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Biomedical subjects

L Gilbert

Publications and source records attributed to L Gilbert.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

The management of multiple pregnancy in women with a lower-segment caesarean scar. Is a repeat caesarean section really the 'safe' option?

Multiple pregnancy occurring in a patient who has previously had a lower-segment caesarean section is an unusual sequence of events. Retrospective analysis over an 11-year period in Sheffield from 1975 to 1985, revealed 25 cases, a rate of 1 in 3300 deliveries. The caesarean section rate in this group of women rose from 20% (3/15) in the first six years to 70% (7/10) in the latter years for no obvious reason. This change in management did not produce any improvement in fetal outcome but there was an increase in maternal morbidity. This analysis and a review of available literature suggest that multiple pregnancy is not in itself an indication for elective repeat caesarean section.

Cesarean Section↗

Heterogeneity of the zymogen granule membranes in rat pancreas.

Zymogen granules (ZG) of rat pancreas have been isolated by the procedure of Pâquet et al. The granules lysed when exposed to alkaline pH (pH 8.2), and their membranes could be subfractionated by centrifugation on a sucrose gradient. Four discrete types of membranes corresponding to densities of 1.105, 1.085, 1.075, and 1.020 were obtained, designated types A, B, C, and D, respectively and characterized both by morphological and biochemical criteria. Electrophoretic profiles showed that they contain the same protein bands but in different proportions. Type A membranes are comprised of four major bands corresponding to molecular weights of 80, 69, 54, and 20 kDa, being in higher concentration than the others. Types B and C contain three major bands at 80, 54 and 20 kDa whereas type D is comprised of only two major bands at 69 and 54 kDa, the latter polypeptide corresponding to ATP-diphosphohydrolase activity which is present in all four membrane types. Freeze-fracture of rapidly frozen membranes, followed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that type A are large superimposed sheets of membranes with amorphous material between sheets. The surface area of these sheets corresponds grossly to the surface of an intact ZG with a few intramembrane particles (IMP) distributed at random or in small aggregates on large smooth fracture planes. Types B and C exhibit a totally different aspect, forming closed vesicles about the size of a small ZG with few IMP distributed at random or in small aggregates on smooth fracture planes. Type D membranes are very small vesicles with no detectable IMP on relatively smooth fracture planes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Postpartum haemorrhage--a continuing problem.

The factors responsible for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in singleton vaginal deliveries, not complicated by a retained placenta, were identified by comparing labour characteristics in 86 women who had a PPH (blood loss greater than 500 ml) with 351 women whose blood loss at delivery was less than 350 ml. Primiparity, induction of labour by amniotomy/oxytocin, forceps delivery, long first and second stages, oxytocin compared with syntometrine (oxytocin plus ergometrine maleate), as a prophylactic oxytocic, were identified as significant risk factors. Epidural analgesia contributed indirectly to an increase in the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. The changes in labour ward practice over the last 20 years have resulted in the re-emergence of PPH as a significant problem.

Amnion↗

Phosphorus in the British household food supply.

The intake of phosphorus in Britain was calculated for 1975 by applying the values for phosphorus in foods from the 4th edition of McCance and Widdowson's 'The composition of foods' to the average household food purchases recorded in the National Food Survey (NFS). A similar exercise was carried out for 1982, but using many updated values for the phosphorus content of foods. In 1975 the average household intake of phosphorus was 1310 mg per person per day while by 1982 it had declined to 1223 mg per person per day. The calcium: phosphorus ratio was 1 : 1.3 in both years. These intakes are above the US recommendation for adults but well below the maximum tolerable daily intakes for phosphorus.

Diet↗

A decade of nuclear pacing.

In April, 1973, a decade-long study was begun on nuclear-powered pacemakers. The first 15 of these were designed by the Numec Corporation under a contract from the United States Atomic Energy Commission. Altogether 151 units powered by the isotope plutonium 238 were implanted in 131 patients; the pacemakers of 4 different manufacturers were used. The last nuclear pacemaker was implanted in January, 1983. The actuarial survival at 10 years was 92%, meeting the original performance goal of the Commission of 90%. Ninety pulse generators are still in service today; 25 patients have died and 36 pulse generators have been replaced with non-nuclear units. The most common indication for replacement was an inappropriate pacing mode. This high reliability and superior performance suggest that continued use of a radioisotopic power source is justified, particularly if combined with the electronic circuits of today's dual-chambered, multiprogrammable, and multifunctional pacemakers.

Equipment Design↗