Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M Bull.
T-cell receptor alpha-chain cDNA were generated from unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a DR2,3,52a individual using a modified anchor PCR method. Fifty-six cDNA clones were identified representing 47 distinct T-cell receptor clonotypes and 26 VA loci. This analysis identified a new VA gene family VA30, and a new member of the VA6 gene family.
We report on 2 patients with de novo deletions of 2q and chromosome constitutions of 46,XY,del(2)(q32.3q33.3) and 46,XX,del(2) (q21q23.2), respectively. Comparisons of breakpoints of interstitial deletions show frequent correspondence to common fragile sites.
The RNA transcript levels of all human leukocyte antigen class II loci were determined from class II congenital immunodeficient B cells by polymerase chain reaction amplification of cDNA. No mRNA was observed under conditions in which 0.01% normal levels could be visualized. Pre-mRNA could be amplified from normal B cells but not from immunodeficient B cells, indicating a transcription defect.
This paper examines Bryan Turner's view that medicine has replaced religion as the 'social guardian of morality.' It argues that Turner's failure to co-ordinate the theories of secularization and medicalization has prevented this hypothesis from being fully explored. A systematic and synthesized account of both medicalization and secularization is given, and used as the framework for a review of the history of Seventh-day Adventism-a sect that is both a product and an agent of the two processes. In conclusion it is suggested that medicalization may be conductive to sect development, and that secularization and medicalization are compatible models of social change.
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The great majority of pregnant women today receive maternity care shared between their GP and specialist obstetric units in district hospitals. This style of care can be rationalised to utilise to the full the skills of the primary care team and thus relieve pressure on often overcrowded hospital clinics.
A der(1)t(1;7)(p11;p11) was observed in bone marrow chromosome analyses of four patients with myeloproliferative disorders. Three patients had developed secondary leukemias or preleukemias following chemotherapeutic exposure, and one patient was diagnosed with M4 de novo.
The adherence of human blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMNC) to cultured porcine aortic endothelium was enhanced by high concentrations of heat-stable IgG aggregates (HAGG) when sera was omitted from the culture media. With 20% human serum present in the media, HAGG induced a dose-related inhibition of PMNC adhesions with concentrations as low as 10 micrograms/ml producing a significant effect. This inhibitory action of HAGG, which was optimally expressed after 30 min of incubation, seemed to be directed at the PMNC rather than the endothelium. Heat-inactivation of the sera resulted in a marked decline of the inhibitory activity of HAGG. Aggregates of size 15-21 s were demonstrated to be most effective in inhibiting PMNC attachment and it is complexes of this size which are commonly found in the circulation of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. Immune complex modification of PMNC adherence may control leucocyte extravasation during inflammation.
The behavioural symptoms in a 10-year-old boy with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome were effectively ameliorated by the behavior therapy techniques of systematic desensitization and extinction. Therapy was undertaken in a highly controlled environment. The hypothesis that the self-destructive behaviours in this syndrome were voluntary and maintained through continuous reinforcement was confirmed. Characteristic biting and other maladaptive behaviours were extinguished. Over a period of time it was possible to remove all the physical restraints previously used to prevent the boy injuring himself. During treatment his anxiety, associated with phobic reaction to being unrestrained, was reduced by nitrous oxide. At 1 1/2 years follow-up the boy continues to be symptom-free. He attends a special class at school and is learning to walk with crutches. It is emphasied that a trained and experienced therapist and a controlled environment are essential for the success of this form of behaviour therapy, and the dangers inherent in this method of treatment are discussed.
Twenty-four children with cutaneous hemangiomas were treated with corticosteroids. The indications for therapy included interference with important bodily functions by the hemangioma, thrombocytopenia related to the hemangioma, or serious cosmetic effects secondary to the hemangiomas. Five children had no improvement, twelve had possible improvement, five had probable improvement and two had definite improvement while on corticosteroids. One child had growth retardation as a complication of corticosteroids; this was reversed when the medication wa dicsontinued.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.