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Biomedical subjects

J Pemberton

Publications and source records attributed to J Pemberton.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

DNA fingerprinting in non-human populations.

DNA fingerprinting of non-human populations is beginning to fulfill its early promise, and in the past year there has been a flush of papers on mammalian breeding systems. However, many people, particularly field workers, believe that progress in this area has been slow. Attention is now focused on two amenable alternatives: microsatellite polymorphisms and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA. Of these, it is probable that microsatellites hold the key to rapid, efficient and highly informative screening of the genetic variability that exists within natural populations.

Animals

The musculoskeletal manifestations of epidermolysis bullosa: an analysis of 19 cases with a review of the literature.

Epidermolysis bullosa encompasses a group of rare disorders characterized by marked skin fragility and blister formation. In patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, skeletal and soft-tissue abnormalities are an important feature. An analysis of the musculoskeletal manifestations in 19 patients is presented. In the hands and feet, features included generalized osteoporosis, wedge-shaped thinning and hooking of distal phalanges, overconstricted bones, acro-osteolysis, flexion contractures, metatarsal and metacarpal subluxation, distal trophic changes, webbing of digits, encasement of the whole extremity in a pouch of skin, soft-tissue calcification and retarded skeletal maturity. Previously undescribed findings in the hands and feet are bony ankylosis of the proximal interphalangeal joints, resorption of the metatarsal and metacarpal heads, shortened metatarsal bones, carpal and tarsal fusion and destruction, and cystic changes of the distal radius and ulna. In the remainder of the skeleton, hip dysplasia with premature osteoarthritis, knee joint bony ankylosis and thoracic and thoraco-lumbar scoliosis are other undescribed findings.

Adolescent

Scintigraphic measurement of regional gut transit in idiopathic constipation.

In this study, total gut transit and regional colonic transit in patients with idiopathic constipation were measured scintigraphically. Eight patients with severe constipation were studied, none of whom had evidence of abnormal function of the pelvic floor. 99mTc-radiolabeled Amberlite resin particles (average diameter, 1 mm; Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO) with a mixed meal were used to assess gastric emptying and small bowel transit; similar particles labeled with 111In were ingested in a coated capsule that dispersed in the ileocecal region. These were used to quantify colonic transit. Five healthy volunteers were also studied. Two patients showed delayed gastric emptying and two had slow small bowel transit. Seven of the eight patients had slow colonic transit. In five, delay affected the whole colon ("pancolonic inertia"); in two, transit in the ascending and transverse colon was normal, but solids moved through the left colon slowly. Mean colonic transit was also measured using radiopaque markers; this technique identified the patients with slow transit, as shown by measurements of overall colonic transit by simultaneous scintigraphy. However, estimated transit through the ascending and transverse colons was considerably shorter by the radiopaque marker technique. In conclusion, idiopathic constipation is characterized by either exaggerated reservoir functions of the ascending and transverse colons and/or impairment of propulsive function in the descending colon. Particle size may influence the result of regional colonic transit tests. Transit delays in other parts of the gut suggest that, in some patients, the condition may be a more generalized motor dysfunction.

Adult

Detection of bovine virus diarrhea virus in cell culture using an immunoperoxidase technique.

An indirect immunoperoxidase staining technique was developed for identifying cell cultures infected with bovine virus diarrhea virus. Infected cell monolayers stained intensely while uninfected monolayers remained colorless. Immunoperoxidase staining was as sensitive as direct immunofluorescence in detecting endpoint dilutions of virus suspensions. Using the immunoperoxidase technique, infected monolayers were detectable by macroscopic, as well as microscopic, observation.

Animals

Extra-corporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Extra-corporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has proved to be a revolutionary advance in the treatment of renal stone disease. It, itself, is non-invasive but may necessitate or be used as an adjunct to more invasive auxiliary procedures. The basic principles of lithotripsy, the clinical experience thus far and probable future applications are discussed.

Humans

Strengthening the practice of epidemiology in the European Community.

At the request of the COMAC EPID committee of the Commission of the European Communities the author visited all the countries of the EEC except Luxembourg in 1983-84 in order to prepare a report on 'Upgrading in epidemiology'. The report was presented at a meeting organized by COMAC EPID in April 1984 and subsequently revised and finally presented in January 1985. This paper is an abbreviated version of the report and describes some main features and some of the obstacles in the organization of undergraduate and postgraduate education, and research in epidemiology in the EEC. The application of epidemiological knowledge at national, regional and local level and communications between epidemiologists are also discussed.

Education, Medical, Graduate

Report on the first 1000 patients treated at St Thomas' Hospital by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.

Since March 1985, over 1000 patients have been treated on the lithotripter at St Thomas' Hospital. Since it is the only machine in the country offering treatment to National Health Service patients at no cost to the referring Health Authority, there has been a heavy demand for treatment and 97% of referrals have been accepted. Analysis of the first 1000 patients shows extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) to be a safe procedure with a low morbidity rate and no mortality. The number of patients who were stone-free 3 months after treatment was low (44.1%) compared with the numbers reported in other series. The most likely reasons for this are the poor follow-up rate (48.9%), the stringent criteria for the diagnosis of "stone-free" and a possible skewed referral and follow-up pattern.

Female

Some behavioural changes in 493 patients after an acute myocardial infarction.

A retrospective study of behavioural changes in 493 consecutive patients who had survived a first acute myocardial infarction was carried out. The changes in behaviour that were studied related to smoking, physical activity, and weight loss. The personalities of the patients were also studied by means of the Eysenck personality inventory to find out if there was any relationship between the personality factors, extroversion and neuroticism, and the changes in behaviour. Sixty-six per cent of the men and 59% of the women reduced or stopped smoking, 60% of the men and 81% of the women reduced their physical activity, and 67% of the men and 56% of the women lost weight. Some significant associations were found between these changes and the medical advice given, the patients' views of the value of the change in behaviour, and the severity of the illness. Personality factors as assessed were not associated with any of the observed changes, except in the case of physical activity. Those who increased or decreased their physical activity had a significantly higher mean neuroticism score than those who did not change their behaviour in this respect.

Adult

Pulmonary fungal infection complicating treated malignant disease.

Secondary pulmonary fungal infection in patients being treated for malignant disease may be difficult to diagnose. Nine patients are described, illustrating some of the possible radiological appearances. There was pathological support for the diagnosis in seven of these patients. A plea is made for a higher level of suspicion in patients with the predisposing factors who also develop pulmonary complications so that suitable treatment may be given, even though sputum examination is negative.

Adult