Laparoscopic approach to Meckel's diverticulectomy.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
J McGrath
Publications and source records attributed to J McGrath.
Plasma membrane water permeabilities of human oocytes: the temperature dependence of water movement in individual cells.
Membrane water permeability values were measured in individual fresh human pre-ovulatory oocytes using real time microscopy in a microscope diffusion chamber. The cells were exposed to anisosmotic conditions, their volume responses measured, and from these data the Lp values were computed employing the Kedem-Katchalsky analyses of irreversible thermodynamics. Lp values were measured at four temperatures for each oocyte between 37 degrees C and 10 degrees C, and the temperature-related Arrhenius activation energy (Ea) calculated. It was apparent that individual oocytes exhibited a wide range of Lp values; at 37 degrees C Lp values ranged between 0.33 and 1.80 microns/atm/min. However, each oocyte exhibited the expected inverse linear correlation between Lp and temperature, with high linear correlations (R2 values between 0.73 and 0.96). A mean value for Ea of 8.61 +/- 5.11 Kcal/mol was computed. It is apparent that pre-ovulatory human oocytes express a range of biological diversity in terms of membrane water transport, and this fact needs to be considered when attempting to formulate cryopreservation protocols for storage of these oocytes.
Cell Membrane Permeability↗
Growth of Babesia bigemina parasites in suspension cultures for vaccine production.
An Australian Babesia bigemina vaccine strain was maintained in suspension culture for 40 days. Parasite growth was compared using two tissue-culture flask sizes (25 and 75 cm2), four gas mixes (2%, 2.5%, 3% and 3.5% O2; 5% CO2; and the balance N2) and four packed blood cell (PCV) volumes (7%, 9%, 13% and 18%). The best continuous parasite yields were obtained from suspension cultures in 75-cm2 flasks at a PCV of 13% and gas mixtures of 2%-3% O2, 5% CO2 and the balance N2. Parasite yields per millilitre of culture medium were 3 times those obtained in microaerophilous stationary-phase cultures. The method has thus far been used for 6 months to produce the Australian requirements for live B. bigemina vaccine.
Animals↗
Duplication/deficiency mapping of situs inversus viscerum (iv), a gene that determines left-right asymmetry in the mouse.
A recessive mutation in the mouse, situs inversus viscerum (iv), results in randomization of organ position along the left-right body axis: approximately 50% of the progeny of homozygous matings exhibit situs solitus and 50% exhibit situs inversus. Recent studies have established genetic linkage between iv and the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene complex (Igh-C), located on distal mouse chromosome 12. In the present study, we have refined the genetic map location of iv relative to the breakpoint of a reciprocal translocation, T(5;12)31H, involving the telomeric region of chromosome 12 distal to Igh-C and the proximal region of chromosome 5. The translocation results in a large 12(5) derivative chromosome and a small 5(12) derivative chromosome. Because mice with either monosomy or tertiary trisomy for the 5(12) chromosomal region are viable, duplication/deficiency mapping is possible. Deficiency mapping was performed by mating iv/iv homozygotes and T31H heterozygotes. Two animals monosomic for distal mouse chromosome 12 were produced. One of the animals with cytogenetically confirmed monosomy for distal chromosome 12 exhibited situs inversus, indicating that the iv mutation is located at or distal to the T31H breakpoint. For duplication analysis, matings were initially carried out between iv/iv homozygotes and unbalanced T31H animals trisomic for distal chromosome 12. Cytogenetically verified tertiary trisomic progeny were identified and backcrossed with iv/iv homozygotes. The resulting trisomic progeny, 50% of which are expected to carry the iv mutation on both cytogenetically normal copies of chromosome 12, were scored for phenotype.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Risk factors in schizophrenia. Season of birth, gender, and familial risk.
The risk for schizophrenia among first-degree relatives of schizophrenic probands obtained from an epidemiological sample using family history methods was examined to determine whether month of birth of the proband was associated with familial risk. The results of this study of the first-degree relatives of 106 female schizophrenics and 275 male schizophrenics suggested that the relatives of probands born in the months February to May had the highest risk, although the association between month of birth and familial risk among the male probands was present only for those relatives who had onset of schizophrenia before the age of 30.
Adult↗
Season of birth of siblings of schizophrenic patients.
The hypothesis that mothers of winter-spring-born schizophrenics have an unusual pattern of conception which results in an excess of winter-spring births was tested by studying the distribution of birth-dates of 401 siblings of 120 winter-spring-born schizophrenics and 157 siblings of 59 winter-spring-born controls. All analyses were gender-specific. The results suggest there is no association between the probability of a winter-spring date of birth and being a sibling of a winter-spring-born schizophrenic or control.
Adult↗
General pharmacology of pergolide in animals. 2nd communication: gastrointestinal, renal and miscellaneous studies.
Pergolide mesylate ((8 beta)-8-[(methylthio)methyl]-6-propylergoline monomethanesulfonate, LY 127809, CAS 66104-23-2) is a novel and potent dopamine agonist marketed for treating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The potential secondary pharmacological effects of this agent on the gastrointestinal and renal systems, as well as effects on local anesthesia, hemolysis, platelet aggregation, circulating blood glucose, primary antibody production, and the acute inflammatory response were examined. Pergolide exhibited significant pharmacological effects in gastrointestinal, renal and anti-inflammatory tests at high oral doses. Pergolide was essentially inactive in blood hemolysis, platelet aggregation, primary antibody production and local anesthesia testing. In summary, these studies confirm the pharmacological selectivity of pergolide, and indicate a low potential for secondary pharmacological side effects upon the functions tested at clinically relevant doses.
Anesthetics, Local↗
Establishment of left-right asymmetry in vertebrates: genetically distinct steps are involved.
Vertebrates exhibit a characteristic pattern of asymmetrical positioning of the visceral organs along the left-right axis. A remarkable developmental step establishes this pattern--primitive organs migrate from symmetrical midline positions of origin into lateral positions. The first organ to pursue such movement is the cardiac tube, which forms a rightward 'D' loop; other organs follow concordantly. The signals and mechanisms directing such organ migration can be studied by analysis of heritable defects of humans and mice. In general, these defects behave as loss-of-function mutations that lead to random determination of visceral situs: for an affected embryo there is an equal chance of correct situs or situs inversus. Distinct phenotypes and patterns of inheritance of these defects suggest that at least three genes are involved in left-right determination, apparently members of a developmental pathway. These genes should be amenable to molecular analysis. We are studying a recessive allele of the mouse called inversus viscerum (iv). Using linkage analysis with cloned restriction fragment length polymorphism markers, we have genetically mapped the iv gene to the distal portion of mouse chromosome 12. We are now pursuing isolation of the gene using methods of positional cloning. Analysis of the iv gene product and of its site and timing of expression may offer clues to how left-right lateralization occurs.
Animals↗
The phenotypic heterogenicity of bullous ichthyosis--a case report of three family members.
We present a family with an inherited disorder of cornification. The clinical features are much less severe and developed much later in life than is usual in bullous ichthyosis. Skin biopsy demonstrated epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, a feature typical of bullous ichthyosis. The family is reported both to highlight the wide interfamilial variation that may occur in this condition and the value of histology in classifying this form of ichthyosis.
Adult↗
Split skin grafting and bullous pemphigoid.
We present a case of a 73-year-old Caucasian female with known recent mild generalized bullous pemphigoid who underwent a forearm-to-palm split skin graft as part of a fasciectomy for Dupuytren's contracture. Histologically confirmed bullous pemphigoid blistering occurred extensively around the donor site 5 weeks post-operatively and required systemic corticosteroids for adequate control.
Aged↗
Ordering thoughts on thought disorder.
A common denominator can be found permeating thought disorder at various levels--the lack of executive planning and editing. With data available from aphasiology and neuropsychology, certain features of thought disorder can be reinterpreted as being consistent with dysfunction of the frontal lobe. It is hypothesised that thought disorder may reflect a dysfunction of the cortical-subcortical loops that project into the pre-frontal cortex. The hypothesis predicts that thought-disordered patients will have impaired performance on tests of frontal lobe function, regardless of diagnosis.
Attention↗
The control of seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff by antipityrosporal drugs.
For many years the exact nature of the pathophysiology of seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff was in doubt. Different schools of thought debated whether Pityrosporum yeasts were of primary pathogenic significance or a secondary phenomenon, with epidermal hyperproliferation as the primary pathology. Although effective therapy in seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff has for a long time been based on compounds whose only common link was antipityrosporal activity, proof of this relevance was lacking until the introduction of effective antifungal drugs, in particular ketoconazole. This article charts the swing of opinion towards the primary pityrosporal aetiology of seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff, reviews the evidence that antipityrosporal activity is the common link to various compounds which benefit these conditions, and compares the efficacy of these substances in treatment.
Antifungal Agents↗
Treatment of excessive granulation tissue with EMLA cream and 95% silver-nitrate pencils.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Drug Combinations↗
Schizophrenia: age at onset, gender and familial risk.
In a family history study of 366 schizophrenic probands and their 1851 first-degree relatives, we found a relationship between age at onset of psychosis in the male probands and the risk for schizophrenia in their relatives. The relatives of male schizophrenic probands whose onset of psychosis occurred when they were younger than 17 years of age had an increased risk of schizophrenia when compared with the relatives of male probands with an age at onset greater than 17. We did not find an association between age at onset of psychosis in the female probands and familial risk. Cox proportional hazards models permitted us to examine the relationship between age at onset of psychosis in the probands and familial risk while controlling for possible confounding effects.
Adolescent↗
A select psychiatric mother and baby unit in Britain: implications for care in the United States.
Severe psychiatric disturbances that arise during the postpartum period have serious implications for the optimal development of the mother-infant relationship. The treatment approach of psychiatric admission in the postpartum period raises the issue of whether to admit the mother together with her infant or to separate the two. This article describes the nursing care on a select Psychiatric Mother and Baby Unit in Britain utilizing the nursing process. Implications for inpatient management of postpartum disorders in the United States are presented giving special consideration to the significance of the mother-infant dyad.
Female↗
Pulmonary microvascular cytology in the diagnosis of lymphangitic carcinomatosis.
The diagnosis of lymphangitic spread of carcinoma in the lungs is sometimes difficult. We studied the cytologic characteristics of blood drawn through a wedged pulmonary-artery catheter from eight patients in whom lymphangitic carcinomatosis was confirmed by subsequent autopsy, lung biopsy, or clinical evaluation. The sites of the primary tumors were the prostate, breast, esophagus, and lung. Malignant cells were found in seven of the eight patients. Cytologic findings were normal in 16 of 17 patients with cancer but without pulmonary metastases and in 22 of 23 patients with nonmalignant pulmonary disorders. In a patient with cancer with tumor embolism to the lungs, the findings were positive, probably because of extensive intravascular tumor in large hepatic veins. One false positive finding occurred in a patient with extensive pulmonary infarction. Megakaryocytes, which are present in large numbers in the pulmonary capillary bed, are the hallmark of a satisfactory pulmonary vascular blood sample for pulmonary microvascular cytologic study. Familiarity with the cytologic characteristics of these cells in Papanicolaou preparations is essential to avoid mistakenly identifying them as malignant. Although transbronchial lung biopsy remains the diagnostic procedure of choice in this disorder, our findings suggest that the presence of malignant cells in pulmonary microvascular-cytology preparations in patients with cancer and unexplained dyspnea constitutes presumptive evidence of lymphangitic carcinomatosis. Pulmonary microvascular cytology may be particularly valuable when lung biopsy is refused or is thought to be too hazardous.
Aged↗
Cure of experimental human malignant mesothelioma in athymic mice by diphtheria toxin.
A single ip or iv dose of 1-3 micrograms of diphtheria toxin consistently cured athymic mice of an advanced stage experimental human malignant mesothelioma. All cancer cells were killed within 18 hours and the profuse ip ascites plus large solid tumor masses associated with this model of neoplastic disease were subsequently eliminated. Treated mice appeared normal in 3 days and lived for greater than 300 days with no signs of recurrence, while control animals did not survive greater than 32 days. The complete tumoricidal effect implies that toxin readily reached, entered, and preferentially killed each human cancer cell. This outcome exemplifies the true therapeutic potential of highly selective, site-directed toxins, and offers a frame of reference for judging the performance of current as well as prospective toxin-based agents.
Animals↗
A survey of deliberate self-poisoning.
Over a 12-month period in 1985-1986, 325 cases of deliberate self-poisoning were admitted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. This survey confirms that deliberate self-poisoning remains common, accounting for 19.6% of all admissions to the intensive-care unit, and 5.4% of all medical-ward admissions. In 232 (71.4%) cases formal psychiatric consultation occurred, and some form of follow-up was organized in 227 (69.8%) cases. In the total group, the female-to-male ratio was 1.5 to one. In the 325 cases, a total of 489 substances was consumed. Benzodiazepine agents were consumed the most often (39.5% of all substances), followed by antidepressant drugs (11.7% of substances) and paracetamol (7.2% of substances). Barbiturate drugs, which previously have been shown to be prominent in deliberate self-poisoning, accounted for only 1.6% of the substances that were used in this survey. Alcohol was consumed in almost one-third (31.1%) of cases. The diagnosis of adjustment disorder with depressed mood was the most-frequent primary diagnosis (64.8% of diagnosed cases), followed by personality disorder (16.7% of diagnosed cases), schizophrenia (5.5% of diagnosed cases) and major depression (3.7% of diagnosed cases). Nearly one-half (46.8%) of all cases involved a past history of deliberate self-poisoning. Comparison of the results of this survey with those of past surveys shows that the profile of deliberate self-poisoning is changing. Barbiturate usage has declined markedly with a reciprocal increase in benzodiazepine usage. A review of the prescribing pattern of antidepressant agents in groups of individuals who are at high risk of deliberate self-poisoning is suggested in the light of the frequency of this phenomenon.
Adjustment Disorders↗