Biomedical subjects

W A Ward

Publications and source records attributed to W A Ward.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

Standardized extracts.

Until recently, physicians practicing allergy have not had the benefit of using allergenic extracts with potencies expressed in uniform, meaningful units. Technologic advances have provided accurate and reproducible methods for qualitative and quantitative analyses of these products, and assignment of meaningful units can be accomplished by using a threefold serial dilution titration skin test and appropriate in vitro methods. Although the perfect method for standardization of allergenic extracts has not yet been developed and some confusion has been created in the process, significant improvement in the quality of allergenic extracts has resulted. Collaborative efforts of regulatory agencies, manufacturers, specialty organizations, and clinicians should continue to produce standardized extracts that offer significant advantages to physicians practicing allergy.

Allergens↗

PubMed1991

Per Primam thumb replantation for all patients with traumatic amputations.

Forty-two complete thumb replantations performed between 1980 and 1984 were reviewed. The mean follow-up time was 14 months. Replantation was attempted for all thumb amputations regardless of mechanism or severity of injury. Sixteen (38%) failed intraoperatively or postoperatively. Thumbs with narrow zones of injury showed a significantly higher survival rate than those with wide zones of injury. Eighty percent of those with poor arterial flow intraoperatively ultimately failed, despite pharmacologic treatment and multiple vein-graft anastomoses. Two thumbs with no vein repairs ultimately survived. Reexploration for loss of perfusion succeeded in 60% of cases. Total metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal active motion postoperatively averaged 68 degrees. Median static two-point discrimination returned to 11 mm. Avulsed thumbs survived in 46% of cases. Replantation should be attempted in all cases of thumb amputation, as success cannot be predicted by mechanism or severity of injury. Thumbs with poor intraoperative flow (20%) or no venous return (50%) can survive and should not be primarily amputated. Vein grafting is not mandatory if shortening allows anastomoses to be tension free. Prompt reexploration of acute vascular occlusions is worthwhile.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Distribution and incidence of North American pollen aeroallergens.

Using standardized aerosampling procedures, ambient pollen samples were collected at 15 locations in six regions of North America. The results provide baselines for examining human exposure to inhalant pollen allergens throughout the year on a broad geographic scale. In eastern temperate areas, pollen shed was closely linked to plant flowering seasons, with trees releasing pollen in the spring, grasses in the early summer, and weeds in the later summer and fall. Variations to this fundamental pattern were observed to the south and west; understanding these differences is essential if atopic persons suffering from allergic symptoms are to be assisted. For example, highly diverse tree pollen was found in North Carolina and Georgia for prolonged periods at high levels. These data suggest that a more sensitized population in the southeastern United States manifests allergic symptoms longer. Further south and southwest, pollen was captured throughout the year and sometimes at unexpected times. For instance, bimodal releases of grass pollen in both the spring and fall allow dual exposures of atopic persons, extending possible hypersensitivity to multiple seasons. Enhancing pollen exposure further, our data show limited overall variation in morning and afternoon levels, implying a continuous absorption of all major pollen types during daylight hours.

Air Pollution↗