Biomedical subjects

R Beard

Publications and source records attributed to R Beard.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1990

Chlamydia trachomatis in the fallopian tubes of women without laparoscopic evidence of salpingitis.

23 women with lower abdominal pain and Chlamydia trachomatis in the cervix, urethra, or both sites were studied. Laparoscopy was done with sampling of the endometrium and fallopian tubes for detection of C trachomatis. 11 women had laparoscopic evidence of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID); C trachomatis was detected in the upper genital tract of 8, but not in the upper tract of 5 who had laparoscopy again after treatment. The organism was also found in the upper genital tract of 9 of the 12 women without laparoscopic evidence of PID. Most of the women with abdominal pain or tenderness had tubal or endometrial C trachomatis infection, although only half had laparoscopic evidence of salpingitis. This finding suggests that antibiotic treatment should be given as soon as chlamydial infection is detected in the cervix and that pain does not necessarily point to C trachomatis in the upper genital tract. Laparoscopy may miss important pathogens in the upper genital tract, unless the procedure is complemented with detailed microbiological investigation.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1989

HIV testing in antenatal clinics: the impact on women.

One hundred and fifty-five women attending antenatal clinics in an inner city area where the rate of AIDS reporting is high were interviewed to examine the acceptability of different modes and purposes of antenatal HIV testing. Eighty-two per cent of women felt the test should be available in antenatal clinics, but only 48% reported that they themselves would take the test. Seventy-four per cent would accept anonymous testing. Potential anxiety levels surrounding the HIV test were significantly higher than for other (currently routine) tests in antenatal clinics. The implications of these findings for policy are discussed.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

PubMed1989

Local oral immunization with synthetic peptides induces a dual mucosal IgG and salivary IgA antibody response and prevents colonization of Streptococcus mutans.

A small cell surface antigen of Streptococcus mutans was partially sequenced and the amino terminal peptides of 11, 15 and 20 amino acid residues and a dimer of the 15 and 20 residues peptides were synthesized. The synthetic peptides (SP) were used in topical oral immunization of the gingivomucosal epithelium of macaque monkeys. Sequential examination for antibodies over a period of up to 30 weeks revealed that six applications of the linear or cyclized SP11 and a random SP11 induced negligible or very low antibody levels. In contrast, the SP17 (SP15 with added cysteine at each terminus), SP21 (SP20 with one cysteine) and the dimer (SP35) induced significant anti-SP as well as anti-native streptococcal antibodies in the gingival fluid and in saliva. The functional significance of this immune response was examined by studying its effect on oral colonization of S. mutans following feeding of a carbohydrate-rich diet. Whereas control animals, sham-immunized with a random SP of 11 residues, showed increased colonization of the teeth by S. mutans, there was no colonization or a significant reduction in colonization of animals immunized with the cyclized SP17, linear SP21 or dimerized SP35. These experiments suggest that local immunization with SP derived from the sequences of a streptococcal cell surface antigen induce a dual local immune response of gingival IgG and salivary IgA antibodies against the SP and native SA. These antibodies may be involved in preventing colonization of S. mutans, which is the principal agent in the development of dental caries.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Psychological and somatic factors in women with pain due to pelvic congestion.

Chronic pelvic pain in association with dilated pelvic veins and polycystic ovaries is a common complaint in women in the reproductive years, regardless of whether or not they have been pregnant. These women have a higher incidence of deaths and illnesses amongst family members and close relatives which makes them pay more attention to physical complaints such as pain which may make them more susceptible to environmental "stress" of daily life. A hypothesis is put forward which would link the effects of stress to the somatic changes observed in women with what is here described as the pelvic pain syndrome.

Adult↗

PubMed1988