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Biomedical subjects

K L Hoffman

Publications and source records attributed to K L Hoffman.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Canine oligodendrocytes undergo morphological changes in response to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in vitro.

The mature oligodendrocyte, though able to divide under certain circumstances, has been regarded as incapable of changing into a phenotypically plastic cell type. To further explore this question, we developed an in vitro system in which a virtually pure population of early postnatal canine oligodendrocytes were cultured in a serum free, defined medium. We tested the oligodendrocytes' morphological and mitotic responses to concentration of basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) ranging from 5 ng to 100 ng/ml. We found that bFGF effected both the morphology and mitotic potential of these cells. In addition, oligodendrocytes exposed to bFGF respond to 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) by undergoing morphological changes that are quite different than naive oligodendrocytes exposed to 10% FBS, suggesting that bFGF causes some fundamental change in plasticity.

Animals

Trace quantitation of the novel cholinesterase inhibitor in human plasma by capillary gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry.

This paper demonstrates the utility of an ion trap mass spectrometer as a detector for trace quantitative determinations of pharmaceuticals in human plasma by capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. A novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (CI-1002) was selected as an illustrative example for the technique. When coupled with a selective solid-phase extraction, this approach was capable of quantifying as little as 34 pg (0.50 ng ml-1, RSD = 12.7%) of compound on the column, and the inter-run precision was typically 3-4% RSD over a 0.5-25 ng ml-1 linear range. The advantages and requirements of the technique, in addition to the prospects for improvements in the detection limit, are discussed.

Calibration

Monitoring data quality through comparisons between data systems.

Since its creation in 1960, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has placed a high value on the quality of the information and statistics collected and published by its data systems. An important component of a comprehensive data quality monitoring system for a statistical agency such as NCHS is the comparison of statistics between data systems. Between-data-systems comparisons are used to monitor the consistency and comparability of statistics across data systems and between NCHS data systems and outside sources of data. This paper focuses on between-data-systems comparisons and describes a number of methodological analyses that can be used to evaluate data quality. The methodological analyses presented include the evaluation of time trends, the estimation of survey method effects, the evaluation of response error, the measurement of definitional and concept effects, and the detection of inconsistencies between data systems. The paper concludes with a discussion of the complexities of the between-data-systems comparisons and an assessment of the net benefits from such comparisons.

Data Collection

Intrapartum fetal heart rate patterns and neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage.

A goal for the obstetrician and neonatologist is to screen for risk factors associated with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in the low-birthweight infant. Perinatal events that lead to neonatal metabolic and cardiovascular derangements seem to provoke IVH, and conflicting reports have implicated labor as being contributory. A fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormality during premature labor may be a predictor of subsequent neonatal IVH. For this reason, 5 years of FHR tracings at two university medical centers were reviewed for inborn infants who were delivered after premature labor and weighed less than or equal to 2000 gm. Sixty-four infants developed IVH, but pre-existing labor with a discernible FHR pattern was recorded in only 38 (59%) cases. Interpretations were reassuring in 17 (45%) cases, suspicious in 7 (18%) cases, and ominous in 14 (37%) cases. This proportion of FHR patterns was not significantly different from a matched group of premature infants without IVH during the same period. Interpretations of intrapartum FHR patterns of low-birthweight infants are limited, especially before 30 weeks gestation, and not useful in predicting neonatal IVH.

Adult

Elimination of "hook-effect" in two-site immunoradiometric assays by kinetic rate analysis.

Two-site or sandwich immunoradiometric assays (IRMAs) offer theoretical advantages over competitive immunoassay systems for sensitivity, precision, and rapid incubation. The practical realization of these advantages has been limited by the phenomenon of the "high-dose hook effect," such that high concentrations of an analyte give similar responses to those of much lower concentrations. We have developed a kinetic rate monitoring IRMA system for use with the Kineti-Count 48TM, an automated kinetic radioassay analyzer, which eliminates "hook-effect" interference, thereby permitting optimal assay design for increasing sensitivity and reducing incubation time. Practical illustration of these concepts is demonstrated by a 10-min, automated, quantitative assay we developed for human choriogonadotropin. The assay can detect as little as 1.2 int. units/L and kinetically screens for the hook effect. Kinetic rate analysis of the two-site IRMA and potentially of nonisotopic counterparts permits improvements in the speed and reliability of these immunoassays.

Autoanalysis

Lymphocyte cytotoxicity in x-irradiation-induced rat small bowel adenocarcinoma. III. Blocking by 3 M KCL extract.

Hypertonic salt extracts (3 M KCl) of x-irradiation-induced Holtzman rat small bowel adenocarcinomas blocked the in vitro destruction of allogeneic cultured cells of this malignancy by sensitized lymphoid cells obtained from tumor-bearing animals. The protective effect were mediated by a blocking action at both the effector and the target cell level. The extracts were separated into 50% ammonium sulfate soluble and insoluble fractions with the soluble fraction being more effective in blocking the cytotoxic responses through interaction with the lymphoid cells whereas the insoluble one had a greater effect upon tumor target cells. Associated with both fractions was the oncofetal glycoprotein previously identified with the cellular membrane of this x-ray-induced malignancy. Immunoglobulins were identified with insoluble fraction; some were able to bind the oncofetal protein, thus clasifying it as a fetal antigen. The protective effects of the soluble fraction and this neoantigen were found to be citric acid labile, whereas the effects due to the insoluble fraction were unchanged.

Adenocarcinoma

Identification and characterization of a circulating tumor-associated oncofetal protein from a radiation-induced adenocarcinoma of the rat small bowel.

A tumor-associated protein from the cellular membranes of a radiation-induced rat small bowel adenocarcinoma was identified, found to be serologically unaltered in the circulatory system, and was observed to be susceptible to acid hydrolysis. The immunochemical reactivity was unchanged by heat, alkali, or neuraminidase digestion. The protein appeared to be a single immunologically active species, but it was structurally composed of a heterogeneous group of proteins.

Adenocarcinoma

Endophthalmitis following intraocular lens implantation: report of 30 cases and review of the literature.

Bacterial endophthalmitis is a postoperative complication of intraocular lens implantation. A review of 30 cases showed that 77% occurred within seven days of initial cataract surgery and that all cases occurred within 32 days. Common presenting symptoms and signs included pain localized to the involved eye, decreased visual acuity, conjunctival injection, anterior chamber inflammation, hypopyon, and absent or poor red reflex. Diagnosis of an infectious etiology was made by aqueous and vitreous sampling for gram stain and culture. The commonest bacterial agents were coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus, but a wide variety of gram-negative and -positive organisms were also isolated. On the basis of this series and review of the literature, optimal treatment includes prompt diagnosis by culture and gram stain of vitreous fluid, frequent application of topical antibiotics, and administration of intraocular antibiotics. Intravenous antibiotics and vitrectomy may improve the visual outcome. Removal of the intraocular lens is unnecessary for bacteriologic cure and is not associated with improved visual outcome.

Aged

Tibial stress reaction in runners. Correlation of clinical symptoms and scintigraphy with a new magnetic resonance imaging grading system.

Medial tibial pain in runners has traditionally been diagnosed as either a shin splint syndrome or as a stress fracture. Our work using magnetic resonance imaging suggests that a progression of injury can be identified, starting with periosteal edema, then progressive marrow involvement, and ultimately frank cortical stress fracture. Fourteen runners, with a total of 18 symptomatic legs, were evaluated and, within 10 days, referred for radiographs, a technetium bone scan, and a magnetic resonance imaging scan. In 14 of the 18 symptomatic legs, magnetic resonance imaging findings correlated with an established technetium bone scan grading system and more precisely defined the anatomic location and extent of injury. We identified clinical symptoms, such as pain with daily ambulation and physical examination findings, including localized tibial tenderness and pain with direct or indirect percussion, that correlated with more severe tibial stress injuries. When clinically warranted, we recommend magnetic resonance imaging over bone scan for grading of tibial stress lesions in runners. Magnetic resonance imaging is more accurate in correlating the degree of bone involvement with clinical symptoms, allowing for more accurate recommendations for rehabilitation and return to impact activity. Additional advantages of magnetic resonance imaging include lack of exposure to ionizing radiation and significantly less imaging time than three-phase bone scintigraphy.

Adolescent