Fallopian sperm perfusion (FSP) using Foley's balloon system versus intrauterine insemination (IUI) in the treatment of infertility.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
K Jain
Publications and source records attributed to K Jain.
A dopamine D1 agonist elevates self-stimulation thresholds: comparison to other dopamine-selective drugs.
The effects of the high-efficacy D1 receptor agonist SKF 81297 and the D2/3 receptor agonist 7-OH-DPAT on brain stimulation reward thresholds and on response latencies in responding for the stimulation, were compared to the effects of subtype-selective receptor antagonists and a dopamine uptake blocker. SKF 81297 produced dose-dependent elevations in reward thresholds but did not alter response latencies. In contrast, 7-OH-DPAT produced inconsistent reward threshold elevations, yet dose dependently increased response latencies. Both the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 and the D2 antagonist raclopride elevated reward thresholds, but only raclopride significantly increased response latencies. The dopamine uptake inhibitor GBR 12909 lowered reward thresholds and did not influence response latencies. The present results provide a clear demonstration that a selective, high-efficacy D1 receptor agonist elevates brain stimulation reward thresholds without producing performance deficits. Furthermore, it was observed that the effects upon reward measures of D1-selective compounds, but not D2/D3-selective compounds, are dissociable from their effects upon response latency in this task. These results are discussed with regard to a distinction between the effects of indirect and direct dopamine agonists on reward thresholds, a distinction that does not depend upon the subtype-selectivity of the direct agonists tested.
Animals↗
Addition of intrathecal midazolam to bupivacaine produces better post-operative analgesia without prolonging recovery.
OBJECTIVE: The administration of midazolam by centroneuraxis route has been shown to produce segmental antinociception. This midazolam analgesia was found to enhance the effects of local anesthetics given in combination epidurally without any adverse effects. The present study was designed to evaluate the post-operative analgesic effect of intrathecal midazolam-bupivacaine mixture in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. METHODS: Thirty healthy patients scheduled for knee arthroscopy were divided into two groups to receive either midazolam-bupivacaine mixture (group M; n = 15) or bupivacaine alone (group B; n = 15) intrathecally. Level of sensory block, sedation score, assessment of pain using visual analogue score were recorded in both groups at regular time intervals. Time to block regression, recovery to ambulation and ability to void were recorded and noted before discharge. RESULTS: A significantly higher VAS score was seen in group B patients as compared to the score observed in group M patients before discharge (p<0.05). All patients received rescue analgesia in group B at a mean duration of 258 +/-46.8 minutes whereas only one patient in group M required supplemental analgesia within this period. Time to regression of sensory analgesia to L5-S1 level was longer in group M (267+/-67.38) as compared to group B (229.8+/-41.4) (p<0.05). Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and sedation score showed no differences between the groups. Neither motor block nor time to void were prolonged with the addition of midazolam to bupivacaine. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that addition of midazolam to bupivacaine intrathecally provided better post-operative analgesia without any adverse effects.
Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗
Ultrasound and MR imaging of fibromatosis colli (sternomastoid tumor of infancy).
The sonographic and CT findings of fibromatosis colli (sternomastoid tumor of infancy) have been described, but the MRI appearance has been reported in only one case in which the mass resolved over time. This case describes the detailed MRI findings in a biopsy-proven case of fibromatosis colli; the signal intensity of the mass on T2-weighted images was slightly less than on gradient-recalled T1-weighted images, consistent with the presence of some fibrous tissue within the muscle mass. The involved portion of the muscle was better defined on MRI than sonography. MRI was helpful in demonstrating the signal characteristics of the mass; localizing the mass to within the sternocleidomastoid muscle; and demonstrating clear surrounding fascial planes with lack of associated lymphadenopathy, airway compression, vascular encasement, bone involvement or intracranial/intraspinal extension associated with other neck masses.
Biopsy, Needle↗
Congenital maldevelopment of intervertebral disc simulating a neurofibroma.
Intervertebral disc herniation is a common cause of radiculopathy and myelopathy in adulthood. It is an uncommon tumor mimic. We report on an extradural disc associated with an osseous defect ostensibly caused by pressure erosion and appearing as a neural tumor. It showed homogeneous enhancement on a contrast-enhanced MR examination, leading to an erroneous diagnosis of nerve sheath tumor. An attempt has been made to explain the likely mechanism of formation accounting for the imaging appearances, along with a review of the literature.
Diagnosis, Differential↗
A clinical study to evaluate the usefulness of the MAST test in diagnosing pre-labour rupture of membranes.
An open study was performed to evaluate the efficiency of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 as a marker for the detection of pre-labour rupture of membranes and to assess whether it aided the subsequent clinical management. One hundred women between 24 and 42 weeks' gestation with a history suggestive of pre-labour rupture of membranes were studied. There were 11 false positive and no false negative results and the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 89% respectively. The presence of infection, blood or semen did not interfere with the accuracy of the results.
Journal Article↗
Recovery from myasthenic crisis after use of IVIG therapy.
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Child↗
Genital injuries in sexually abused young girls.
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Child↗
Aging, physical activity, insulin-like growth factor I, and body composition in Guatemalan women.
Aging is associated with diminished secretion of growth hormone and the major endogenous mediator of growth hormone action, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Aging is also associated with decreased physical activity. Alterations in body composition characteristic of the aging process (increased fat mass and decreased lean body mass) may be related to the decline in anabolic effects of IGF-I with aging, decreased physical activity, or both. Guatemalan women often maintain a high level of physical activity during aging. The purpose of this study was to determine whether IGF-I concentrations correlated with physical activity level (determined by standardized scoring of a self-report questionnaire) and body composition (determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis) in elderly Guatemalan women. In 112 women aged 20-87 y, we found a progressively lower serum IGF-I with age (r = -0.732). In subjects > 60 y of age, the self-reported activity level was associated with a lower percentage body fat (P < 0.001) but there was no significant relation between physical activity level and either lean body mass or IGF-I. We conclude that there is a significant age-related decline in serum IGF-I concentrations in Guatemalan women, similar to that observed in both men and women in the United States. An increased level of physical activity in the elderly Guatemalan population was associated with reduced body fat but did not modify the expected reduction in circulating IGF-I concentrations that occurs with aging.
Adult↗
Long-term preservation of islets of Langerhans in hydrophilic macrobeads.
Several obstacles have hindered the successful transplantation of islets of Langerhans to human patients in efforts to cure type I diabetes mellitus. One problem is the necessity for short- and long-term storage of islets after isolation and before transplantation. Current long-term storage methods, such as incubation in a physiological medium and cryopreservation, are suboptimal, resulting in significant loss of viable islet mass or function. Better storage methods are needed. In this study we examined the long-term storage of rat islets in macrobeads composed of agarose and collagen. Islets isolated from Wistar-Furth rats were placed into macrobeads (1000 islets/macrobead) and maintained in culture for periods of up to 189 days at 37 degrees C. Insulin released from the cultured macrobeads remained constant for periods of at least 154 days. In one group, insulin release was 1050 mU/24 hr/4 beads on day 3 and 1040 mU/24 hr/4 beads on day 154. In another group, insuling release was 1305 Xenotransplantation of Wistar Furth islet macrobeads, stored for 10 to 112 days at 37 degrees C, degrees C into 42 B6AF/1 mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes resulted in a return to euglycemia in the recipients within 24 hr. Thereafter, euglycemia was maintained for more than 100 days in 32/42 of the recipients, and removal of the macrobeads caused a return to hyperglycemia within 48 hr in all animals. In addition, a group of 7 mice receiving macrobeads containing 1000 islets stored for 84 days had normal glucose tolerance tests (compared with those of 7 nontreated, nontransplanted mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and 7 normal mice), demonstrating that the islets in the macrobeads were functioning as they would in an intact pancreas. Finally, 5 macrobeads transplanted after initial storage of 112 days, removed from the first recipient after 100 days or more, stored again for 4 days in vitro, and retransplanted into 5 other diabetic mice also restored and maintained euglycemia for at least 45 days. Our results indicate that collagen-agarose macrobeads are capable of preserving rat pancreatic islets for extended periods without loss of in vitro insulin release capability or ability to achieve and maintain euglycemia in vivo. As such they should be useful for human islet transplantation efforts.
Animals↗
Maximum cardiac performance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at temperatures approaching their upper lethal limit
Numerous studies have examined the effect of temperature on in vivo and in situ cardiovascular function in trout. However, little information exists on cardiac function at temperatures near the trout's upper lethal limit. This study measured routine and maximum in situ cardiac performance in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following acclimation to 15, 18 and 22 °C, under conditions of tonic (30 nmol l-1), intermediate (60 nmol l-1) and maximal (200 nmol l-1) adrenergic stimulation. Heart rate increased significantly with both temperature and adrenaline concentration. The Q10 values for heart rate ranged from 1.28 at 30 nmol l-1 adrenaline to 1.36 at 200 nmol l-1 adrenaline. In contrast to heart rate, maximum stroke volume declined by approximately 20 % (from 1.0 to 0.8 ml kg-1) as temperature increased from 15 to 22 °C. This decrease was not alleviated by maximally stimulating the heart with 200 nmol l-1 adrenaline. Because of the equal and opposite effects of increasing temperature on heart rate and stroke volume, maximum cardiac output did not increase between 15 and 22 °C. Maximum power output decreased (by approximately 10-15 %) at all adrenaline concentrations as temperature increased. This reduction reflected a poorer pressure-generating ability at temperatures above 15 °C. These results, in combination with earlier work, suggest (1) that peak cardiac performance occurs around the trout's preferred temperature and well below its upper lethal limit; (2) that the diminished cardiac function concomitant with acclimation to high temperatures was associated with inotropic failure; (3) that Q10 values for cardiac rate functions, other than heart rate per se, have a limited predictive value at temperatures above the trout's preferred temperature; and (4) that heart rate is a poor indicator of cardiac function at temperatures above 15 °C.
Journal Article↗
Ruptured malignant ovarian tumor mimicking ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Ovarian carcinoma is uncommon in premenopausal women and few cases appear during pregnancy. Acute symptoms, such as pain secondary to rupture or torsion, are unusual. The majority of women with epithelial ovarian carcinoma remain asymptomatic for long periods of time. When symptoms do occur they are often vague and nonspecific. Unsuspected ovarian carcinomas may be detected incidentally during routine obstetrical examinations. We present a case of ovarian carcinoma complicating an early pregnancy in a young woman with findings suggestive of ectopic pregnancy. The ultrasonographic findings also were initially thought to be consistent with ectopic pregnancy.
Adult↗
Retrievable, replaceable, macroencapsulated pancreatic islet xenografts. Long-term engraftment without immunosuppression.
Prevention of rejection and prolongation of graft survival are critical to achieving successful islet cell transplantation. Various techniques have been utilized to prolong graft survival. Recently, protection of pancreatic islets from host immune mechanisms by isolating the islets in artificial membranes has emerged as an attractive alternative to the use of immunosuppression. In this Rapid Communication, we describe a novel method for macroencapsulation of rat islets in hydrophilic macrobeads made with various combinations of agarose, collagen, and Gelfoam. Encapsulated xenotypic islets were placed intraperitoneally in mice in which diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. The encapsulated xenografts maintained normoglycemia > 170 days. Recipients mice had normal glucose tolerance tests, which indicates that the islets in the macrobeads were functioning as they would in an intact pancreas. Macrobeads retrieved up to 103 days after transplantation showed no evidence of tissue reaction or local inflammation. These retrieved macrobeads could also be retransplanted and replaced. Our studies indicate that the agarose-collagen/Gelfoam macrobeads we have developed serve both to protect islet xenografts from rejection and to provide a microenvironment in which the islets maintain and support their normal function in vivo. Because they may be retrieved after implantation and replaced, these macrobeads may be suitable for human clinical islet cell xenotransplantation.
Animals↗
Pairing strength in neutron-rich isotopes of Zr.
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Journal Article↗
Diagnosis of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes in a Chinese family by PCR/restriction enzyme analysis.
The clinical presentation and the biochemical and molecular genetic findings are described in a 13 year old Chinese boy with MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes). The diagnosis was initially suspected because of the characteristic clinical features and the strong family history of convulsions. Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction enzyme analysis, the heteroplasmic nt3243 A-->G mutation in mtDNA of peripheral blood leucocytes and a muscle sample was demonstrated. The oligosymptomatic relatives were then screened by this method and the degree of heteroplasmy was analysed. This appears to be the first report of a MELAS family in Hong Kong with this described mutation. Molecular genetic techniques are advantageous in the diagnosis of MELAS.
Journal Article↗
Phase contrast microscopic evaluation of placental pathology in premature gestation.
Numerous representative samples taken from forty placentas immediately after delivery from mothers associated with prematurity (i.e. less than 38 weeks), were semiquantitatively studied by phase contrast microscopy. Twenty placentas delivered from mothers without any antenatal complication served as control. Hypoplasia of the syncytium, stromal edema, ischaemia were prominent findings on phase contrast microscopy in the study group. Increased basement membrane thickening and high villous edema scores observed on light microscopy were statistically significant in prematurity as compared to controls. Observations by phase contrast and light microscopy were found complementary to each other. Phase contrast microscopy provided quicker results without disadvantage of fixation artefact and was found distinctly superior over the conventional histological methods.
Case-Control Studies↗
Disease-avoidance model: factor analysis of common animal fears.
This paper reports the results of two studies investigating a disease-avoidance model of common animal fears. In Study 1, a factor analysis of a variety of self-rated animal fears revealed that these fears can be grouped into two theoretically meaningful categories which correspond to predatory animals and fear-relevant animals. Study 2 found a significant correlation between disgust sensitivity and fear to animals in the fear-relevant category, but not between disgust sensitivity and fear to animals in the predatory category. In addition, fear of animals in the fear-relevant category was significantly associated with scores on the obsessive washing sub-scale of the Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory, but was not associated with obsessive behaviour in general.
Adolescent↗