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Biomedical subjects

B Gardner

Publications and source records attributed to B Gardner.

172 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Epitope specificities and quantitative and serologic aspects of monoclonal complement (C3c and C3d) antibodies.

Twenty-two monoclonal antibodies to human C3c and ten to C3d were obtained by hybridization after the immunization of mice with complement-coated human red cells and/or purified human complement components. C3c antibodies were variable in their agglutination reactions with cells coated with C3 by antibody in vitro; more consistent and potent reactions with these cells were observed with anti-C3d, and all anti-C3d reacted with red cells coated with C3 in vivo. Immunoradiometric assays were used to estimate antibody concentration, affinity, and epitope specificity. The antibody content in ascitic fluids varied from less than 0.1 mg per ml to 5.6 mg per ml. The estimated values of antibody affinities for Sepharose-coupled C3 ranged from 2.8 X 10(6) l per M to 5.0 X 10(8) l per M; on average, IgM antibodies had higher affinities than IgG antibodies. Competitive binding assays showed that the monoclonal antibodies recognized at least seven different epitopes, four on the C3c and three on the C3d fragment of C3. When the results of serologic and quantitative assays were compared, no convincing relationship was found between serologic performance and epitope specificity, antibody concentration, or affinity. IgM antibodies generally gave higher agglutination scores than IgG antibodies, and Ig class was the only useful predictor of serologic efficacy.

Animals↗

Evaluation of common breast problems: guidance for primary care providers.

The evaluation of common breast problems requires an assessment of the patient's risks and symptoms and a thorough physical examination. When indicated, appropriate imaging studies should be done, the patient should be referred to a surgeon or a breast specialist, and operative interventions should be used.

Adult↗

First episode of psychosis - an audit of service engagement and management at 1-2 year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to develop and implement local audit standards for management and service engagement in the follow-up of patients suffering from a 'first episode of psychosis'. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Audit standards, developed following a literature review and consultation with colleagues, were incorporated into a questionnaire for distribution to the community keyworkers of a 'first episode of psychosis' cohort at 1-2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Most satisfied standards for engagement (91%) and maintenance medication (91%). Forty-two to sixty-three per cent had received psychological, family and educational interventions but these often lacked theoretical basis and detailed content. Admission, deliberate self-harm and forensic contacts were infrequent. Less than half had any structured daytime activity. Priorities identified for improving services for this group include adequate staff training in psychosocial interventions and more active planning and resourcing of day care and other constructive daytime activities. CONCLUSIONS: Simple locally-developed audit standards such as those described for a 'first episode of psychosis' population can offer a useful way of assessing service delivery and highlighting areas for development.

Cohort Studies↗