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Biomedical subjects

J Dolan

Publications and source records attributed to J Dolan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Recent advances in the applications of forensic science to fire debris analysis.

The forensic discipline of ignitable liquid and fire debris analysis is rapidly changing. Refinements in existing methods as well as development of new techniques are changing the routine methods of analysis. Optimization of existing extraction techniques and research into novel methods of extracting debris have improved the recovery of ignitable liquids from debris samples. The application of highly specialized instrumentation to problems of sensitivity and matrix interference has resulted in new ways of performing chemical analyses, allowing for improved limits of detection. Preliminary research in novel approaches to ignitable liquid comparisons is being evaluated, with the hopes of providing more detailed information to the field investigators. Research into a variety of areas related to fire debris analysis is ongoing, and will continue to improve the quality of ignitable liquid residue analysis.

Journal Article↗

Pain as a mutual experience for patients, nurses and families: a perspective from New York.

New York was unique among the cities included in this study. The most striking finding was that the self-described ethnic background of both nurses and patients was so varied. Many patients and nurses were born elsewhere and were nonnative speakers. The results cannot be described as cross-countries when so many nations are represented. Multinational is, perhaps, a more accurate description, but even that seems inadequate to describe a population as diverse as was this one.

Adolescent↗

Particulate and Dissolved Organic Carbon Production by the Heterotrophic Nanoflagellate Pteridomonas danica Patterson and Fenchel.

> Abstract We established a budget of organic carbon utilization of a starved heterotrophic nanoflagellate, Pteridomonas danica, incubated in batch cultures with Escherichia coli as model prey. The cultures were sampled periodically for biomass determinations and total organic carbon dynamics: total organic carbon, total organic carbon <1 µm, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC, <0.2 µm). During the 22 h incubation period, P. danica underwent biovolume variations of 3.2-fold. Gross growth efficiency was 22% and net growth efficiency 40%. P. danica respired 33% and egested 44% of the ingested E. coli carbon during lag and exponential growth phases. The form of the organic carbon egested varied. Of the total ingested carbon, 9% was egested in the form of DOC and occurred mainly during the exponential growth phase; 35% was egested in the form of particulate organic carbon (POC), ranging in size from 0.2 to 1 µm, and took place during the lag phase. P. danica could have reingested as much of 58% of this previously produced POC during the exponential growth phase as food scarcity increased. We concluded that POC egestion by flagellates could represent a significant source of submicrometric particles and colloidal organic matter. In addition, flagellate reingestion of egested POC could play a nonnegligible role in the microbial food web. Finally, the methodology reported in this study has proved to be a useful tool in the study of carbon metabolism in aquatic microorganisms.http://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00248/bibs/37n4p276.html

Journal Article↗

Pathological evidence in support of total mesorectal excision in the management of rectal cancer.

Some 50 total mesorectal excision specimens were examined following rectal excision for cancer. Circumferential margin involvement was rare, but mesorectal tumour deposits were present in 17 of 44 patients with pT3 tumours, and 23 of 44 had mesorectal nodal involvement. No patient with a pT2 tumour had mesorectal involvement. Failure to excise the mesorectum completely has the potential to leave gross or microscopic residual disease that may in theory predispose to local failure. Total mesorectal excision is necessary to avoid incomplete pathological evaluation of the mesorectum and understaging of rectal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

A phase II trial of high-dose mitoxantrone, carboplatin, and cyclophosphamide with autologous bone marrow rescue for recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma: analysis of risk factors for clinical outcome.

Despite high initial response rates to platinum-based chemotherapy, most patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma die of drug-resistant disease. Drug resistance can be overcome in the hematologic malignancies and lymphomas with high-dose therapy and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) when used early, suggesting that this therapy may also be of value in ovarian carcinoma. As a prelude to the use of high-dose chemotherapy with BMT early in the management of advanced ovarian carcinoma, we evaluated a new high-dose regimen in patients with relapsed/refractory ovarian carcinoma to define toxicities and responses. Thirty patients were treated, of whom 20 were platinum resistant and 22 had > 1 cm maximum diameter disease. They received mitoxantrone (75 mg/m2), carboplatin (1500 mg/m2), and cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg), followed by an autologous BMT. Overall, 89% responded, with clinical complete responses seen in 88 vs 47% (P = 0.06) of platinum-sensitive vs -resistant disease. There was only one early death (3.3%) due to Aspergillus pneumonia. Median survival for all 30 patients was 29 months, and at 3 years 23% are alive without disease. There was a 10.1- vs 5.1-month progression-free survival for patients with platinum-sensitive versus -resistant disease, and at a median follow-up of 12 months, 80% of the platinum-sensitive patients are alive. This regimen is safe, and for platinum-sensitive disease appears superior to other salvage therapies. Its use should be explored earlier in the management of advanced ovarian carcinoma.

Adult↗

Construction of gag, pol, and env specific riboprobes for confirmation of HIV-1 specific polymerase chain reaction products.

Conserved regions of the gag, pol, and env genes of HIV-1 pBH10 DNA (gag nucleotides(nt)1508-1652, pol nt 2811-3118, env nt 7792-7934; Ratner et al., 1985) were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using oligonucleotides complementary to the termini of these regions as primers. Primer areas of the amplified DNA were then removed by digestion with restriction endonucleases, and the internal fragments purified and cloned in both orientations into the 'riboprobe' transcription vector pGEM-5Z. Riboprobes made from these plasmids did detect the specific sequences of pBH10 DNA and of HIV-1 DNA amplified by PCR from clinical material. The riboprobes will be useful to confirm the specificity of PCR-amplified fragments of lymphocyte DNA obtained from infants of HIV-infected mothers and from high risk, but seronegative contacts of HIV-1 infected individuals.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Multivariate models for predicting progression to AIDS and survival in human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons.

Nine hundred thirty persons enrolled in the US Air Force Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Natural History Study were evaluated with a standard battery of 30 potential surrogate markers of disease progression. A risk score for predicting progression to AIDS was then calculated for each patient in the cohort by using the four highest-ranking variables from multivariate analysis: percentage of CD4 CD29 cells, anergy status, age, and hemoglobin. For predicting survival, beta 2-microglobulin replaced age in the Cox model. Stratification according to the risk score demonstrated that rates of progression to AIDS and survival were significantly different between risk groups (P < .0001). The novel combination of these markers results in extremely accurate risk scores, which may serve as the basis for the development of true surrogate markers of disease progression.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of rectal carcinoma: a prospective study.

Accurate preoperative staging of rectal cancer is necessary to identify patients who might benefit from adjuvant therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was evaluated in 20 consecutive patients with rectal cancer undergoing 'curative' surgery. Detailed histopathological examination of the resected lesion was correlated with findings of MRI. MRI staging concurred with histological staging in 18 of 20 patients using the Dukes or tumour node metastasis classification but in only 14 using the modified Astler-Coller system. MRI diagnosed transmural invasion in all but one patient with microscopic mural invasion (positive predictive value, 100 per cent; negative predictive value, 80 per cent; overall accuracy, 95 per cent). MRI correctly diagnosed tumour deposits or involved lymph nodes in 12 patients. MRI overstaged one patient, in whom nodes that were enlarged on imaging studies were negative at histological examination (positive predictive value, 92 per cent; negative predictive value, 100 per cent; overall accuracy, 95 per cent). MRI has a role in selected cases for the preoperative assessment of rectal carcinoma.

Aged↗

Construction of gag, pol, and env specific riboprobes for confirmation of HIV-1 specific polymerase chain reaction products.

Conserved regions of the gag, pol, and env genes of HIV-1 pBH10 DNA (gag nucleotides(nt)1520-1665, pol nt 2326-2663, env nt 7192-7333; Ratner et al., 1985) were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using oligonucleotides complementary to the termini of these regions as primers. Primer areas of the amplified DNA were then removed by digestion with restriction endonucleases, and the internal fragments purified and cloned in both orientations into the 'riboprobe' transcription vector pGEM-5Z. Riboprobes made from these plasmids did detect the specific sequences of pBH10 DNA and of HIV-1 DNA amplified by PCR from clinical material. The riboprobes will be useful to confirm the specificity of PCR-amplified fragments of lymphocyte DNA obtained from infants of HIV-infected mothers and from high risk, but seronegative contacts of HIV-1-infected individuals.

DNA, Viral↗

Assay of the c-erbB-2 oncogene encoded protein by ELISA and immunocytochemistry in human breast cancer.

The c-erbB-2 gene is amplified in a wide variety of different adenocarcinomas. Generally, gene amplification correlates with increased expression of the c-erbB-2 oncoprotein. Previous assays for the c-erbB-2 oncoprotein have been qualitative or semi-quantitative. In this investigation using human breast cancers, c-erbB-2 oncoprotein levels as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) correlated significantly with semi-quantitation by immunocytochemistry (r = 0.843, P < 0.0001, n = 97). The cut-off point for the ELISA which gave the strongest agreement with immunocytochemistry was 15 units/micrograms protein. It is concluded that detection of c-erbB-2 oncoprotein by ELISA is quantitative and objective.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Pharmacological manipulation of acute cyclosporin ischemic renal injury with trimetazidine.

Cyclosporin has had a major impact on organ transplantation, but associated nephrotoxicity is a significant problem. Renal hypothermia, a known anti-ischemic maneuver, limits cyclosporin-ischemic renal failure. Pharmacological manipulation with an anti-ischemic agent, such as trimetazidine, may prevent cyclosporin nephrotoxicity. We tested this hypothesis in a canine single kidney model of cyclosporin-enhanced ischemic renal failure. Trimetazidine treatment was associated with significantly better biochemical and histological markers of renal function and structure. Trimetazidine may have a role to play in protecting against cyclosporin nephrotoxicity in clinical renal transplantation.

Animals↗

A canine model of cyclosporine enhanced ischemic renal injury.

Clinical reports of increased graft primary non function in patients receiving cyclosporine in whom the anastomosis time is prolonged (greater than 30 minutes) suggest a synergism between the nephrotoxic effects of cyclosporine and the ischaemia occurring during transplantation. Using unilaterally nephrectomised greyhound dogs, sixty minutes ischaemia and cyclosporine 10 mg./kg./day we have produced an animal model of cyclosporine enhanced ischaemia renal failure. Structural and functional data suggests the proximal tubule is the main site of injury.

Animals↗

Prevention of cyclosporine enhanced ischaemic renal injury using induced hypothermia.

Cyclosporine is associated with an increased incidence of graft primary non function and poorer long term graft function in patients with prolonged ischaemia times. We evaluated the role of hypothermia in preventing this synergism between the nephrotoxic effects of cyclosporine and ischaemia in a canine model. Induced renal hypothermia prevented this synergism.

Animals↗

Potential use of selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the treatment of asthma.

Selective inhibitors of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes have been studied to assess the potential for such agents in the treatment of asthma. A novel selective PDE V inhibitor, SK&F 96231, reversed the bronchoconstriction induced in anaesthetised guinea pigs by histamine, a thromboxane-mimetic or by ovalbumin challenge. There was no effect of SK&F 96231 on heart rate or blood pressure in conscious dogs. Siguazodan (SK&F 94836, a selective PDE III inhibitor) caused bronchodilation but also had cardiovascular effects in conscious dogs. Studies on the PDE profile of various inflammatory cells have indicated that inhibition of PDE IV would be beneficial in the treatment of the inflammatory aspects of asthma and this is briefly reviewed.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Review of an Irish cervical smear service.

Cervical cytology material from 5,815 women who presented to General Practitioners throughout Ireland for routine cervical smears were referred to our Pathology Laboratory. The smears were reviewed retrospectively in order to report on the incidence of dyskaryosis and other abnormalities diagnosed on cervical cytology. Evidence of dyskaryosis was found in a total of 2.2% and "borderline" changes in a total of 0.3% of smears. Cytology and subsequent histology were compared in cases of significant cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Comparison in cases of moderate and severe dyskaryosis showed precise correlation between the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia on biopsy and its prediction on cytology in 30 of 33 cases. Over a third of women screened were in their 4th decade and the highest incidence of dyskaryosis was in this age group. Only 10% of those screened were 50 years or over and a third were aged 40 years and over. These facts are of relevance with regard to the problem of targeting the population at risk in the long term planning of routine cytology screening services in this country.

Adolescent↗

MR imaging of uterine carcinoma: correlation with clinical and pathologic findings.

Thirteen patients with clinical stages I and II endometrial carcinoma were examined with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging before surgery. Depth of invasion and stage of disease were assessed, and the results were compared with those from MR images of the surgical specimens and pathologic findings. Staging with MR imaging was accurate in 11 of 13 patients (85%). Our results agree with previous reports that MR imaging is an accurate, noninvasive method of assessing depth of myometrial invasion and cervical involvement. We anticipate that MR imaging will have an increasing role in treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Aged↗