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Biomedical subjects

R Freeman

Publications and source records attributed to R Freeman.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources

The relationship between long-distance running, plasma progesterone, and luteal phase length.

The chronic effects of long-distance running upon the menstrual cycle were studied in a healthy, ovulatory 30-year-old woman. Luteal phase plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, 17beta-estradiol, and progesterone were compared during a control and a training cycle. The luteal phase was shorter in cycles of greater mileage. Mid-luteal phase plasma progesterone concentrations were significantly lower during training.

Adult↗

Pituitary response to bolus and continuous intravenous infusion of luteinizing hormone-releasing factor in normal women and women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured in response to luteinizing hormone-releasing factor (LRF), given as a 100 microgram intravenous bolus and/or as a 4 hour infusion of 0.2 microgram per minute to 27 normal menstruating women and 15 women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In PCOS, LH response to bolus LRF was significantly greater than those of normal women at days 1 to 4 and 8 to 10 of the cycle, whereas FSH responses were similar in all women studied. Continuous LRF infusion resulted in a biphasic LH release pattern. In normal women, the early phase was low until days 12 to 14 of the normal cycle, whereas the second phase rose progressively from the early follicular to the periovulatory period. In PCOS, the early phase was relatively large and qualitatively resembled the normal periovulatory pattern. The increased pituitary LH response to LRF in PCOS is associated with a relatively large early releasable LH pool and a low FSH response.

Adolescent↗

Acute pancreatitis and serological evidence of infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Paired acute and convalescent serum samples from 27 consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis were examined for evidence of infection with several viral agents. Evidence of infection with Coxsackie viruses group B was found in three patients, and of infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae in nine patients (33%). This latter finding confirms recent reports from Scandinavia linking pancreatitis and serological evidence of infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The possibility that a true association exists between the two conditions is considered, together with alternative explanations, and further work is envisaged to elucidate these findings.

Acute Disease↗

Routine use of counter-immunoelectrophoresis test for detecting antibody to hepatitis B virus core antigen.

Tests by counter-immunoelectrophoresis for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were introduced into a routine testing programme for evidence of hepatitis B virus infection. Samples tested for anti-HBc were selected on the basis of the results of tests for HBsAg and clinical details. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were assessed and correlations made with the presence of HBsAg. The presence of anti-HBc was very useful in the interpretation of a doubtful positive result for HBsAg in the haemagglutination test. With very few exceptions the serum samples positive for HBsAg by routine tests also contained anti-HBc. It is concluded that the test is valuable and merits introduction into routine testing programmes.

Antibodies, Viral↗

A canine cutaneous lymphoproliferative disease resembling mycosis fungoides in man.

A dog with a lymphoproliferative disease resembling mycosis fungoides in man, the second reported canine case, had slowly progressive, multicentric cutaneous nodules and plaques. Nearly half the body surface was involved. The lesions consisted of multiple, flat, infiltrative, cutaneous tumors composed of heterogeneous, pleomorphic cells, some of which resembled histiocytes or activated lymphocytes. Intracutaneous foci of tumor cells and numerous tumor cells with bizarre convoluted nuclei were distinctive features that permitted the lesions to be distinguished from other non-epithelial cutaneous neoplasms.

Animals↗

High elevations of creatine phosphokinase in hypothyroidism. An isoenzyme analysis.

In hypothyroidism, slight elevations of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels are common. In contrast, we describe six hypothyroid patients with extreme elevations (17- to 160-fold) of CPK levels. Enzyme analysis showed only MM isoenzyme in four cases and MM plus trace MB isoenzyme in two patients. Hypothyroidism should, therefore, be considered when elevated CPK levels, even extreme, are found. Isoenzyme analysis in such a case will show primarily an MM pattern, although trace MB fraction can also be seen. This isoenzyme pattern suggests that the sources of the CPK elevations is skeletal muscle.

Adult↗

Superficial sepsis: the antibiotic of choice for blind treatment.

When all cases of superficial sepsis were considered together Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently encountered organism. Various anatomical sites were considered separately and it was found that the axilla and breast were particularly prone to infection by Staph. aureus. The incidence of infection by coliform bacili in Bartholin's and anorectal abscesses was significantly higher than in abscesses elsewhere. The importance of these observations in relation to antibiotic therapy is discussed.

Abscess↗

The Clarke SHQ: a clinical sex history questionnaire for males.

The development of a 225-item sexual history questionnaire is reported. The frequency, desire for, and disgust for a wide range of sexual behaviors, including anomalous behavior, were examined. Twenty-four scales were derived from factor analysis of the items. The scales were represented by modest unitary factors but were relatively free of bias from age, education, intelligence, social desirability, and defensiveness. The scales generally discriminated clinically relevant groups from control subjects and therefore meet a clinical need in the assessment of anomalous sexual behavior. The instrument also appears to be useful in examining hypotheses for research. Among these observations was the continuity between exhibitionism and heterosexual pedophilia and the apparent bisexuality of some homosexual males. The scale allows for the assessment of the preferences of sexually inexperienced males as well.

Attitude↗