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Biomedical subjects

J Peel

Publications and source records attributed to J Peel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The reliability of isokinetic and isometric leg strength measures among individuals with symptoms of mild osteoarthritis.

AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the test-retest reliability of measures of isokinetic and isometric leg strength and joint function among individuals exhibiting symptoms of mild osteoarthritis. Reliable procedures are needed to assess the effectiveness of an intervention on osteoarthritic symptoms. METHODS: Test-retest reliability of two leg strength protocols was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (R). Testing was completed on two occasions separated by 7 days. Eighteen subjects (9 male and 9 female; 54.1+/-11 years) completed an isokinetic testing trial, which consisted of a set of 5 maximal repetitions of the quadriceps and hamstrings at 60 deg/s followed by a set of 15 maximal contractions at 180 deg/s with a 2-min rest between sets and an isometric testing trial, which consist of 3 maximal contractions of the quadriceps for 6 s with a 30-s rest between contractions at 30, 45, and 80 degrees of knee flexion for a total of 9 isometric contractions. A 90-s rest occurred between angles. RESULTS: Most of the isokinetic variables showed moderate to high intraclass reliability (ICC). Two of the calculated isokinetic variables (work fatigue at 180 degrees /s for extension and for flexion) showed low intraclass reliability (ICC=0.78, resp. ICC=0.6). All calculated ICC values of the isometric variables were moderate to high. CONCLUSIONS: Test-retest reliability of isokinetic and isometric leg strength was high, allowing the intervention protocol to monitor changes in leg strength and joint function among those exhibiting symptoms of mild osteoarthritis.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Flea bite hypersensitivity: new aspects on the involvement of mast cells.

A study was performed to test the effect of sensitization to flea antigen, followed by exposure to fleas on mast cells (MCs), their subtypes, and IgE+ cells. Biopsies were taken from flea-sensitized dogs (n=28) and non-sensitized dogs (n=5) that had been exposed to fleas. Control groups consisted of flea-sensitized (n=12) and non-sensitized dogs (n=9) that were not exposed to fleas. Biopsies, taken before, 24 and 72 h after local flea exposure, were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), toluidine blue, a double labelling technique for MC chymase and tryptase and anti-IgE. An intradermal test for flea antigen was performed and serum titres of allergen-specific IgE and IgG were measured. Significantly higher numbers (P<0.001) of double labelled MCs compared to toluidine blue stained MCs were detectable in flea-sensitized dogs independent of flea exposure. In contrast, in non-sensitized dogs, the number of toluidine blue stained MCs and the number of double labelled MCs did not differ. In flea-sensitized dogs after flea exposure the percentage of C-MC was significantly increased at day 1 (P<0.001) and day 3 (P<0.001), whereas the percentage of TC-MCs decreased significantly at day 1 (P<0.001) and day 3 (P<0.05). The percentage of T-MCs decreased (P<0.05 day 0 versus day 1; P<0.05 day 0 versus day 3). No significant difference was detectable after toluidine blue staining and staining for IgE+ cells between the groups nor between the MC density and the number of IgE+ cells. All flea-sensitized dogs had positive skin tests to flea antigen and high serum titres of flea-specific serum IgE and IgG antibodies. In non-sensitized dogs, these results were negative. Our data provide strong evidence for an upregulation of MC proteases during the process of sensitization and a generalized selective release of mast cell tryptase after exposure to the antigen.

Animals↗

Larger numbers of CD4(bright) dendritic cells in donor bone marrow are associated with increased relapse after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Relapse is the major cause of death after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). This study tested the hypothesis that the numbers of donor mononuclear cells, lymphocytes, and CD34(+) cells influence relapse and event-free survival (EFS) after BMT. The study population consisted of 113 consecutive patients with hematologic malignancies who underwent non-T-cell-depleted BMT from HLA-matched siblings. Sixty-four patients had low-risk diagnoses (ALL/AML CR1, MDS RA/RARS, and CML CP1); 49 patients had high-risk diagnoses (all others). CD34(+) cells, T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, monocytes, and a rare population of CD3(-), CD4(bright) cells in the allografts were measured by flow cytometry. The CD3(-), CD4(bright) cells in bone marrow had the same frequency and phenotype as CD123(bright) type 2 dendritic cell (DC) progenitors, and they differentiated into typical DCs after short-term culture. Cox regression analyses evaluated risk strata, age, gender, and the numbers of nucleated cells, CD3(+) T cells, CD34(+) hematopoietic cells, and CD4(bright) cells as covariates for EFS, relapse, and nonrelapse mortality. Recipients of larger numbers of CD4(bright) cells had significantly lower EFS, a lower incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), and an increased incidence of relapse. Recipients of larger numbers of CD34(+) cells had improved EFS; recipients of fewer CD34(+) cells had delayed hematopoietic engraftment and increased death from infections. In conclusion, the content of donor CD4(bright) cells was associated with decreased cGVHD and graft-versus-leukemia effects in recipients of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, consistent with a role for donor DCs in determining immune responses after allogeneic BMT.

Adult↗

Quality assessment of CD34+ stem cell enumeration: experience of the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Scheme (UK NEQAS) using a unique stable whole blood preparation.

CD34+ peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization and harvesting has rapidly replaced autologous bone marrow as a source of stem cells for transplantation. Timing and adequacy of harvests rely upon the accurate enumeration of circulating CD34+ cells. However, previous EQA programmes have reported interlaboratory CVs as high as 284%, suggesting the need for greater standardization. In addition the routine use of fresh and/or frozen cells as analytes also introduces antigen instability as a variable factor. To circumvent this problem and achieve a true reflection of interlaboratory variation, we have used a novel whole blood preparation in which the antigenic profiles of PBSCs, as determined by flow cytometry, are retained for > 200 d. This international scheme, currently the largest in the world, distributes aliquots of stabilized whole blood bi-monthly to 91 laboratories in 20 countries (44 U.K., 47 overseas). Participants are required to determine the percentage and absolute values for CD34+ PBSCs using in-house techniques. Adopting such a preparation, a more accurate determination of interlaboratory variation has been possible when compared to previous EQA studies, with CVs as low as 22% and 24% for percentage and absolute counts. In addition the programme has established that a wide range of methods are in routine use, emphasizing the urgent requirement for national/international consensus guidelines.

Antigens, CD34↗

Use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for mobilizing peripheral blood stem cells: risk of mobilizing clonal myeloma cells in patients with bone marrow infiltration.

Peripheral blood stem cells have been used for autologous reconstitution of haemopoiesis after high dose cytotoxic therapy and produce similar disease response rates as autologous bone marrow transplants. Peripheral blood stem cell transplants are an especially attractive option for patients in whom marrow harvest is not feasible due to bone marrow damage or infiltration. Recombinant growth factors mobilize adequate numbers of stem cells from the marrow but their effect on tumour cell circulation kinetics is not known. We report a patient with multiple myeloma and bone marrow infiltration in whom the use of G-CSF for stem cell mobilization led to release of plasma cells into the peripheral circulation and contamination of the stem cell harvest.

Adult↗

DN 9693: a phosphodiesterase inhibitor with a platelet membrane effect.

We have examined the in vitro effects of DN 9693 (piperidinylimidazo-quinazolinone) on various aspects of platelet reactivity. Our results are consistent with its known function as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor in that it increased platelet cyclic AMP, particularly in conjunction with an adenylate cyclase stimulator, and exerted a profound inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation responses to a variety of agonists. DN 9693 also inhibited ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination (RIPA). We therefore examined its effect on ristocetin co-factor assays and on the binding of a monoclonal antibody (McAb) to platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib (GPIb). The drug inhibited the binding of the monoclonal antibody in a dose-dependent manner. This suggests an effect of the drug on the platelet surface membrane with reduced expression of GPIb. Our results indicate that in addition to its anticipated inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation, DN 9693 may also inhibit platelet adhesion.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Relationships between IQ and neuropsychological measures in neuropsychiatric populations: within-laboratory and cross-cultural replications using WAIS and WAIS-R.

Several studies have reported positive correlations between measures of intelligence (a quasi-subject variable) and level of performance on neuropsychological tests; few, however, have presented test results by IQ grouping, which could be useful for comparative purposes. The present study examined the relationships of WAIS and WAIS-R Full Scale IQ to performance on a neuropsychological battery consisting of the Halstead-Reitan Battery (HRB), the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT), and the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS). Four mixed neuropsychiatric samples provided cross-cultural and within-laboratory replications, two tested with WAIS and two with WAIS-R. Means and standard deviations for each measure were presented by five IQ levels within each sample. IQ was strongly related to scores on problem-solving tasks, auditory and linguistic measures, memory tasks, academic achievement levels, and tactual imperceptions, while motor functioning and sensory suppressions were less strongly related to IQ. IQ level was related to educational level in all samples. Correlations of years of education with dependent variables in the two WAIS-R samples were strong and replicable for WRAT scores, verbal memory measures, linguistic errors on the Aphasia Screening Test, and finger-tapping speeds but not for other HRB measures. Finally, IQ-HRB relationships were compared to those reported for other populations.

Achievement↗

The nature of enhanced natural killer lymphocyte cytotoxicity during anesthesia and surgery in patients with benign disease and cancer.

This study was instituted to determine the mechanism of enhanced natural killer (NK) lymphocyte activity during surgery. Natural cytotoxicity of whole blood to K562 target cells was assayed before anesthesia and during anesthesia and surgery in patients with benign and malignant gastrointestinal disease. Those patients with benign conditions and localized primary tumors showed enhanced NK lymphocyte cytotoxicity during surgery (p less than 0.025 and p less than 0.0025, respectively) but not patients with disseminated tumors. In patients with localized tumors, enhancement of NK lymphocyte cytotoxicity was an interferon-independent phenomenon but appeared to be related to a significant rise in the percentage of cells bearing the Leu 7 monoclonal antibody marker for NK cells (p less than 0.02). Exogenous leukocyte interferon caused further enhancement of NK cytotoxicity in patients with benign disease and some cancer patients. Enhancement of NK lymphocyte activity during surgery may be of significance in reducing tumor metastases by stimulation of natural cytotoxic mechanisms to circulating tumor emboli.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Fingertip number-writing errors by psychiatric patients.

Records from 495 psychiatric patients from two neuropsychology laboratories indicated the Fingertip Number Writing test shows a significant and reliable left-hand advantage within and between laboratories. While the left-hand advantage may reflect a right-hemisphere superiority for tactile-spatial processing, it is not possible to distinguish between right hemispheric functional superiority and practice effects between hands because the standard fingertip writing task always starts with the right hand.

Dominance, Cerebral↗

Human spleen cells mediating natural killing: altered natural cytotoxicity of spleen effector cells from patients with carcinoma.

Spleen cells from eight patients with abdominal carcinoma and six patients undergoing major surgery for a variety of disease entities were assayed for natural cytotoxicity towards 51Cr-labelled K 562 target cells. Patients with abdominal cancer were shown to have relatively weak splenic natural cytotoxicity compared with the reactivity of effector cells from non-carcinoma patients. Nylon wool non-adherent spleen effector cells from cancer patients showed reduced cytolytic capacity compared with effector cells prepared from the spleens of other patients or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from healthy individuals, whereas the splenic reactivity of non-cancer patients showed the same nylon wool separation profile as PBMC, high cytolytic activity being associated with nylon wool non-adherent effector cells. Splenic effector cell cytotoxicity from cancer and non-cancer patients was enhanced following exposure to human interferon, and inhibited by treatment with cholera toxin and simple sugars. Furthermore, fractionation of spleen cells on Percoll discontinuous density gradients demonstrated natural cytotoxic activity to reside predominantly in the low density cell fractions, similar to that found with NK cells from peripheral blood. Thus the properties described here for human cytotoxic spleen cells are similar to those described for peripheral blood NK cells, suggesting these two effector cell populations to be closely related, if not identical.

Adult↗

Family planning.

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Family Planning Services↗