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Biomedical subjects

S K Wood

Publications and source records attributed to S K Wood.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

Binucleated and multinucleated forms of plasma cells in synovia from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

A morphological examination of synovial tissue from 25 patients with rheumatoid arthritis revealed that binucleated or multinucleated plasma cells were present in all samples and absent in synovia obtained from 16 control patients. Plasma cells containing two, three of four nuclei constitute a mean 3% of the total plasma cell population. They were always found amongst plasma cell infiltrates and in close association with small blood vessels. Ultrastructural analysis found no evidence of cellular membranes separating the individual nuclei in binucleated or multinucleated plasma cells, suggesting that the cells did not arise from fusion. Some of these plasma cells had a diameter approaching 100 microns, and many were in intimate contact with macrophages. The demonstration of a few cells with mitotic figures within the infiltrates suggests that the maintenance of plasma cell numbers in rheumatoid synovium may depend, in part, upon their local proliferation.

Aged↗

The distribution and abnormal morphology of plasma cells in rheumatoid synovium.

This study assessed the distribution and structural features of plasma cells in rheumatoid synovial tissue. Plasma cells were found to be the predominant infiltrating mononuclear cells (mean 40%) in relation to lymphocytes and monocytes, and there was a direct relationship between their number in the infiltrates and the total number of mononuclear leucocytes (P = 0.007). Plasma cells were also seen in intimate contact with macrophages intermixed with synovial lining cells, and closely associated with small blood vessels. They often surrounded these blood vessels and sometimes were seen lying within the vessel walls themselves. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that many synovial plasma cells were considerably larger than plasma cells of a normal size and possessed a marked distension of the cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, plasma cells in close proximity to blood vessels often appeared to be undergoing migration. These observations imply that in rheumatoid synovium, plasma cells are metabolically very active and occupy a pivotal position for the secretion of antibodies into both the vascular and the extravascular compartments.

Aged↗

Childhood intussusception: US-guided hydrostatic reduction.

Over a 30-month period, real-time ultrasound (US) was performed in 116 children with suspected intussusception. US findings were positive in all 75 cases of intussusception. Except in one case of transient small-bowel intussusception, the authors immediately attempted US-guided hydrostatic reduction in all cases. Reduction was successful in 63 cases (85%), as demonstrated with US and resolution of signs and symptoms of intussusception. Negative sonograms were confirmed with clinical follow-up. Among 11 failed cases, reduction with barium enema was attempted in six, but all attempts failed. No complications have occurred to date. The authors conclude that US is a reliable diagnostic screening modality in cases of suspected intussusception and that US-guided hydrostatic reduction is a promising technique in nonoperative treatment.

Child↗

Reversible cortical blindness as a complication of rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine.

A case is presented in which a patient with rheumatoid damage to the cervical spine causing cervical cord and vertebral artery compression sustained transient cortical blindness with a partial left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed anterior subluxation of middle cervical vertebrae, separation of the odontoid peg with resultant atlantoaxial subluxation, and proliferative pannus formation. The patient was almost symptom-free after transoral decompression and posterior cervical fusion.

Aortography↗

Ectrodactyly in sisters and half sisters.

An extended family is described in which four sisters and half sisters presented with ectrodactyly. Two of the sisters had associated agenesis of the tibiae. The paper describes the malformations and discusses the management and possible genetic inheritance involved. An autosomal recessive gene seems likely to be the mode of inheritance.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Lower limb injuries in motorcycle accidents.

A four month study was conducted at Southampton General Hospital of the injuries sustained by motorcycle riders, 104 of whom (60%) returned a postal questionnaire about the accident, rider and motorcycle. The study confirmed that injuries to the lower limbs are a major cause of morbidity and the long time spent in hospital. Further investigation identified specially vulnerable areas. In particular, for 'severe' lower limb injuries, the 'shin' region was identified as the most vulnerable area, and the force producing the injury was generally applied to the other side of the other side of the limb by another vehicle. 'Crash bars' were found to be ineffective in reducing either the incidence or severity of lower limb injury.

Accidents, Traffic↗