PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

M Fowler

Publications and source records attributed to M Fowler.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Intracranial astrocytoma in elderly patients.

Because little is known about intracranial astrocytomas occurring in those in the increasing geriatric population, twenty-three persons evaluated at the university affiliated hospitals over a 26-year period are reported. Progressive mental dysfunctions and motor deficits were the most common manifestations of disease. Glioblastoma multiforme was the predominant (87%) histopathologic diagnosis. The overall median period of survival in 21 evaluable individuals was four (range 0 to 15) months. Median survival was longer in patients who were more functional, who had tumors located in the temporal lobes of the brain, and who received more than one treatment modality. The absence of intercurrent disease or being in a younger 'elderly' age group was not associated with an improvement in prognosis. The poor survival of this group as well as the survivals quoted in the literature for those with glioblastoma multiforme demands a new therapeutic approach.

Aged

Chediak-Higashi lymphoblastoid cell lines: granule characteristics and expression of lysosome-associated membrane proteins.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is characterized morphologically by the presence of giant lysosomal granules resulting from the dysregulated fusion of primary lysosomes. Lysosome-associated membrane proteins comprise a family of highly glycosylated proteins which are postulated to facilitate many aspects of normal lysosomal function. In this study, Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from a patient with CHS were analyzed for the presence of giant granules and the expression of the lysosome-associated membrane proteins lamp1 and lamp2. Giant myeloperoxidase positive granules typical of CHS, which had a complex structure when examined by electron microscopy, could be demonstrated in the lymphoblastoid cell lines. In situ immunofluorescence with antibodies directed against lamp1 and lamp2 demonstrated abundant expression of each of these proteins in the giant CHS granules. Lack of expression of lysosomal cathepsin G in these granules was also noted. These observations suggest that the lymphoblastoid cell lines provide a convenient model for the study of Chediak-Higashi granules and the lysosome-associated membrane proteins and provide additional evidence that CHS is a "lysosomal" disease. Further study will be necessary to delineate whether the function of these membrane proteins is altered in Chediak-Higashi syndrome.

Antigens, CD

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome manifesting as prostate nodule secondary to cryptococcal infection.

We report the first case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) presenting as prostate nodularity secondary to mycotic granulomatous prostatitis which mimicked prostatic cancer on digital rectal examination. Transrectal ultrasonography revealed hypoechoic areas in the peripheral zone, which on biopsy specimen were found to represent cryptococcal infection. Subsequent serologic evaluation of the patient confirmed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity and later AIDS developed in the patient.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Central pontine myelinolysis as a manifestation of the paraneoplastic syndrome.

We have described a patient who had lung carcinoma, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, and central pontine myelinolysis (CPM). Although this association is well-known, it appears to be the first report having radiographic documentation of both the intracranial and intrathoracic abnormalities. When searching for the cause of CPM, the possibility of an underlying malignancy should also be considered. This may be more common than the radiology literature would suggest.

Adult

Craniospinal magnetic resonance imaging enhanced with Gd-DTPA in von Hippel-Lindau disease.

The case presented illustrates the utility of enhancement with gadolinium diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and the spinal cord in a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease. The patient had numerous lesions in the brain stem and the cervical and the thoracic spinal cord, most of which were not demonstrated or were only poorly demonstrated with noncontrast MRI. Contrast-enhanced MRI should be performed in two sessions with a separate dose of contrast agent for each. Regular follow-up examinations should be conducted in the same manner.

Adult

Use of carbon fibers in the reconstruction of knee ligaments.

Carbon fibers were used to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament and other knee ligaments in a consecutive series of 26 (mostly acute) patients who had suffered serious occupation-related injuries. After an average follow-up time of 52.4 months (one patient lost, one patient refused follow-up examination), the anterior drawer at 30 degrees was less than 5 mm (side-to-side difference) in 14 patients, 5-10 mm in six patients, and greater than 10 mm in four patients. Of 24 evaluatable patients, 22 returned to work, including 20 patients who work underground. Chronic pain, recurrent effusion, infection, and tender nodes did not occur in the series. Arthroscopic examination of five patients revealed minimal intraarticular debris.

Acute Disease

Tracheoesophageal fistula formation in intubated patients. Risk factors and treatment with high-frequency jet ventilation.

Two ventilator dependent patients developed tracheoesophageal fistulas. Their subsequent treatment using high frequency jet ventilation resulted in transient clinical improvement. Risk factors for the development of tracheoesophageal fistulas in intubated patients are discussed and preventive measures are outlined. High frequency jet ventilation may be useful in managing these patients by preventing death from respiratory failure and allows time for definitive therapy.

Adult

Llama medicine. Conformation and soundness.

Conformational problems tend to be common in llamas and alpacas. Without setting a standard, basic conformation can still be evaluated by comparing with equine conformation, especially in terms of straightness of limbs. Good conformation should evoke a sense of balance in the observer. Conformation faults predispose to unsoundness.

Animals

Llama medicine. Physical examination, restraint and handling.

Llamas are generally docile, easily handled domestic animals. Special chutes have been designed for safe, efficient restraint for examination and diagnostic procedures, most of which are commonly performed on other species. Anatomic differences make some of these procedures unique to the llama.

Animals

Training students with profound or multiple handicaps to make requests via microswitches.

In a series of three experiments, we evaluated the use of microswitches as a means for students with profound, multiple handicaps to demonstrate preferences between toys and to make requests for specific activities. In Experiment 1, 5 students learned to demonstrate toy preferences by using microswitches to activate battery-operated toys. Experiment 2 was conducted to evaluate the students' preferences for social attention. Microswitches were used to activate prerecorded messages that signaled the classroom teacher to attend to the students. In Experiment 3, the students used the switches and prerecorded messages to make specific requests of educational staff in school and community settings. Results of these experiments, evaluated within multiple baseline, alternating treatments, and simultaneous treatments designs, indicated that these students could request specific activities. Results are discussed with respect to the continued use of microswitches and to program development.

Adolescent

Ethical inquiry.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Bioethics

Holocord astrocytoma: a two-staged operative approach.

Biopsy or subtotal resection followed by radiation for intramedullary astrocytomas of the spinal cord offer palliation but not cure. A treatment modality using an ultrasonic suction device has revolutionized the treatment of these tumors and has been extended to include the treatment of intramedullary tumors involving the entire length of the spinal cord (holocord tumors) with evident success. An alternative to this technique, a two-staged microsurgical approach, allows complete excision of the tumor and thus offers a chance for cure. Two patients have been treated in this manner, and more than 3 years after the operations, both patients were still improving neurologically without any evidence of tumor recurrence.

Adult