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Biomedical subjects

R E McCarthy

Publications and source records attributed to R E McCarthy.

53 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Suppression of cell-mediated immune responses by dextran sulphate.

The effect of high molecular weight dextran sulphate (DS) on cell-mediated immune responses was studied. Two criteria were used to assess cell-mediated responses, skin graft rejection and intra-dermal (i.d.) skin tests. Mice receiving allografts and DS displayed a significant increase in graft survival time compared with untreated control animals. Similar results were obtained when the grafted animals differed at only the H-Y locus. Guinea-pigs sensitized with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and treated with DS showed a greatly reduced delayed skin test response when challenged with purified protein derivative. DS was capable of suppressing this response even though, by the same route, dosage, and time of administration, it was previously shown to enhance a cell-mediated response in guinea-pigs sensitized with a different antigen. The results of this study indicate that the adjuvant DS is capable of suppressing cell-mediated immune responses in mice and guinea-pigs.

Animals↗

Tumoral calcinosis in a child.

Tumoral calcinosis is a rare benign tumor found adjacent to large joints, restricting motion and sometimes eroding through the skin. We report a case of this disease in a 9-month-old treated with surgical excision.

Axilla↗

Discoid lateral meniscus in a young child: case report and review of the literature.

Management of discoid lateral meniscus in a 6-month-old child is discussed. The patient presented with a lateral knee mass and an associated popping sound of the joint during flexion and extension. The diagnosis, which the authors believe to be the youngest presentation of this entity, was confirmed by arthrography. Computed tomographic features and magnetic resonance images of the discoid meniscus are presented. Management and theories of etiology of the discoid lateral meniscus are discussed.

Arthrography↗

Pediatric pelvic ring fractures.

Pelvic fractures are uncommon in children, yet they rank second to those of the skull in terms of complications. Thirty-six pediatric patients who sustained pelvic fractures were retrospectively studied, and a recent follow-up examination was conducted in 29 of the patients. All fractures were classified using Torode and Zieg's system, and the severity of injury was classified using the Modified Injury Severity Score (MISS). Associated injuries occurred in 67% of the patients, with long-term morbidity or mortality in 30%. The high probability of associated injuries must be appreciated, as even minimal bony injury may be associated with life-threatening visceral injuries and morbidity.

Adolescent↗

Segmental spinal dysgenesis: a report of three cases.

Segmental spinal dysgenesis is an uncommon congenital spinal defect characterized by localized segmental agenesis of the upper lumbar or thoracolumbar spine. Bony defects include significant focal canal stenosis, hypoplastic or absent vertebrae, subluxation of the spinal column, and instability. The distal bony architecture is usually normal but may be bifid. There is significant narrowing of the thecal sac and absence of adjacent nerve roots at the level of the lesion. Distal neurologic deficits are variable in severity, the prevalence of neurogenic bladder is high, and associated anomalies are common. Progressive kyphosis is inevitable. The cause is unknown, but an association with maternal diabetes and with various medications and toxins has been noted. Other authors suggested a relation to an aberrant segmental vascular supply. Treatment should be directed at the establishment and maintenance of spinal stability and arrest of the progressive kyphosis. It should consist of early anterior and posterior arthrodesis, with or without anterior decompression of the cord. Accurate visualization of this unusual deformity is difficult with conventional radiographic techniques. Three-dimensional computerized tomographic reconstruction can therefore be invaluable in preoperative planning. We report three cases of segmental spinal dysgenesis, all of which have been uniquely detailed by striking three-dimensional imaging studies.

Female↗