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Biomedical subjects

G Long

Publications and source records attributed to G Long.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

CathCam guide wire-directed colonoscopy: first pilot study in patients with a previous incomplete colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Conventional colonoscopy as the gold standard for large-bowel diagnostics and therapy may fail in 5 %-20 % of cases, depending on the experience of the examiner. Colonoscopy is regarded as difficult and painful by many patients. In an attempt to overcome the limitations of conventional colonoscopes, a guide wire-directed, thin, flexible diagnostic colonoscope, the CathCam was developed. In this prospective pilot study, we report its use in patients in whom conventional colonoscopy had failed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 49 patients with a previous or current failure of complete colonoscopy were invited to participate in a trial using the new CathCam system, and 14 (nine men; mean age 59 years) accepted. The CathCam is an 11-mm diameter disposable, multilumen catheter, with visualization by a 3-mm camera with six light-emitting diodes. In the first five patients, the CathCam was inserted over a newly developed 0.024-inch, hinged, lumen-seeking guide wire. Subsequently, a modified combined approach was used: a conventional colonoscope was introduced into the sigmoid or left colon, then the guide wire was advanced as far as possible, followed by CathCam insertion over it. Caecal intubation rate, insertion times and patient discomfort were recorded; patients received low-dose midazolam sedation (2-5 mg). RESULTS: One patient was excluded during colonoscopy. The caecum could be eventually reached in 12 of 13 patients; in the remaining patient a significant sigmoid stricture could be passed, but further advancement appeared too risky. The mean caecal intubation time was 24 minutes (range 3-105 min). Only two patients experienced pain and discomfort during the procedure (one immediate assessment and one case reported at later telephone interview). No complications occurred, and previously undiagnosed important findings were obtained in 9 cases. CONCLUSIONS: A combined approach, consisting of guide wire insertion via a partially introduced colonoscope followed by CathCam or colonoscope insertion into the caecum was successful in over 90 % of patients with previous failure of complete colonoscopy. Further improvements may make this system suitable for use as a standard diagnostic colonoscope, either as a single unit (CathCam plus guide wire) or using the guide wire alone with a standard colonoscope in difficult cases.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Right internal carotid pseudoaneurysm mimicking a retropharyngeal abscess in a child.

A 7-year-old girl with tonsillar infection with antibiotics. Two weeks later, there was a right sided neck lump. Computed tomography scans demonstrated a predominantly hypodense right retropharyngeal area with peripheral enhancement and mass effect. There was intense enhancement within the postero-superior aspect of the lesion which was continuous with the right internal carotid artery. Ultrasound demonstrated tapering of the right internal carotid artery. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance arteriography showed a right internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm. Surgical exploration confirmed the finding. This case highlights an unusual presentation of an internal carotid pseudoaneurysm and how imaging provided the diagnosis.

Carotid Artery, Internal↗
PubMed2003

Temperature trends in total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective study.

The purpose of this study was to define the temporal trend in body temperature of patients during the first 5 days after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The medical records of 98 consecutive THAs were reviewed, 88 clinically uncomplicated cases were included. The average maximum temperature reached during the study period was 38.08 degrees C, a 3.7% (P< or =.01) increase from the preoperative base line of 36.64 degrees C. In this study, 62.5% of patients reached a temperature > or =38.0 degrees C; 19.3% > or = 38.5 degrees C; and 3.4% > or = 39.0 degrees C. No patients had a preoperative temperature of > or =38 degrees C recorded. On the first postoperative day, 39 patients had a temperature > or =38 degrees C. The number of febrile patients progressively decreased until by the fifth postoperative day, only 5 patients had a temperature > or =38 degrees C recorded.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip↗
PubMed2001

Antibacterial agents based on the cyclic D,L-alpha-peptide architecture.

The rapid emergence of bacterial infections that are resistant to many drugs underscores the need for new therapeutic agents. Here we report that six- and eight-residue cyclic d,l-alpha-peptides act preferentially on Gram-positive and/or Gram-negative bacterial membranes compared to mammalian cells, increase membrane permeability, collapse transmembrane ion potentials, and cause rapid cell death. The effectiveness of this class of materials as selective antibacterial agents is highlighted by the high efficacy observed against lethal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in mice. Cyclic d,l-alpha-peptides are proteolytically stable, easy to synthesize, and can be derived from a potentially vast membrane-active sequence space. The unique abiotic structure of the cyclic peptides and their quick bactericidal action may also contribute to limit temporal acquirement of drug resistant bacteria. The low molecular weight d,l-alpha-peptides offer an attractive complement to the current arsenal of naturally derived antibiotics, and hold considerable potential in combating a variety of existing and emerging infectious diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Volumetric model determination of the tibia based on 2D radiographs using a 2D/3D database.

We present a new concept with mathematical background for the construction of a three-dimensional (3D) volumetric model of the human tibia based on two conventional orthogonal two-dimensional (2D) radiographic images. This approach is supported by a computer database containing a collection of 80 2D/3D image data sets of individual cadaveric tibiae. For each of these tibiae, the database contains digitized 2D orthogonal radiographic images in both anterior and lateral views, and the corresponding 3D CT data obtained by computerized tomography. To obtain a 3D model of a tibia for a given patient, shape matching is performed. The computer finds the most similar tibia to the patient's tibia among the 2D radiographic images in the database by applying a matching process. To improve accuracy, a 2D image warping procedure can be applied on the slices of the selected bone prior to 3D reconstruction. The warping process is controlled by the contour data of the two orthogonal views. We found that the 3D model thus achieved was useful for virtual preoperative planning and for simulation of the internal fixation of long bones.

Cadaver↗
PubMed2001

Documentation of in-training assessment for radiology trainees.

AIM: To determine if the assessment of radiology trainees can be improved by modifying the in-training assessment form issued by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative study comparing the RCR assessment form with other alternative forms in use in the U.K. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with trainees (21) and trainers (18) in Sheffield to collect their views on the RCR form and an alternative form introduced on the North Trent Training Scheme. A postal questionnaire was sent to Heads of Training (24) to find out what assessment forms were in use at other centres and collect their views on the different forms. RESULTS: Trainees and trainers in Sheffield were virtually unanimous in their support of the new North Trent assessment form. The main advantages perceived were the encouragement of appraisal, setting of objectives and feedback from the trainees. Six other radiology training centres were using alternative assessment forms and all believed their forms had advantages over the RCR in-training assessment form. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the assessment process for radiology trainees can be improved by modifications to the RCR in-training assessment form and allows various recommendations to be made.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2001

[The significance of nucleotide repeat sequences in FVIII gene for detecting hemophilia A carriers].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the carriers in hemophilia A(HA) families by haplotype analysis of the microsatellite polymorphisms at intron 13 [13(CA)n] and 22[22(GT)n(AG)n] in the factor VIII (FVIII) gene. METHOD: Multi-PCR amplification of 13(CA)n and 22(GT)n(AG)n combined with silver staining were used. RESULTS: In 35 HA families, 11 had HA history. There were 21 female members in the 11 HA families and all of them were subjected to molecular study. Fourteen of the 21 females were confirmed to be carriers and approximately 72.7%(8 of 11) of these families were informative. CONCLUSIONS: Besides the reliable detection of HA carriers, multi-PCR combined with silver staining in HA analysis has the advantages of time saving, simplicity for performing and no radiation contamination.

Alleles↗
PubMed2001

Isolated ventricular septal defect secondary to low-velocity blunt chest trauma.

Damage to the ventricular septum resulting from low velocity blunt trauma to the anterior chest wall is a rarely reported disorder. We wish to report a case of an isolated large ventricular septal defect secondary to blunt chest trauma requiring urgent surgical repair in an otherWise healthy 19 year old male. The patient endured a long hospital stay complicated by repeated episodes of pulmonary oedema and ARDS but eventually made a good recovery.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Analysis of 1,076 cases of sexual assault.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Rates of sexual assault are increasing, and evidence exists that its demographics and characteristics are changing. The purpose of our study was to describe victim, assailant, assault, and treatment characteristics for sexual assault victims and to provide descriptive data on the evidentiary examination. METHODS: Prospective data were collected on all sexual assault victims presenting to an urban Level I trauma center from January 1992 to December 1995 for treatment and evidentiary examination. Data from crime laboratory records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred twelve patients presented after a sexual assault. A total of 1,076 (97%) patients consented to the medical and evidentiary examination and were enrolled in the study. Age ranged from 1 to 85 years (mean, 25 years; median, 23 years), with 96% (1,036/1,076) female and 4% (41/1,076) male victims. The number of assailants was greater than 1 in 20% (208/1,044) of cases, and the assailant was a stranger only 39% (409/1,094) of the time. Force was used in 80% (817/1,027) of reported assaults, and in 27% (275/1,014) of cases a weapon was present. Vaginal intercourse was involved in 83% (851/1,023) of female victims. Oral assault was involved in 25% (271/1,053) of all cases, and anal penetration was involved in 17% (178/1,058) of all cases. Overall, general body trauma was seen 67% (621/927) of the time, and genital trauma occurred in 53% (388/736) of cases. Twenty percent (147/1,712) of patients had no trauma noted on examination. Sperm were noted on the emergency department wet mount in only 13% (93/716) of the victims, and of the 612 cases with both ED sperm data and crime laboratory semen data available, evidence of sperm and semen were found 48% (296/612) of the time by either. CONCLUSION: Health care professionals should be aware that general body trauma is common, that the assailant is often someone known to the victim, and that evidence of semen is commonly found by the crime laboratory even when it is not found in the ED analysis of a wet mount.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Linkage analysis of the G6PD gene mutations and its Nla III polymorphic site].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular and anthropologic features of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and the linkage between the Nla III polymorphic site within G6PD gene and three common Chinese G6PD mutations. METHODS: By using denatured gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and allele specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probe dot blot hybridization, Nla III polymorphic site at minus sign13 bp upstream exon 12 within G6PD gene were screened in 54 males with normal G6PD activity and 66 G6PD deficient males. RESULTS: Thirty-two cases with cDNA1376 (G-->T), 21 with cDNA1388 (G-->A) and 13 with cDNA95 (A-->G) were detected in the 66 G6PD deficient males. Among 54 normal controls, T at -13 bp upstream exon 12 within G6PD gene were detected in 11 cases (20.4%, without Nla III polymorphic sites) while C in 43 cases (79.6%, with Nla III polymorphic sites). All 66 G6PD deficient males were linked with C at -13 bp upstream exon 12 (with Nla III polymorphic sites). CONCLUSION: The G6PD mutations cDNA1376 (G-->T), cDNA1388 (G-->A) and cDNA95 (A-->G) were linked with Nla III polymorphism. This feature will play a role in studying the complicated manifestations and anthropology of G6PD deficiency.

Genetic Linkage↗
PubMed2000

[Separation and enrichment of fetal nucleated red blood cells from maternal blood for non-invasive prenatal gene diagnosis].

OBJECTIVE: In order to develop a non-invasive technique for prenatal gene diagnosis. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) were separated by single density gradient Histopaque 1.077 from 25 pregnant women with gestations between 8 - 36 weeks. The fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) were enriched from the MNCs by positive selection using Dynabeads M-450 CD(71) or negative selection using Dynabeads M-450 CD(45). The enriched NRBCs were identified by anti-gamma-biotin or anti-zeta-biotin antibodies. Globin gene of NRBCs from fetuses with risk of beta-thalassemia major were amplified with nested PCR followed by reverse dot blot hybridization for gene diagnosis. RESULTS: NRBCs stained by anti-gamma-biotin or anti-zeta-biotin antibodies could be found in the peripheral blood samples of the 25 pregnant women. Three out of 5 fetuses with risk of beta-thalassemia major were successfully diagnosed using these NRBCs. CONCLUSION: Fetal NRBCs in maternal circulation can be isolated and enriched by single gradient density Histopaque 1.077 followed by magnetic activated cell sorting. Nested PCR can amplify DNA for gene diagnosis from no less than 20 NRBCs.

Biotin↗
PubMed1999

Ultrasound of the plantar aponeurosis (fascia).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the plantar aponeurosis origin (plantar fascia) using high-resolution ultrasound. DESIGN: The sonographic appearance of the plantar fascia in asymptomatic volunteers was compared with the appearance in: (1) clinical idiopathic plantar fasciitis, (2) inflammatory arthropathy without clinically active plantar fasciitis and (3) Achilles tendon or ankle ligament injury. Patients. There were 48 asymptomatic volunteers (96 heels), 190 patients with idiopathic plantar fasciitis (297 heels), 35 with rheumatoid factor negative spondyloarthropathy (70 heels), 17 with rheumatoid arthritis (34 heels), 62 with clinical Achilles tendinitis (93 heels) and 17 with instability secondary to previous ankle ligament injury (17 heels). RESULTS: Compared with the asymptomatic volunteers, the symptomatic plantar aponeurosis demonstrated significant thickening in patients with clinically unilateral (P<0.001) and bilateral (P<0.001) idiopathic plantar fasciitis as well as in patients with spondyloarthropathy (P<0.001). However, the plantar aponeurosis on the asymptomatic side in patients with unilateral idiopathic plantar fasciitis (P<0.2), rheumatoid arthritis (P<0.2) and ankle injury (P<0.1) demonstrated no significant thickening. In patients with idiopathic plantar fasciitis, abnormal plantar aponeurosis echogenicity was seen in 78% and subcalcaneal bone spurs in 24%. Peritendinous edema was present in 5% of all symptomatic heels, subcalcaneal bone erosion in 4% and intratendinous calcification in 3% of heels. Retrocalcaneal bursitis was present in 7% of patients with idiopathic plantar fasciitis, 40% with spondyloarthropathy and 19% with rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound allows confirmation of the clinical diagnosis in plantar fasciitis and may provide information as to its etiology.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1999

Magnetic resonance imaging of injuries in the child athlete.

Sports related injuries in children and adolescents are an increasingly frequent clinical problem. Soft tissue injury is relatively less common in children than in adults and radiographs suffice in most situations. However there are specific clinical circumstances where MR imaging is of value. We discuss and demonstrate a variety of acute and chronic sports related conditions where MR imaging has contributed to the diagnosis and management. Some conditions such as apophysitis, osteochondritis and chronic physeal injuries are unique to childhood while others including spondylysis and stress fractures are unusual conditions outside the context of sport in this age group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Inclusive instruction and learning for deaf students in postsecondary education.

This article explores how students who are deaf and their instructors experience mainstream college classes. Both quantitative and qualitative procedures were used to examine student access to information and their sense of belonging and engagement in learning. Instructors were asked to discuss their approach to teaching and any instructional modifications made to address the needs of deaf learners. Results indicate that deaf students viewed classroom communication and engagement in a similar manner as their hearing peers. Deaf students were more concerned about the pace of instruction and did not feel as much a part of the 'university family' as did their hearing peers. Faculty generally indicated that they made few if any modifications for deaf students and saw support service faculty as responsible for the success or failure of these students. We discuss results of these and additional findings with regard to barriers to equal access and strategies for overcoming these barriers.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

The relationship between teacher sign skills and student evaluations of teacher capability.

This study examines the extent to which deaf students' perceptions of their teachers' effectiveness and ease of communication in the classroom are related to the teachers' sign skills. Thirty-three faculty, teaching a variety of courses at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), were rated on "teaching effectiveness" and "communication ease" by their students over a 2-year period. Faculty sign proficiency was evaluated independently using the Sign Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI). Results indicate a moderate relation between students' perceptions of communication ease and teaching effectiveness, and a weak relation of these two variables to the teachers' assessed level of sign skill. The data also show that the students could clearly differentiate three levels of teacher sign skill in the classroom. Results are discussed in relation to the component parts of effective communication from the perspective of students in the classroom.

Communication↗
PubMed1999

Familiarity and pronounceability of nouns and names.

Ratings of familiarity and pronounceability were obtained from a random sample of 199 surnames (selected from over 80,000 entries in the Purdue University phone book) and 199 nouns (from the Kucera-Francis, 1967, word database). The distributions of ratings for nouns versus names are substantially different: Nouns were rated as more familiar and easier to pronounce than surnames. Frequency and familiarity were more closely related in the proper name pool than the word pool, although both correlations were modest. Ratings of familiarity and pronounceability were highly related for both groups. A production experiment showed that rated pronounceability was highly related to the time taken to produce a name. These data confirm the common belief that there are differences in the statistical and distributional properties of words as compared to proper names. The value of using frequency and the ratings of familiarity and pronounceability for predicting variations in actual pronunciations of words and names are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[G6PD gene mutations in Guangxi, China].

OBJECTIVE: Fifty-six G6PD-deficient male individuals of the Guangxi origin were investigated at the molecular level to understand the basis of G6PD deficiency. METHODS: PCR amplified the exons 2,5,6,7,8, 10,11,12 and 13 of the G6PD gene respectively, combined with ASO dot blot hybridization and restriction enzymes digestion methods to screen 10 common Chinese G6PD mutations. RESULTS: Six mutations were detected, namely cDNA1376(G-->T)(25.0%), cDNA1388(G-->A)(16.1%), cDNA95(A-->G)(19.8%), cDNA592 (C-->T)(7.1%), cDNA1024(C-->T)(1.8%) and cDNA392(G-->T) (1.8%). The unknown mutations accounted for 28.6%. cDNA1311(C-->T),cDNA1360(C-->T),cDNA835(A-->T), cDNA493(A-->G) and cDNA487(G-->A) were not discovered among the cases. CONCLUSION: The findings may provide some useful informations for physician scientists to get insight into the pathogenesis of G6PD deficiency so as to improve clinical diagnosis, prevention and cure of G6PD deficiency. The results may be of significance in anthropology and geneties as well.

Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase↗