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Biomedical subjects

S E Martin

Publications and source records attributed to S E Martin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A review of the fine-needle aspiration cytology findings in human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are subject to infections and neoplasms, which frequently result in palpable or radiologically identified masses. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) offers a rapid, simple, and cost effective approach for diagnosis of these masses. During a 2-yr period, 396 aspirates were performed on 362 HIV-infected patients within the LAC-USC Medical Center. Adequate material was obtained from 84% of the FNA, allowing the etiology of the mass to be determined in 90% of the cases by means of a combination of cytologic, microbiologic, and immunocytochemical procedures. Significant pathologic processes identified in these patients by means of FNA included reactive lymphoid proliferations (35%), abnormal lymphoid proliferations (12%), infections (12.5%), cystic (5.5%) and inflammatory processes (5%), nonlymphoid malignancies (4%), and salivary gland pathology (1%). We conclude that FNA is an appropriate initial diagnostic procedure in HIV positive patients presenting with mass lesions.

Biopsy, Needle

Comparison of single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging with thallium-201 and technetium-99m sestamibi in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to compare single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) myocardial images of technetium-99m (Tc-99m) sestamibi and thallium-201 (Tl-201) isotopes in the same dog undergoing partial coronary occlusion during pharmacologic vasodilation. BACKGROUND: To date, no controlled study has been reported comparing SPECT Tc-99m sestamibi with SPECT Tl-201 imaging during stress with anatomic and physiologic standards. METHODS: Mongrel dogs were anesthetized with chloralose and instrumented to record left anterior descending coronary blood flow and aortic pressure. Partial coronary occlusion with a hydraulic cuff reduced coronary vascular conductance, which is equal to the coronary blood flow normalized to aortic pressure during peak vasodilation with intravenous adenosine. Each dog received 5 mCi of Tl-201, then 30 mCi of Tc-99m sestamibi during partial coronary occlusion at peak vasodilation. Tomographic myocardial imaging was performed in a 180 degrees anterior arc scan for 33.5 min, first with Tl-201, and later, without moving the dog, for 33.5 min with Tc-99m sestamibi. Postmortem staining defined the region underperfused because of its dependence on the artery that was partially occluded. RESULTS: In seven dogs with moderate reduction in coronary blood flow, coronary vascular conductance decreased with partial coronary occlusion (47 +/- 12%) during Tl-201 imaging and (47 +/- 8%, p = NS) during Tc-99m sestamibi imaging. The underperfused region was 23.9 +/- 6.4% of total left ventricular mass. Counts in the defects were 39% higher (0.86 +/- 0.08 of normal counts) for Tc-99m sestamibi than for Tl-201 (0.64 +/- 0.09 of normal counts, p < 0.001), and the defect on SPECT Tc-99m sestamibi images occupied only a fraction (0.37 +/- 0.30) of the area of the defect on the Tl-201 images of the same dog. Bull's-eye displays constructed from the pathologic slices showed that the Tl-201 defect size was closer to the underperfused region of the left ventricular mass determined pathologically than was the Tc-99m sestamibi defect size. In four additional dogs a severe, near total coronary occlusion was created during Tl-201 and Tc-99m sestamibi administration. In these dogs, similar defect contrast (0.55 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.62 +/- 0.09, p = NS) and areas (0.18 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.18 +/- 0.11, p = NS) were observed with Tl-201 and Tc-99m sestamibi, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Tomographic myocardial imaging with Tc-99m sestamibi during moderately severe partial coronary occlusion underestimated the area of the defect relative to Tl-201 or to the pathologic reference standard in dogs. Defect contrast was sharper with tomographic myocardial Tl-201 than with tomographic myocardial Tc-99m sestamibi during moderately severe partial coronary occlusion.

Adenosine

Neuropeptide Y and coronary vasoconstriction: role of thromboxane A2.

We previously reported that coronary constriction following neuropeptide Y (NPY) was alleviated by cyclooxygenase blockade. To determine the role of thromboxane A2 (TxA2), anesthetized dogs received two paired doses of NPY given 2 h apart. Nine control dogs received NPY alone. Nine test dogs received one of three TxA2 receptor antagonists given between the doses of NPY. Also, five dogs received NPY during which prostaglandins were measured. In controls, NPY decreased coronary blood flow and increased aortic pressure; coronary resistance was increased significantly. Heart rate fell, and myocardial oxygen consumption was unchanged. Thromboxane receptor blockers significantly relieved the coronary constrictor effect of NPY. The reduction in coronary blood flow was blunted, while heart rate, first derivative of left ventricular pressure, and myocardial oxygen consumption were unchanged. Alleviation by TxA2 receptor blockade paralleled that reported for cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Also, significant increases in coronary venous TxA2 were seen at the time of maximal increases in coronary resistance, while prostacyclin was unchanged. In summary, TxA2 appears to mediate part of the coronary constrictor effect of NPY.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5

Diagnosis of pulmonary blastoma by fine-needle aspiration biopsy: cytologic and immunocytochemical findings.

A preoperative diagnosis of pulmonary blastoma was established by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in a patient who presented with a pulmonary mass discovered incidentally on chest x-ray. At the time of computed tomography-guided FNA, an on-site preliminary diagnosis of poorly differentiated carcinoma was made after examination of a rapid hematoxylineosin (H&E)-stained smear. Malignant epithelial and stromal elements could be demonstrated on smears subsequently stained with the H&E, Papanicolaou, and Diff-Quik methods. The cell block preparation showed a distinctly biphasic malignant tumor with classic morphologic features of pulmonary blastoma. We present the clinical, cytologic, immunocytochemical, and histologic findings of this case and re-emphasize the valuable contribution of adequate cell block preparations to accurate diagnosis of fine-needle aspiration material.

Actins

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of malignant melanoma: a cytologic and immunocytochemical analysis.

The immunoreactivity of alcohol-fixed cell blocks from 15 fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens of malignant melanoma was investigated using monoclonal antibodies to keratin and vimentin intermediate filaments, melanoma cytoplasmic antigen (HMB-45), and S-100, as well as polyclonal antibodies to S-100. The results were compared with the immunoprofiles obtained using formalin-fixed surgical specimens from 10 of the same patients. In all cases, immunostaining for keratin was negative and immunostaining for vimentin was positive. Immunostaining for HMB-45 was positive in 13/15 aspirates and in 9/10 surgical specimens. Immunostaining for S-100 protein showed the greatest variability in staining, with 5/15 fine needle aspiration biopsies and 9/10 surgical specimens being positive using the polyclonal antibody and only 1/15 FNA specimens and 7/10 surgical specimens being positive using the monoclonal S-100 reagent. Our findings indicate that immunocytochemical studies can be very useful as an adjunct in the FNA diagnosis of melanoma. Also included in our series is an unusual variant of malignant melanoma, the so-called signet ring melanoma. Given the location of the anal verge, the use of immunocytochemical markers was essential in establishing the correct diagnosis in this case. While S-100 protein is of limited value as a marker of melanoma in alcohol-fixed FNA specimens, a definitive diagnosis of malignant melanoma can be made using a panel of antibodies including keratin, vimentin, and HMB-45.

Adult

Cocaine-associated thrombocytopenia.

In this retrospective report, four male intravenous cocaine users are described with thrombocytopenia temporally related to the use of the drug. Mucosal bleeding and megakaryocytic hyperplasia occurred in all patients. The cocaine-thrombocytopenia relationship was especially apparent in one individual who developed thrombocytopenia on two separate occasions after intravenous cocaine use. Three patients were treated successfully with high doses of intravenous gamma globulin and steroids, while one patient required splenectomy. Along with the widespread use of cocaine in our society has come the recognition of a number of adverse effects of the drug. Thrombocytopenia may be added to a list that includes myocardial infarction and central nervous system complications.

Adult

Coronary vasoconstriction induced by vasopressin. Production of myocardial ischemia in dogs by constriction of nondiseased small vessels.

BACKGROUND: We studied the effect of intracoronary administration of arginine-8-vasopressin on blood flow in nondiseased coronary arteries and determined whether this vasoconstriction was severe enough to produce ischemia in 30 dogs. METHODS AND RESULTS: In group 1 (n = 6), after vasopressin administration coronary blood flow was decreased by 41% (p less than 0.002) without changes in heart rate or aortic pressure, and left ventricular ejection fraction measured by radionuclide angiocardiography was decreased by 18% (p less than 0.0005). In group 2 (n = 6), ischemia was confirmed by measurement of transmural pH changes. Administration of vasopressin decreased subendocardial pH of the infused zone from 7.40 +/- 0.03 to 7.31 +/- 0.07 (p less than 0.01). The subendocardial pH of the zone not infused with vasopressin did not change. To overcome the intrinsic regulation of blood flow, operating primarily in small coronary arteries, we hypothesized that vasopressin must increase resistance primarily in large rather than small coronary arteries. After intracoronary infusion in group 3 (n = 6), however, most (94%) of the increase in resistance during vasopressin administration was explained by an increase of resistance in small coronary arteries. In group 4 (n = 9), vasopressin decreased coronary blood flow by 50% and decreased local shortening by 90% at a time when systemic hemodynamics were unchanged. Coronary constriction induced by vasopressin, or the recovery from it, also was not altered by cyclooxygenase blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, vasopressin produces myocardial ischemia by constricting small, nondiseased coronary arteries severely enough to overcome the competition from normal coronary regulation, and this ischemic event is not mediated by prostaglandin products.

Animals

Retrospective evaluation of patient-controlled analgesia use in a large teaching institution.

Because of a significant increase in the number of patients receiving patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) therapy at our institution, we conducted a review of PCA use. Our objectives were to determine if a PCA recording document (monitoring form) could be used to identify potential problems associated with PCA therapy and to identify measures that could be taken to improve analgesic therapy with this method of administration. The PCA recording document for each patient was reviewed retrospectively to identify patients suspected of having problems with the therapy. Three criteria addressing duration of therapy, change in prescribed narcotic, and respiratory rate were used to evaluate PCA therapy. The standard was set at 100 percent. Complete patient records were reviewed for those patients not meeting the standard to determine whether problems actually existed. PCA recording documents were reviewed for 518 patients. Sixty-one patients did not meet the standard. Of these 61 patients, 41 (67.2 percent) were found to have problems with PCA therapy. Suspected adverse reactions occurred in 27 of these 41 patients and 14 experienced inadequate pain control. Nausea and vomiting were the most prevalent adverse reactions. Our results indicate that PCA therapy is discontinued in many patients because of inadequate pain relief and suspected narcotic-induced nausea and vomiting. To improve analgesic therapy, clinicians should be reeducated regarding ways to optimize analgesic therapy, and a prospective PCA monitoring service should be considered.

Aged

Co-expression of four intermediate filament subclasses in childhood glial neoplasms.

Immunohistochemical analysis of intermediate filament (IF) proteins was performed on frozen sections of 16 childhood glial tumors using a library of 10 antigen-specific IF protein directed monoclonal antibodies (MoABs) and a four-step biotin-streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase conjugated antigen detection immunocytochemical technique. Human glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin were expressed in all brain tumors. High molecular weight (200 kDa) neurofilament (NF-H) protein was expressed in 15 out of 16 tumors; medium molecular weight (160 kDa) neurofilament (NF-M) in seven out of 16 tumors; and low molecular weight (68 kDa) neurofilament (NF-L) in five out of 16. Positive acidic keratin reactivity was found in five out of 16 tumors using MoAB AE1. Expression of a keratin pair was detected with MoAB AE2 in five out of 16 tumors. A second keratin pair in 14 out of 16 glial tumors was demonstrated with MoAB AE3. Immunostaining with AE5 defined the expression of another basic keratin (64 kDa) in nine out of 16 glial tumors. Finally, in 14 out of 16 astrocytomas an individual 51 kDa acidic keratin (detected with MoAB AE8) was expressed. Glial tumor cells contain cell lineage specific and nonspecific IF proteins in the following IF pattern: AE3+, AE8+, GFAP+, vimentin+, and NF-H+. The heterogenous composition of these cytoskeletal IF proteins in childhood glial tumors may reflect a direct stage dependent correlation with their neoplastic transformation.

Adolescent

Heat inactivation of catalase from Staphylococcus aureus MF-31.

The effects of heat on catalase from Staphylococcus aureus lysates were examined. Catalase activity increased with increasing concentrations of potassium phosphate buffer, when heated at temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees C for 10 min. Inactivation of catalase by NaCl during heating was demonstrated. Extended heating of S. aureus cells at 52 degrees C resulted in a slight decrease in catalase activity of the resultant lysates. This decrease was more pronounced in the presence of salt. Heating at 62 degrees C caused a decrease in catalase activity, but not complete inactivation. These results implicate the combined effects of heat, and NaCl in the inactivation of catalase from S. aureus. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that H2O2 may accumulate as a result of decreased catalase activity and be responsible for the decreased colony-forming ability of stressed S. aureus.

Buffers

Catalase activity during the recovery of heat-stressed Staphylococcus aureus MF-31.

Sublethal heating of Staphylococcus aureus produced little loss of catalase activity, but incubation of the injured cells in tryptic soy broth, with or without 10% NaCl added, produced an 85% decrease in catalase activity. Cells recovered in tryptic soy broth demonstrated increases in catalase levels after approximately 5 h, whereas in tryptic soy broth with 10% NaCl the levels remained low for at least 12 h. Thus, the loss of catalase activity during the recovery period was greater than during the heat treatment.

Catalase

Detection of circulating crosslinked fibrin derivatives by a heat extraction-SDS gradient gel electrophoretic technique.

A technique has been developed to identify and quantitate unique plasmic degradation products of crosslinked fibrin in plasma. In this method, fibrin derivatives are extracted by heat precipitation and dissolved with disulfide bond reduction, after which the crosslinked gamma-gamma chain remnants are identified by SDS-polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis and quantitated by densitometric analysis. A heterogenous group of gamma-gamma chains with molecular weights between 100,000 and 76,000 daltons was identified in lysates of crosslinked fibrin during plasmic degradation in vitro. Three stages of crosslinked fibrin degradation have been arbitrarily defined based primarily on the extent of degradation of these gamma-gamma polypeptide chains. As little as 20 microgram of crosslinked fibrin digests added to 1 ml of normal plasma could be detected by the heat-extraction--gel-electrophoresis technique, identifying the gamma-gamma derivatives with molecular weights of 96,000, 86,000, 82,000, and 76,000 daltons. Plasmic derivatives of gamma-gamma chains were not found in normal plasma, but they were identified in the plasma of patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation and deep-vein thrombosis, both before and in increased quantity during successful thrombolytic therapy.

Autoradiography

Responses of human platelets to immunologic stimuli: independent roles for complement and IgG in zymosan activation.

Analysis of the zymosan (Z)-induced human platelet response with washed platelets, fresh agammaglobulinemic plasma, and purified human IgG has identified a previously unrecognized role of IgG in this reaction, in addition to the previously reported requirements for C and fibrinogen. The rate-limiting step involves the assembly of C components on the Z particles and is independent of immunoglobulin. After the heat-labile components (supplied by agammaglobulinemic plasma) are Z bound, Z-specific IgG (apparently antibody) can bind to Z very rapidly, conferring on the previously inactive Z-complement-fibrinogen intermediate the capacity to induce platelet aggregation and serotonin release. The critical function of this Z-bound IgG appears to be in the interaction of the active Z complex with the platelet through Fc receptors, since soluble Fc fragments of each IgG subclass can totally block platelet activation. It is proposed that the human platelet requires a dual, or multi-site, stimulation to become activated during some forms of immunologic injury. These findings may provide some insight into clinical syndromes involving thrombocytopenia and intravascular coagulation during sepsis.

Agammaglobulinemia

Catalase and enumeration of stressed Staphylococcus aureus cells.

The effects of catalase on the enumeration of stressed (heated, reduced water activity, or freeze-dried) Staphylococcus aureus cells on several selective media were examined. The addition of catalase greatly increased the enumeration of stressed cells. The beneficial effects of catalase were most pronounced on those media least efficient in enumeration of stressed staphylococci, showing increases in enumeration of up to 1,100-fold. The effects of catalase appear to be due to the reduced ability of stressed cells to repair and form colonies in the absence of an exogenous decomposer of H2O2. Thermally stressed cells were more sensitive to H2O2 than unstressed cells. During recovery, stressed cells overcame the requirement for catalase. These findings implicate H2O2 as a factor in the failure of certain selective media to adequately enumerate stressed cells and demonstrate that the addition of catalase to these media markedly increases their productivity.

Catalase

Beneficial effects of catalase or pyruvate in a most-probable-number technique for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus.

The effects of the addition of catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) or pyruvate on the enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus in Trypticase soy broth with 10% NaCl were examined using a most-probable-number technique. Addition of catalase or pyruvate to the broth increased enumeration of all heat-stressed S. aureus strains tested. Increases were also observed with nonstressed cells. Catalase and pyruvate were similarly effective when added to Trypticase soy broth-10% NaCl in enumerating staphylococci naturally present in low-temperature-rendered ground-beef samples.

Bacteriological Techniques