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Biomedical subjects

D F Williams

Publications and source records attributed to D F Williams.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1981

alpha-thalassemia-2 and the variability of hematological values in children with sickle cell anemia.

Seventy children homozygous for Hb S (SS) and their 111 heterozygous (AS) parents were evaluated through their erythrocytic indices, hemoglobin composition, and occasionally through in vitro Hb chain synthesis values. Three groups of SS patients and of AS parents were identified based on differences in degree of microcytosis (MCV) and (degree of hypochromia (MCH) values. The level of Hb S in the Hb S heterozygotes showed a trimodal distribution. Five SS patients had an alpha-thalassemia homozygosity (alpha(0) alpha/alpha(0) alpha; beta(s)/beta(s) which was characterized by a distinct microcytosis and hypochromia (MCV), less than or equal to 70 fl; MCH, less than or equal to 22 pp). Nine SS patients had an alpha-thalassemia heterozygosity (alpha(0)/alpha/alpha alpha; beta(s)/beta(s)) with an MCV value of 71 to 78 fl, and an MCH value of 21.3 to 26.5 pg. Four AS parents had an alpha-thalassemia-2 homozygosity with values of MCV less than or equal to 71 fl and MCH less than or equal to 23.5. The level of Hb S was less than 31%. Thirty-nine AS parents had an alpha-thalassemia-2 heterozygosity characterized by an MCV value of 72 to 79 fl, an MCH value of 23.6 to 26.5, and a level of Hb S ranging between 31.0 and 36.8%. The Hb A2 level in SS patients was significantly correlated with the RBC counts and the MCV and MCH (r = 0.38, -0.52, and -0.47, respectively). Significant correlations in AS parents were also noted between the MCV, MCH, RBC, and Hb S percentages (r = 0.62, 0.68, and -0.49, respectively). Although the data are limited, the simultaneous occurrence of an alpha-thal-2 homozygosity seems to decrease the level of Hb F in sickle cell anemia. The presence of an alpha-thal-2 heterozygosity or homozygosity together with an SS or AS condition resulted in identifiable hematologic phenotypes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

The effect of bacteria on absorbable sutures.

In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed on polyglycolic acid and plain catgut sutures to study the effects of bacteria on their rate of degradation. Experiments with Strep, mites, E. coli and Staph. albus in culture showed that the polyglycolic acid sutures degraded faster in broth controls than in a broth containing bacteria as measured by the loss in breaking strength. No difference was observed with the catgut. Polyglycolic acid sutures in subcutaneous sites in rats inoculated with Staph. albus again degrade slower than in similar wounds which were not deliberately infected. With high bacterial counts, the catgut showed the reverse trend although no differences were noted at lower counts.

Absorption↗
PubMed1978

Carbon fiber-reinforced carbon as a potential implant material.

A carbon fiber-reinforced carbon is being evaluated as a promising implant material. In a unidirectional composite, high strengths (1200 MN/m2 longitudinal flexural strength) and high modulus (140 GN/m2 flexural modulus) may be obtained with an interlaminar shear strength of 18 MN/m2. Alternatively, layers of fibers may be laid in two directions to give more isotopic properties. The compatibility of the material with bone has been studied by implanting specimens in holes drilled in rat femora. For a period of up to 8 weeks, a thin layer of fibrous tissue bridged the gap between bone and implant; but this tissue mineralizes and by 10 weeks, bone can be observed adjacent to the implant, giving firm fixation. Potential applications include endosseous dental implants where a greater strength in the neck than that provided by unreinforced carbon would be advantageous.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

The effect of cryosurgery on the strength of bone.

The effect of cryosurgery on the mechanical properties of bone has been studied by freezing rats' mandibles. The mandibles of laboratory rats were subjected to cryosurgery and tested at 2, 4, 8, 16 and 26 weeks. In comparison to the control contralateral sides, a reduction in strength was recorded at four and eight weeks, the difference being highly significant at eight weeks. This indicates the susceptibility of bone treated by cryosurgery to pathological fracture and suggests that preventive measures may need to be undertaken to minimise this possibility.

Animals↗