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Biomedical subjects

C J Watson

Publications and source records attributed to C J Watson.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Computed tomography in abdominal trauma: an audit of usage and image quality.

The use and quality of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma has been assessed by a retrospective review of 122 patients referred in the first 8 years following the installation of CT of the body. The referral patterns were analysed, and the quality of the images was assessed, with particular reference to unsatisfactory (unacceptable or poor) images. Referrals increased over the 8 years following installation. A large proportion of these examinations were performed outside normal working hours (58/122, 48%). In 64 out of 122 (52%) of examinations the images were considered of unsatisfactory quality with inadequate use of intravenous contrast medium cited as the most common cause for unsatisfactory examinations. Image quality did not improve with time. Image quality was unsatisfactory in a larger proportion of those examinations performed outside normal working hours (35/58, 60%) than those during the routine working day (29/64, 45%), although this difference did not reach statistical significance (0.1 greater than p greater than 0.05). Fewer unsatisfactory examinations were produced by a system dedicated to body CT (31/74, 42%) than by a neuroradiological system (33/48, 69%) (p less than 0.01). The proportion of unsatisfactory abdominal examinations was lower when the CT study concentrated on the abdomen (26/65, 40%) than when multiple regions (head, chest, abdomen, etc.) were examined (38/57, 67%) (p less than 0.01). This audit revealed many unsatisfactory examinations. In order to complete the audit loop we have addressed many of the contributory factors. A new CT system now provides images of high quality and is used for all abdominal work. Guidelines, which describe an optimized technique, have been issued to radiographers and radiologists. In particular, we have emphasized that there is no place for a poorly supervised "quick look" at the abdomen following a cranial or thoracic study.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1991

Interaction of DNA-binding proteins with a milk protein gene promoter in vitro: identification of a mammary gland-specific factor.

The minimal 5' regulatory region of the sheep beta-lactoglobulin gene (BLG), as defined in transgenic mice, was used to identify nuclear factors which may be involved in milk protein gene expression in the lactating mammary gland. This 406bp promoter region was dissected into short, overlapping, double-stranded oligonucleotides to facilitate identification of the bound proteins. A variety of sites, for both known and previously undescribed DNA-binding proteins, are occupied in vitro. Some of these factors were investigated in detail. Two forms of nuclear factor I (NFI), which have different recognition site affinities, are present in nuclear extracts from lactating mammary gland and bind to at least 5 sites in this BLG control element. In addition, a factor (milk protein binding factor, MPBF) which is specific to extracts from both mouse and sheep lactating mammary gland binds to 3 BLG promoter sites and may be a milk protein gene transcription factor.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Tongue control of upper complete dentures: a clinical hint.

The role of the tongue in aiding upper denture retention is well recognised by clinicians, but this information is not always related to the patient. This paper describes a simple method of diagnosing the problem and training patients to control their maxillary denture during function, particularly when chewing food.

Denture Retention↗
PubMed1991

Early abdominal complications following heart and heart-lung transplantation.

In the first 11 years of the heart and heart-lung transplantation programme at Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, 356 patients underwent heart transplantation, and 73 patients received both heart and lungs. Out of 429 patients 41 (9.5 per cent) developed abdominal complications within the first 30 days, and 20 of the 41 required surgery. The complications included pancreatitis (10), peptic ulceration (8), and pseudo-obstruction (8), in addition to colonic perforation and small bowel obstruction. When laparotomy was performed it was well tolerated. This paper supports the view that successful management of abdominal complications following transplantation requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Where doubt exists in the presence of an acute abdomen, laparotomy is the appropriate way to establish a definitive diagnosis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1991

Surgical restraint in the management of liver trauma.

Previous experience in Cambridge in the management of liver trauma has led to the evolution of a protocol for surgical intervention to secure control of haemorrhage from the injured liver. We report 80 cases of liver trauma including 12 who were initially managed non-operatively; three of these subsequently required operation. Of the 80, all but five suffered blunt abdominal trauma. Perihepatic packing was used to manage 29 patients, of whom 21 were initially treated elsewhere before being transferred to Cambridge. Six of these required a hemihepatectomy at subsequent exploration. Of the 39 patients who underwent urgent laparotomy and definitive surgery, 11 (28 per cent) died; only three out of 29 (10 per cent) died after initial packing. Only one death from hepatic complications occurred after packing and subsequent transfer.

Hemorrhage↗
PubMed1991

Computer graphics representation of a statistical model used with computer-aided diagnosis.

A description of computer graphics of a multidimensional model that is used with computer-aided diagnosis or prognosis is presented. The model is discussed and computer graphics of the model are developed. The computer graphics are suitable as visual supplements for presenting the computer-aided diagnostic model to individuals who may be inexperienced in multivariate statistics.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Surgical management of the atrophic edentulous ridge--a prosthetic view.

The vast majority of edentulous patients manage to wear complete dentures with relative ease. There are however a small group of patients described as "Denture Cripples" by Hopkins, Stafford and Gregory (1980), for whom the provision of complete dentures using conventional means has proved impossible. Clinical examination usually reveals marked atrophy of the alveolar ridge, the prominence of sharp bony ridges and an atrophic denture bearing mucosa. The patient complains of loose, painful dentures and an inability to masticate a normal diet. The patients can often be helped by correcting errors on their presenting dentures or by minor surgical procedures such as frenectomy or smoothing sharp bony ridges. Other patients present with such extreme ridge atrophy that major surgery may need to be considered. This paper reviews three types of surgery commonly used to help the prosthetist rehabilitate the patient, namely vestibuloplasties, ridge augmentations and implants.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗
PubMed1990

Expression of adenovirus type 2 DNA polymerase in insect cells infected with a recombinant baculovirus.

Sequences encoding adenovirus type 2 DNA polymerase were placed under control of the polyhedrin promoter and inserted into the baculovirus Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus by homologous recombination. Insect cells infected with the recombinant virus produced substantial amounts of the adenovirus type 2 DNA polymerase protein which was functional in both DNA polymerase and replication initiation reactions. Thus, the baculovirus expression system can provide active adenovirus type 2 DNA polymerase that is produced in quantities suitable for biochemical and structural analysis.

Adenoviruses, Human↗
PubMed1990

A clinical study of the Brånemark dental implant system.

A clinical study using the Brånemark dental implant system was carried out on 13 patients aged 41 to 68 years. Clinical and psychological effects of treatment were assessed at 6-monthly intervals over a period of 3 years by means of a clinical examination, a personality assessment using Cattell's 16 PF Questionnaire and a general subjective questionnaire. Six per cent of implants failed to osseointegrate. Fifty per cent of bridges became loose, but remained stable after retightening. A similar percentage of fractures occurred, mainly teeth separating from acrylic gumwork. There was some soreness of peri-implant mucosa, particularly on cleaning. Despite these problems, there was considerable evidence of improved well-being of patients, who felt more secure following treatment and, as a result, their personal and social relationships improved.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Identifiable factors in post-prostatectomy haemorrhage: the role of aspirin.

Post-operative haemorrhagic complications following the ingestion of aspirin have been reported after several types of surgery, most notably coronary artery bypass surgery. In this study, aspirin ingestion also appeared to be a significant aetiological factor in post-prostatectomy haemorrhage. This is explained in terms of its inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. A history of aspirin ingestion should be carefully sought and its haemorrhagic implications considered prior to prostatectomy.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

A simple instrument for the measurement of maximum occlusal force in human dentition.

A simple instrument for the measurement of maximum occlusal force has been developed and the results of an initial clinical trial have been reported. The maximum occlusal force in subjects with dentures was significantly lower than in a group of young male subjects with natural dentition. In the young males the bite force between the molars and premolars was significantly greater than between the incisors. The maximum bite force was not dependent on position for subjects with dentures.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Finite element analysis of fixed prostheses attached to osseointegrated implants.

The effect of defined stresses on cantilevered prostheses attached to osseointegrated implants was assessed by finite element analysis. The effect of stress on a cantilever, consisting of a ductile alloy in contact with a brittle polymer, was demonstrated to be complex. The distribution of applied stresses also influenced the results. Possible fracture and distortion of both materials were demonstrated. Finite element analysis is a particularly useful system for predicting stress behavior and can be employed to produce an optimal prosthetic design that reduces the potential for clinical failure.

Acrylic Resins↗