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Biomedical subjects

D Cole

Publications and source records attributed to D Cole.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Kaposi's sarcoma of the lower extremity as the first sign of AIDS.

The authors review four cases of Kaposi's sarcoma that were presented to the Foot Clinics of New York and affiliated North General Hospital during a 1-year period from the fall of 1987 to the fall of 1988. The authors conclude that it is sometimes difficult to diagnose Kaposi's sarcoma and to differentiate between the acquired immunodeficiency (AIDS) form and the classic form. Guidelines for diagnosis and a profile of the AIDS-related and non-AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma patient are discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Expression of interleukin-2 receptor beta subunit in hematopoietic malignancies.

The expression of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor was studied in neoplastic cells derived from acute leukemias, T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas, peripheral T-cell lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemias, well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphomas, and established cell lines by both flow cytometric analysis and sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) after affinity crosslinking of radiolabeled IL-2. Cells from most acute leukemias (19 of 22), irrespective of their subtype (T, common or nonlymphoid leukemias), as well as T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas and peripheral T-cell lymphomas expressed only the p70-75 beta subunit of the IL-2 receptor. Cells from the more mature B-cell neoplasms, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma, expressed predominantly alpha beta IL-2 receptors (11 of 14). In contrast to these results, most cell lines established from hematopoietic malignancies do not express either chain of the IL-2 receptor. Further studies are necessary to determine the exact function of the IL-2R p70-75 beta subunit in immature hematopoietic cells, but its wide distribution throughout the hematopoietic system suggests that IL-2 may play a role in the early stages of hematopoiesis.

Cell Line↗

Pathological studies of cross-related congenital hypotrichosis in cattle.

Examination of 13 cattle with cross-related congenital hypotrichosis showed that the disease is characterized by a short, curly, dilute-color, malformed, sometimes sparse, hair coat that occasionally causes physical impairment of the affected animal. Because the disease is associated with crossbreeding programs utilizing certain breeds of cattle, it is hypothesized that the etiology may be due to color dilution mutants present in European breeds of cattle. Continued investigation may lead to a more complete understanding of this disease.

Alopecia↗

Stimulation of the beta-subunit of the IL-2 receptor induces MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity in T acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells and normal thymocytes.

Recently, several laboratories have identified a novel protein(s) of 70,000 to 75,000 Da (IL-2R beta-subunit) that, when expressed with the p55 Tac protein (alpha-subunit), imparts high affinity IL-2 binding. Expression of the beta-subunit mediates acquisition of MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity in large granular lymphocytes. We report that thymocytes and T acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells express the beta-subunit of the IL-2R in the absence of detectable alpha-subunit expression and that IL-2 induces acquisition of MHC-unrestricted cytotoxic activity in these cells through stimulation of the beta-subunit.

Child↗

Carcinoma of the cervix uteri: an assessment of tumour proliferation using the monoclonal antibody Ki67.

Thirty-one cervical biopsies of invasive carcinoma have been studied by immunohistochemical means using the monoclonal antibody Ki67 to determine tumour cell proliferation rates. A wide range (10-50%) in the extent of Ki67 staining (expressed as the percentage of labelled tumour cells) was observed indicating considerable variation on tumour growth rates. There was no significant relationship between the percentage of positive cells and conventional histological parameters such as cell type or tumour differentiation. Immunostaining with monoclonal antibody Ki67 therefore provides a new approach to the assessment of cervical tumour biopsies which will require long term clinical follow-up to establish its prognostic significance.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Implementing an integrated clinical information system.

The authors examine the vital role nursing professionals have played in the successful implementation of a sophisticated computer system at a regional medical center in the midwest. From preselection analysis through training and implementation, nurses have assumed primary responsibility for managing the multifaceted adaptation and installation of a comprehensive array of patient care functions. This experience can serve as an invaluable example of the relationship between information management, patient management, cost management, and quality enhancement in the hospital setting.

Computer Systems↗

The effects of teacher intrusion on social play interactions between children with autism and their nonhandicapped peers.

This study investigated the effects of two levels of teacher intrusion upon the behavior of elementary age children with autism and nonhandicapped peers during dyadic play interactions occurring in two special education classrooms. High versus low levels of teacher intrusion were contrasted in a mixed between- and within-subjects design counterbalanced for order across the two conditions. There were few differences in behavior across the two conditions, though the low-intrusion condition was associated with higher levels of toy contact, appropriate and inappropriate play, and lower levels of spontaneous verbalizations by the students with autism. There was no difference in the occurrence of excess behavior by condition. Results are discussed with respect to future investigations of effective teacher mediation to prepare children for positive peer interactions.

Autistic Disorder↗

The intelligibility of synthesized speech: ECHO II versus VOTRAX.

The intelligibility of two speech synthesizers [ECHO II (Street Electronics, 1982) and VOTRAX (VOTRAX Division, 1981)] was compared to the intelligibility of natural speech in each of three different contextual conditions: (a) single words, (b) "low-probability sentences" in which the last word could not be predicted from preceding context, and (c) "high-probability sentences" in which the last word could be predicted from preceding context. Additionally, the effect of practice on performance in each condition was examined. Natural speech was more intelligible than either type of synthesized speech regardless of word/sentence condition. In both sentence conditions, VOTRAX speech was significantly more intelligible than ECHO II speech. No practice effect was observed for VOTRAX, while an ascending linear trend occurred for ECHO II. Implications for the use of inexpensive speech synthesis units as components of augmentative communication aids for persons with severe speech and/or language impairments are discussed.

Adult↗

T cell receptor alpha-, beta-, and gamma-genes in T cell and pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

We examined alpha-, beta-, and gamma-T cell receptor (TCR) gene activation within acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALLs) that represent early stages of B and T cell development. We wished to determine if TCR rearrangement and expression was lineage restricted, showed any developmental hierarchy, or could identify new subsets of T cells. Rearrangement of gamma and beta TCR genes occurred early in development but in no set order, and most T-ALLs (22/26) were of sufficient maturity to have rearranged both genes. T-ALLs preferentially rearranged C gamma 2 versus the C gamma 1 complex; no preference within the beta locus was apparent. Once rearranged, the beta TCR continued to be expressed (11/13), whereas the gamma TCR was rarely expressed (3/14). The alpha TCR was expressed only in more mature T-ALLs (8/14) that usually displayed T3. The 3A-1 T cell associated antigen appeared earliest in development followed by T11 and T3. Within pre-B cell ALL a higher incidence of lineage spillover was noted for gamma TCR rearrangements (8/17) than for beta rearrangements (3/17). This also contrasts with the only occasional rearrangement of immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chains (3/25) in T-ALL. However, in pre-B ALL the pattern of gamma TCR usage was distinct from that of T cells, with the C gamma 1 complex utilized more frequently. Almost all ALLs could be classified as pre-B or T cell in type by combining Ig and TCR genes with monoclonal antibodies recognizing surface antigens, although examples of lineage duality were noted. Unique subpopulations of cells were discovered including two genetically uncommitted ALLs that failed to rearrange either Ig or TCR loci. Moreover, two T lymphoblasts were identified that possessed the T3 molecule but failed to express alpha plus beta TCR genes. These T-ALLs may represent a fortuitous transformation of T cell subsets with alternative T3-Ti complexes.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Gene rearrangements as markers of clonal variation and minimal residual disease in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy (H) and light (L) chain gene rearrangements were used as molecular markers of clonal evolution and minimal residual disease in B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). All leukemic episodes within individual patients shared at least one identical Ig rearrangement and thus arose from a common clonal progenitor cell. Nine of 11 patients displayed completely identical patterns between leukemic episodes, while two of 11 patients demonstrated genetic progression between diagnosis and relapse as evidenced by additional rearrangements. These genetic changes marked the emergence of leukemic subclones. Ig gene rearrangements were also used as sensitive markers to identify clonal cell populations in ALL patients following induction or reinduction therapy and to search for residual bone marrow disease in patients in clinical remission or with isolated extramedullary relapse. DNA rearrangements provide tumor-specific markers to follow the genetic variation of ALL and may facilitate the early detection of recurrent disease.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Noninvasive vascular testing in occupational medicine.

Noninvasive vascular testing can provide early detection of peripheral vascular dysfunction. When it is used as part of a health screening program, the detection of disease can lead to early intervention, thus preventing disability and a decrease in the individual's productivity.

Coronary Disease↗

Prolactin regulation of estrogen and progesterone receptors in normal and neoplastic mouse mammary tissue.

The transplantable mouse mammary tumor, TPDMT-4, is pregnancy-dependent and requires prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Pg) for growth. To examine the role of PRL in regulating tissue growth and the levels of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR), tumor-bearing mice were ovariectomized, hysterectomized and then injected with ergocornine hydrogenmaleate (ERG), ERG + PRL, or ERG + PRL + E2 + Pg. Total (nuclear + cytoplasmic) ER and PgR in normal and neoplastic mammary tissues were measured. In addition, tumor size and tritium-labeled thymidine [( 3H]dThd) incorporation into nuclei of the tumor and mammary gland were determined. PRL alone caused a 2- to 3-fold increase in ER and PgR levels in normal mammary gland but not in the tumor. PRL alone caused a modest increase in the number of 3H-thymidine-labeled nuclei in both tissues. PRL combined with E2 and Pg increased the percent of labeled nuclei 5- to 10-fold in both tissues, and increased the PgR levels in normal but not in tumor tissue. Thus, PRL alone can increase ER in normal mammary tissue but this increase is not required for growth since ER levels are unchanged when PRL + E2 + Pg are injected and mammary cell growth is stimulated. The ability of PRL to up-regulate ER has been lost in the tumor. Since basal levels of ER and PgR are not altered in the tumor when PRL + E2 + Pg are given, an increase in ER and PgR levels is not required for the three hormones to stimulate tumor growth.

Animals↗

New Zealand Medical Association compulsory membership.

This present thesis suggests that, with appropriate changes in both the Medical Practitioners Act and in the articles and rules of the Medical Association, it would be far preferable to continue the traditional separation. One body concerned with overall registration, standards, conduct and health and the other concerned essentially with the interests of the profession and of the conditions of work of that profession. Strengthening of the NZMA regional activities, including less serious discipline, should be considered. It seems that the NZMA would be taking an enormous risk in opening up such a regulatory act to public scrutiny at this time. The law profession, in an earlier generation, chose differently and in their independent role have maintained public acceptability. The public, much more involved in the provision of a health service, might well now wish a major part of the doctors' regulation and this may not always be congruent with our own profession's interests.

New Zealand↗

Defective T-lymphocyte chemotactic factor production in patients with established malignancy.

Lymphocytes from 22 patients with established malignancy were stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A), and supernatants were tested for T-lymphocyte chemotactic factor (LCF). LCF activity was measured using a leading front chemotaxis assay with normal human T cells as responders. Fifteen of the 22 patients tested produced LCF at a level of less than 2 standard deviation below the mean of control cells. In 10 patients where mononuclear cells were stimulated with Con A for 24, 48, and 72 hr, LCF activity was significantly reduced at all three time points averaging 38, 14, and 43% of control levels, respectively. In 13 of the 31 patients, patient T-cell migration in response to casein was measured and compared to the production of LCF by mononuclear cells from these same patients. A significant correlation was observed indicating that both the response of T cells to a migration stimulus, and the production of T-cell-derived LCF was comparably suppressed. The reduction in LCF production by mononuclear cells from patients with established malignancy was not reversed by the addition of indomethacin to the culture system during Con A stimulation indicating that inhibition was not mediated by excessive prostaglandin production. The addition of patient mononuclear cells or T cells to normal mononuclear cells resulted in the inhibition of normal cell LCF by patient mononuclear cells or T cells. This could not be attributed to the production of a lymphocyte chemotactic inhibitor by patient cells, but appeared instead to be due to the direct inhibition of normal cell LCF synthesis or release by patient mononuclear cells or T cells. Separation of patient T cells into Leu 2 suppressor/cytotoxic or Leu 3 helper/inducer T cells showed that the inhibitory activity was associated with the Leu-2 T-cell subset. Heterologous normal Leu 2 T cells did not suppress normal mononuclear cell LCF production suggesting that patient Leu 2 T cells were functionally activated as compared to normal Leu 2 cells. The decreased production of LCF coupled with a depressed T-cell migratory activity in patients with established malignancy may in part be responsible for suppressed cellular immune reactions in these patients and possibly the impairment of tumor rejection.

Adolescent↗