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Biomedical subjects

D Quinlan

Publications and source records attributed to D Quinlan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Factorial structure of the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms.

Data from the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms (SOPS) [Early Intervention in Psychotic Disorders, pp. 135-150] on 94 hitherto never-psychotic individuals were entered into a principal components analysis, revealing six components with an eigenvalue greater than 1.0. Based upon scree-plot analysis, further extractions were limited to three, then two, factors. Varimax rotation of the three-component extraction revealed factors with reasonable congruence with a priori content areas. All symptoms labeled as negative in the SOPS loaded on one factor, and four of five symptoms labeled as positive loaded on another. The remaining positive symptom, conceptual disorganization, has been found not to load with other positive-labeled symptoms in studies of schizophrenia using applicable instruments. All symptoms labeled as "general" in the SOPS loaded on a third factor, which appears to reflect the nonspecific psychological distress that might be expected in psychosis-naïve individuals experiencing the preliminary stages of a serious psychiatric disorder. The independence of this component from the positive and negative symptom factors suggests that the structure obtained suggests a clinical continuity between the at-risk presentations seen in this sample and established schizophrenia.

Adolescent↗

Mobilized blood cells vs bone marrow harvest: experience compared in 171 donors with particular reference to pain and fatigue.

This prospective study compared the donor experience of blood cell (BC) mobilization and leukapheresis (n=116) with that of bone marrow (BM) harvest (n=55). Internal jugular catheters were inserted electively in 89% of BC donors. Most (80%) BM donors had a harvest with general anesthesia; 20% had epidural or spinal anesthesia. Pain and fatigue were frequent with both procedures and were compared in responses to questionnaires. A total of 85% of BM donors reported moderate or severe pain compared with 68% of BC donors (P=0.02). The median duration of pain was 14 days for BM donors compared with 3 days after BC mobilization (P<0.0001). More BM donors had pain for more than 7 days (75% vs 0%, P<0.0001). Severe fatigue was experienced by more BM donors (49 vs 16%, P<0.0001). Fatigue lasted significantly longer in BM donors (median 11 vs 4 days, P<0.0001) and more BM donors were fatigued for more than 1 week (69 vs 0%, P<0.0001). A total of 11 donors had both BM and BC collection; seven preferred the latter. Simply considered with respect to pain and fatigue, BC donation appears better tolerated by donors. However, there are other sequelae of both influencing the acceptability for individual donors.

Adolescent↗

Feasibility of open simple prostatectomy with early vascular control.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of open simple prostatectomy with early vascular control in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and thus reduce blood loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients were reviewed from 1991 to 2002; 34 had a Millin's and three a Freyer's prostatectomy performed by one surgeon, with early vascular control. RESULTS: The mean operative duration was 1.3 h and the mean blood loss 841 mL, with a mean decrease in haemoglobin level of 22 g/L. Six (16%) of the patients received a blood transfusion. The mean weight of the prostate removed was 97.8 g; the duration of catheterization and the hospital stay after surgery were 6.21 and 11.7 days, respectively. There was one (3%) death and one case of pulmonary embolism. Three patients (8%) developed stress incontinence. Two failed to void after surgery and one developed acute retention 3 years later. Five patients developed recurrent obstructive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Open simple prostatectomy with early vascular control reduces the amount of blood loss, rendering it a safe option for treating BPH.

Aged↗

Joseph-Frédéric-Benoît Charrière: master cutler and instrument designer.

Modern surgery owes its development to the innovations and skill of those craftsmen in the early 19th Century. Joseph-Frédéric-Benoît Charrière was a Parisian Cutler of renowned fame. He pioneered many developments in ether administration, urologic and other general surgical instrumentation. He also made profound modifications to the syringe, haemostat and aneurysm clip. Charrière, most importantly, developed the French (Fr) or Charrière (Ch) gauge system used in sizing catheters and endoscopic equipment (1 Charr. = 0.333 mm). His contributions were widespread and are still evident today.

Anesthesia↗

Once-daily intravenous busulfan given with fludarabine as conditioning for allogeneic stem cell transplantation: study of pharmacokinetics and early clinical outcomes.

The availability of an i.v. form of busulfan (Bu) has prompted investigation of administration schedules other than the 4-times-daily dosage commonly used with oral Bu. We have studied an allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) preparative regimen comprising fludarabine (FLU) 50 mg/m2 on days -6 to -2 plus i.v. Bu 3.2 mg/kg daily in a 3-hour infusion on days -5 to -2. The regimen was given to 70 patients aged 15 to 64 years (median, 41 years) with hematologic malignancy. Thirty-six patients (51%) had high-risk malignancy, 28 (40%) had unrelated or genotypically mismatched related donors (alternate donors [AD]) and 29 (41%) received bone marrow rather than blood as stem cell source. Acute GVHD prevention comprised antithymocyte globulin 4.5 mg/kg over 3 days pretransplantation, cyclosporin A, and short-course methotrexate with folinic acid. Hepatic toxicity was transient and there was no clinically diagnosed veno-occlusive disease. Grade II stomatitis occurred in 49 patients (70%) and hemorrhagic cystitis in 9 patients (13%). One patient with subtherapeutic phenytoin levels had a convulsion 8 hours after the third i.v. Bu dose, but no other neurotoxicity was apparent. Incidence of acute GVHD grades II to IV was 8% and incidence of grade III-IV was 3%, with no deaths from this cause. Actuarial incidence of chronic GVHD at 2 years is 38%. There were 2 cases of graft failure in unrelated donor BMT recipients, 1 of which was reversed by asecond transplantation. With a median follow-up of 16 months (range, 6-27 months), transplantation-related mortality at 100 days and 2 years was 2% and 5% for matched related donor (MRD) SCT and 8% and 19% for AD SCT, respectively (P = not significant). Relapse rates were 21% for 34 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in complete remission or chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (low-risk), 66% for 19 patients with high-risk AML, and 18% for 17 patients with other active malignancy. Projected disease-free and overall survival rates at 2 years were 74% and 88% for low-risk disease, 26% and 37% for advanced AML, and 65% and 71% for other high-risk disease, respectively. Pharmacokinetic studies were done using 11 samples with the first and fourth doses of Bu. Kinetics were linear, and for the first and fourth doses, the half-lives were 2.60 +/- 0.44 and 2.57 +/- 0.36 hours, respectively. Clearances were 106.77 +/- 16.68 and 106.86 +/- 21.57 mL/min per m2, peak concentrations (Cmax) were 3.92 +/- 0.31 and 3.96 +/- 0.28 mcg/mL, and Bu areas under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) were 4866.51 +/- 771.42 and 4980 +/- 882.80 microM x min, respectively. Bu was completely cleared within 24 hours and the day 4 pharmacokinetic values were very similar to those on day 1 for every patient. The cumulative AUC was comparable to the target range established for p.o. Bu. This regimen incorporating once-daily i.v. Bu is convenient to give, is relatively well tolerated, gives predictable blood levels, and deserves further study in circumstances in which cytoreduction as well as immune suppression is needed.

Adolescent↗

Multicentre, randomised controlled trial of four-layer bandaging versus short-stretch bandaging in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study was to compare the healing rates of venous ulcers obtained with four-layer bandages (4LB) versus short stretch bandages (SSB). DESIGN: Multicentre, randomised controlled trial performed in 5 centres of the Netherlands and in 2 centres in Austria ("PADS-study" = Profore Austrian Dutch Study). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 112 patients (53 treated with 4LB and 59 treated with SSB) completed at least one post-treatment follow-up, 90 completed the study. Bandaging and ulcer assessment was performed at weekly intervals. Randomisation was carried out for each centre and was stratified according to the size (more or less than 10 cm2) of the ulcerated area. Local therapy consisted of plain absorbing, non-adherent dressings. Time to complete healing was recorded up to a maximum of 16 weeks. The two treatment-groups were comparable regarding their baseline-characteristics. RESULTS: In total 33/53 (62%) of ulcer-patients were healed in the 4LB group, compared with 43/59 (73%) in the SSB group (difference 11%, 95% CI -28% to 7%). 77% of the ulcers with an initial area less than 5 cm2 healed as compared with 33% of the larger ulcers. The different healing rates in the centres could be explained by the different sizes of the treated ulcers. Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates the median healing time was 57 days for the 4LB (95% CI 47-85 days) and 63 days for the SSB (95% CI 43-70 days). CONCLUSION: The ulcer healing rate and the median healing time did not differ among the two types of bandages. The main discriminant criterion for healing was the initial ulcer size. In centres who are experienced users of short-stretch bandages, no statistically significant different healing rates of venous ulcers could be found after 4LB or SSB.

Adult↗

Chronological association between increases in drug abuse and psychosis in Connecticut state hospitals.

Disagreement remains as to whether drug use can result in an autonomous psychotic disorder. If drug use can create new psychosis cases, an increase in the number of psychosis patients ought to be observable following periods of increased drug use by the general population. First admissions data for the categories of drug abuse and schizophrenia/paranoid disorders from all Connecticut state hospitals from 1965 to 1983 were examined to determine the prevalence of psychotic disorders before, during, and after a period of increased drug use by the general population. Affective disorders first admissions were examined for comparison. A rapid increase in new schizophrenia admissions coincided with a peak period for drug-related admissions. The data suggest that increased drug use of the late 1960s may have contributed to the increase noted 3 to 5 years later in first admissions of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders.

Adolescent↗

Factors influencing yields of progenitor cells for allogeneic transplantation: optimization of G-CSF dose, day of collection, and duration of leukapheresis.

Mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells by G-CSF was attempted on 89 occasions in 85 healthy donors. Three dose ranges of G-CSF were chosen for analysis: low (4-7.4 micrograms/kg), intermediate (7.5-10 micrograms/kg) and high (> 10 micrograms/kg). A target blood level for apheresis of 20 x 10(6)/L CD34+ cells was reached by day 3 in 75 patients (84%) and by day 4 in all but 1 (99%). Target yields above 2.5 x 10(6)/kg for 75 unmanipulated transplants were exceeded in a single collection in 73 donors (97%). Correlation of CD34+ cell yields to blood CD34+ cell level before leukapheresis was moderate only (r2 = 0.32). There was close linear correlation between processed volume and cumulative CD34+ cell yield, with a median r2 value of 0.98 (range 0.74-1.00). Yields of CD34+ cells achieved on day 3 were significantly lower after the high dose than after the intermediate G-CSF dose (21 +/- 3 versus 29 +/- 6 x 10(6)/L blood processed, p = 0.03). After the low dose of G-CSF, yields on day 4 were higher than on day 3 (48 +/- 10 versus 22 +/- 4 x 10(6)/L blood processed, p = 0.01). There was no difference between day 3 and day 4 yields with the intermediate G-CSF dose. In 73 of 93 (78%) leukaphereses, the CD34+ cell yield was more than 100% of the estimated intravascular CD34+ cells at the beginning of collection and ranged up to 342%. These data indicate that a daily dose of 7.5-10 micrograms/kg G-CSF, given as a multiple of 300 and 480 micrograms ampoules, is a convenient regimen giving adequate yields from a single collection on day 3 or 4 in most donors. Measuring blood CD34+ cell levels is of limited value in predicting yields, but monitoring CD34+ cell yields during leukapheresis may help to minimize unnecessary or inefficient collection.

Antigens, CD34↗

Decreased single-photon emission computed tomographic [123I]beta-CIT striatal uptake correlates with symptom severity in Parkinson's disease.

Previous studies have utilized single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to demonstrate decreased [123I]beta-CIT striatal uptake in idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) patients. The present study extends this work by examining SPECT outcome measures in a larger group of PD patients with varying disease severity. Twenty-eight L-dopa-responsive PD patients (Hoehn-Yahr stages 1-4) and 27 healthy controls had SPECT scans at 18 to 24 hours after injection of [123I]beta-CIT. Specific to nondisplaceable striatal uptake ratios (designated V3") were correlated with Hoehn-Yahr stage and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) subscores. Linear discriminant function analyses utilizing striatal uptakes, putamen-to-caudate ratios, and ipsilateral-contralateral asymmetry indices were performed. Decreased striatal tracer uptake (V3") was correlated with total UPDRS score for both contralateral and ipsilateral striatum. Putamen uptake was relatively more reduced than caudate with mean putamen:caudate ratios of 0.50 +/- 0.17 and 0.82 +/- 0.09 for PD patients and controls, respectively. Ipsilateral:contralateral asymmetry was significantly greater in PD patients than controls. Discriminant function analysis utilizing V3" for ipsilateral and contralateral caudate and putamen correctly classified all 55 cases. These data demonstrate marked differences in [123I]beta-CIT SPECT measures in healthy controls and PD patients. The significant correlation of SPECT measures with motor severity suggests [123I]beta-CIT may be a useful marker of disease severity in PD.

Adult↗

Do alpha-blockers have a role in lower urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis?

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity in patients with multiple sclerosis. alpha 1-Adrenergic receptors are present at the bladder neck, where increased tone may be responsible for urinary retention and diminished flow rates. A randomized placebo controlled study was designed to test the hypothesis that blockade of these receptors using the selective alpha 1-adrenergic receptor antagonist indoramin would improve bladder emptying in patients with multiple sclerosis. Peak and mean urinary flow rates, residual volume and symptom score were evaluated at trial entry and again after 4 weeks in 18 men with multiple sclerosis. There was a mean 41% improvement in peak flow rate in the actively treated group compared with a 7.4% deterioration in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Residual volume improved in both groups. Patients taking indoramin reported a greater improvement in urinary symptoms. Modulation of the alpha 1-receptor may have a role in the management of lower urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy versus transurethral catheter therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) is a single outpatient treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. It produces good symptomatic relief but minimal objective improvement in mean flow rates. We wished to evaluate the placebo effect of the transurethral catheter. We evaluated 40 patients with outflow obstruction, 20 had TUMT for 1 h and 20 had a catheter placed in the urethra without treatment for 1 h. Urinary flow rates improved in both groups (12.8-14.6 with TUMT, 10.0-12.4 with catheter). Significant reduction from pretreatment values occurred in symptom scores and postvoid residual urine volume in both groups following treatment. The subjective results of TUMT and the placebo effect seen in the catheter group cast doubt on our understanding of the mechanism of action of TUMT.

Humans↗

Leiomyoma of the kidney: presentation of 4 new cases and the role of computerized tomography.

Renal leiomyoma is a challenging diagnostic and therapeutic condition. It is clinically similar in presentation and radiographic appearance to its malignant counterpart, leiomyosarcoma. We review 30 cases of clinically diagnosed leiomyoma of the kidney from the literature, including 4 new cases with emphasis on the computerized tomography findings. Computerized tomography may locate a renal leiomyoma serendipitously in an asymptomatic patient. If the lesion is peripheral or in the parapelvic area and a plane can be seen between the tumor and kidney a capsular tumor, such as a leiomyoma of the kidney, might be considered in addition to the more common renal cell carcinoma. Renal leiomyomas have a variable radiographic pattern from that of a pure cystic to a mixed solid/cystic to an entirely solid lesion. Renal leiomyomas usually are sharply demarcated from the surroundings. Although computerized tomography cannot distinguish a renal leiomyoma from other benign or malignant renal processes the presence of invasion can virtually eliminate this benign tumor as a diagnosis. Since a preoperative diagnosis cannot be made, management involves renal exploration and radical nephrectomy in the larger lesions with a renal-sparing operation possible in selected cases. After treatment patients have a uniformly excellent prognosis.

Aged↗

Spironolactone metabolism: steady-state serum levels of the sulfur-containing metabolites.

Metabolism of spironolactone in man is extensive and complex. For many years the dethioacetylated metabolite, canrenone, was assumed to be the major metabolite. However, recent studies using specific high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have demonstrated the presence of spironolactone and the sulfur-containing metabolites 7 alpha-thiomethylspirolactone (IV) and 6 beta-hydroxy-7 alpha-thiomethylspirolactone (V), in addition to canrenone, in the serum after a single oral dose of spironolactone. The importance of spironolactone and metabolites IV and V relative to canrenone at steady state remains unknown and was the subject of the present investigation. Twelve healthy males received 100 mg spironolactone, once daily, for 15 days. Repeated blood samples were taken on days 1, 8 and 15 for estimation of spironolactone and its metabolites. Peak serum levels [mean (SD)] of spironolactone, canrenone, and sulfur-containing metabolites IV and V were 72 (45), 155 (43), 359 (106) and 101 (26) ng/ml, respectively on day 1 and 80 (20), 181 (39), 391 (118) and 125 (24) ng/ml, respectively on day 15. The AUC (0-24) values of these compounds on day 15 were 231 (50), 2173 (312), 2804 (777) and 1727 (367) ng.hr/ml, respectively and the post-steady state elimination half-life (t1/2) values were 1.4 (0.5), 16.5 (6.3), 13.8 (6.4), and 15.0 (4.0) hours, respectively. It was concluded that unmetabolized spironolactone is present in the serum and that the sulfur-containing metabolite IV rather than canrenone is the major metabolite in serum following single or repeated doses of spironolactone.

Adolescent↗

Family system functioning: behavior in the laboratory and the family treatment setting.

The Family System Functioning (FSF) scale is a new instrument for measuring dimensions of the intrafamilial environment thought to be important in recovery from major psychiatric illness. Modest statistical correlations were obtained when FSF ratings of laboratory-based family interactions were compared with researcher-guided therapist ratings of FSF based upon the family's behavior in family therapy sessions during the subsequent month. The data from these two settings provide support for the validity of some of the scales. Because of the modest size of the correlations, however, behavior in the laboratory setting may not always be an accurate indicator of how the family will behave in the early weeks of family therapy.

Adolescent↗