with a surrounding zone of thermal necrosis between 1.07-1.40 mm. There was no variation in this zone when power was altered, but a statistically significant increase was demonstrated with duration of exposure. A depth of destruction of 3.24-3.49 mm was possible with the desiccating coagulation technique, but fulguration achieved a depth of only 1.70-1.78 mm. A greater tissue effect was demonstrated as time intervals were increased. There was a fall-off in the measured rise in temperature with distance; at 4 mm from the active electrode, a mean rise of 4.5C was noted, whereas at 12 mm the mean temperature rise was 3.9C. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean temperature as power output in the cutting mode was increased. At 180 W, the mean rise was 2.0C but by 260 W, it was 3.9C. When the time interval was increased and the power held constant (220 W), a mean rise of 2.5C was recorded at 1 second, compared with 4.6C at 5 seconds, achieving statistical significance. Power increments in the coagulating mode did not alter the temperature profile, but increasing duration of exposure was associated with a significant rise in mean temperature (from 0.8 to 4.6C). A stepwise increase in the baseline temperature was noted with repetitive insults. The mean myometrial thickness of the anterior and posterior walls measured 1.8 and 1.9 cm, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Endoscopic localization of the squamocolumnar junction before cervical cone biopsy in 284 patients.

A preoperative examination of the endocervical canal was performed in 284 patients scheduled for excisional cone biopsy because of abnormal cervical cytology and unsatisfactory colposcopy. The information obtained regarding the depth of the new squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) was used to tailor the length of the cone specimen in an attempt to remove the entire transformation zone (TZ), and was associated with a low rate of incomplete disease excision. An analysis of the data generated by this study indicates that the position of the new SCJ is influenced by age, menopausal status, and the use of estrogen-containing medication.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Nuclear and "cytoplasmic" estrogen and progesterone receptors in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

Biopsies from 131 women with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix diagnosed between May 1983 and July 1986 were assayed for nuclear and "cytoplasmic" estrogen receptors (NER and CER). Progesterone receptors (PR) were also assayed in 45 of these tumors. About a third of the tumors contained both CER and NER. One or the other fraction contained ER in 76.9% of cases and PR in 66.6%. Although there was a trend for those women whose tumors contained CER or NER to have a better prognosis, this was not significant. There was no evidence that PR status affected the prognosis.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1990

Unsatisfactory colposcopy and the response to orally administered oestrogen: a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial.

Thirty-six women with dyskaryotic cervical smears and unsatisfactory colposcopy were randomly allocated to receive either 30 micrograms ethinyl oestradiol or placebo daily by mouth for 10 days. Thirty-four women were available for review (17 women in each of the two groups), full colposcopic inspection of the transformation zone was possible in a significantly greater proportion of the oestrogen treated group (70% versus 23%, P less than 0.01). As most diagnostic conizations are currently performed on the basis of unsatisfactory colposcopy, the use of oestrogen medication followed by colposcopic reassessment should permit a reduction in the number of patients subject to operation.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Nucleolar organiser regions in adenocarcinoma in situ and invasive adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

Silver binding nucleolar regions (AgNORs) were evaluated in normal endocervix, adenocarcinoma, and its potential precursor, adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), in an attempt to increase an understanding of the natural history of cervical adenocarcinoma and to identify a marker for abnormal endocervical (atypical glandular) cells which could aid diagnosis and follow up of endocervical lesions. For every 50 cells the mean AgNOR counts were as follows: normal endocervical cells (n = 15) 79.8 (95% Cl 68-91); AIS (n = 20) 200.7 (95% Cl 182-219); and invasive adenocarcinoma (n = 30) 299 (271-328). There was no overlap between the groups of normal endocervical cells and invasive adenocarcinoma, but there was significant overlap between cases of invasive adenocarcinoma and carcinoma in situ. In six out of 17 cases with AIS, NOR count in adjacent morphologically normal glandular cells ("internal" controls) was increased when compared with the "external" (normal endocervical) control group. This suggests the presence of wider field changes not previously identified using routine histological methods. The findings suggest that AIS is a potential premalignant precursor of invasive adenocarcinoma, but that assessment of NORs is of no practical use in discriminating between the histological types of cervical carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1990

Squamous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: the role of laser treatment.

A review of the CO2 laser in the current management protocol for squamous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is presented. The laser provides the clinician with a versatile instrument that enables accurate application of biophysical insults to the full range of CIN lesions likely to be encountered. Side effects and cure rates compare favourably with the alternative methods of local destruction presently available. The final benchmark of success of all such treatments will remain the prevention of subsequent invasive cancer as observed on long-term follow-up. It should be noted that for some of the methods discussed such information is not yet available.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1990

Microcolpohysteroscopic tailoring of cervical conization.

The ideal cone biopsy should have its apex just above the transformation zone to ensure removal of all abnormal squamous and metaplastic epithelium in the endocervix, with only minimal normal glandular tissue included. The microhysteroscope has been shown to be useful in identifying the upper limit of the transformation zone within the canal, and this distance from the external os can be measured. However, this technique has not been evaluated to determine whether it can tailor cone length to this predetermined measurement. We report an observational analysis of 176 consecutive conizations in patients with colposcopically proved extension of abnormal epithelium high into the cervical canal. In 162 cases, the distance of the transformation zone from the external os could be measured with the microhysteroscope and its endocervicometer, permitting an attempt to tailor the cone length to this measurement plus a safety margin of 5 mm. There was good correlation between the intended cone length and the excised cone length, with 85% of the excised cones falling within 5 mm above or below the intended measurement. In 153 instances (94.4%), the excised cones had clear endocervical margins. Thus, tailoring of the cone length to the hysteroscopically determined measurement is feasible, thereby increasing the chances of complete excision while limiting cone size to the required minimum.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Planning colposcopy and gynaecological laser services.

All district health authorities have recently introduced call and recall schemes for cervical cytology screening. Little attention has been given to the implications of these schemes for diagnostic colposcopy, and treatment services. This paper describes the steps necessary to estimate the likely increase in demand on these services.

Colposcopy↗
PubMed1989

Hemostasis and cold knife cone biopsy: a prospective randomized trial comparing a suture versus non-suture technique.

Two methods of obtaining hemostasis after cold knife cone biopsy were compared in a prospective randomized trial involving 200 patients. One method relied primarily on hemostatic sutures, and the other involved the use of a styptic solution (Monsel's solution) and vaginal pack, thus avoiding the use of sutures altogether. The short- and long-term morbidity in these two groups were compared and 12-month follow-up was completed. The use of sutures did not reduce the incidence of primary hemorrhage. Secondary hemorrhage was twice as frequent in the suture group, although this trend did not quite reach statistical significance. During long-term follow-up, significantly more patients in the suture group developed menstrual symptoms, cervical stenosis, and unsatisfactory colposcopy, requiring further operative intervention as a result.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

The management of multiple pregnancy in women with a lower-segment caesarean scar. Is a repeat caesarean section really the 'safe' option?

Multiple pregnancy occurring in a patient who has previously had a lower-segment caesarean section is an unusual sequence of events. Retrospective analysis over an 11-year period in Sheffield from 1975 to 1985, revealed 25 cases, a rate of 1 in 3300 deliveries. The caesarean section rate in this group of women rose from 20% (3/15) in the first six years to 70% (7/10) in the latter years for no obvious reason. This change in management did not produce any improvement in fetal outcome but there was an increase in maternal morbidity. This analysis and a review of available literature suggest that multiple pregnancy is not in itself an indication for elective repeat caesarean section.

Cesarean Section↗
PubMed1987

Residual cervical intraepithelial neoplasia after laser ablation.

Some patients with histologically proven residual cervical intraepithelial neoplasia after laser ablation have false negative cytology. The explanation for this is not known, but there was no evidence of buried lesions. Follow-up of all patients treated by selective ablation is necessary. Cytology alone is inadequate and careful, accurate pre- and posttherapy colposcopy is essential.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1987

Mouse nerve growth factor gene: structure and expression.

The organization and biologically significant sequences of the entire mouse nerve growth factor (NGF) gene have been determined. The gene spans 45 kilobases and contains several small 5' exons. Transcription of the gene results in four different mRNA species, which can be accounted for by alternative splicing and independent initiation from two promoters. These transcripts encode proteins which have divergent N termini and the NGF moiety at their C termini. The levels of the various NGF transcripts have been determined in different tissues and throughout postnatal development. We have also examined the expression of these transcripts in the brain in response to specific early sensory deprivation. The results suggest that the expression of NGF mRNA during postnatal development is regulated independently of the formation of complex neural networks.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1986

Treatment of preinvasive lesions of the cervix.

The recognition and treatment of premalignant lesions affecting the uterine cervix will in most instances prevent the subsequent development of invasive cervical cancer. The various therapeutic options available to the clinician for the eradication of cervical premalignant disease are discussed.

Adult↗