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Biomedical subjects

H Smith

Publications and source records attributed to H Smith.

At least 559 records · Page 31Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

The complexity of immunogenicity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the guinea pig subcutaneous chamber model.

The immunogenicity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the guinea pig subcutaneous chamber model, assessed by serum bactericidal tests and challenge experiments, is complicated by diversity of immunotypes which may or may not show partial cross-reactions, by the need for antibodies to more than one type-specific antigen for full homologous protection, and possibly by the limited accessibility of the relevant antigens on the cell surface.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Antigenic heterogeneity associated with pilus aggregation and autoagglutinability in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

A type-specific antigen of Neisseria gonorrhoeae was previously demonstrated by two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis, and was produced by strains adapted to growth in subcutaneous chambers in guinea pigs. This antigen was also present in 'smooth' (non-autoagglutinating) variants selected directly from the first agar cultures of three clinical isolates, without chamber passage. The type-specificity of this antigen paralleled the reactions of pili in immune electron microscopy, suggesting that the type-specific antigens were pili. However, 'rough' (autoagglutinating) variants lacking this type-specific antigen were nevertheless pilated. Examination of one strain by immune electron microscopy showed that the pili of the rough variant differed antigenically from those of the smooth variant. Pili on the rough variant tended to form extensive parallel aggregates, whereas pili on the smooth variant radiated individually from the gonococci. This physical difference might relate to the behaviour of the gonococci in suspension. The significance of pilus variation in immunity to gonococcal infection is discussed.

Agglutination↗
PubMed1980

Studies of influenza virus infection in newborn ferrets.

Influenza virus infection by the intranasal route was found to be invariably fatal in newborn ferrets. Some obviously died of influenza pneumonia; others died of aspiration pneumonia or showed only minimal or non-specific changes in the lungs. All, however, had severe lesions in the upper respiratory tract, and it is suggested that obstruction of airways and oesophageal passages, in combination with feeding difficulties, played a major role in causing death. The relevance of the findings to the pathology of cot deaths in human infants is briefly discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Analysis of a follow-up study of genetic counseling.

A follow-up study of 212 families for whom genetic counseling had been provided was performed to assess the effectiveness of the non-directive genetic counseling service at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. The preliminary result have been reported previously (Godmilow & Hirschhorn 1977). Of those families surveyed, 72% responded. Adequate recall of the genetic information was demonstrated by 74% of those responding, and 80% described their counseling experience as favorable. A direct relationship was noted between the degree of satisfaction and whether or not the counselees received the mode of counseling they preferred, i.e., individual versus team. Sixty-two percent of those counselees reaching a procreative decision indicated that genetic counseling had influenced their decision making. A significant correlation was noted between the magnitude of the occurrence or recurrence risk and the procreative decisions reached. However, some decisions were modified by the counselees' subjective interpretation of the burden associated with the disorder in question. It is concluded that follow-up of genetic counseling by questionnaire, together with statistical analysis of the data received, can provide the genetic center with valuable information regarding strengths and weaknesses of the counseling program and can suggest ways to improve the counseling process and thereby enhance its effectiveness.

Congenital Abnormalities↗
PubMed1980

The association of diabetes insipidus with hypoparathyroidism. Addison's disease and mucocutaneous candidiasis.

A case of central diabetes insipidus is reported in association with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, adrenal failure and mucocutaneous candidiasis. The diabetes insipidus was recognised at the same time as the discovery of aldosterone and cortisol deficiency, and occurred several years after the initial onset of mucocutaneous candidiasis and hypocalcaemia. Control of the diabetes insipidus was achieved initially with nasal aqueous lysine vasopressin and later with desmopressin. The development of diabetes insipidus may be a further aspect of endocrine secretory failure associated with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism.

Addison Disease↗
PubMed1980

Rat passive peritoneal anaphylaxis following sensitisation with guinea pig antiserum: an immediate hypersensitivity reaction without histamine release.

Antigen challenge of rats, sensitised by an intraperitoneal injection of guinea pig antiserum, produced an antibody-dependent increase in concentrations, in the peritoneal fluids. of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) and of extravasated, dye-labelled, plasma proteins but not of histamine or 5-hydroxytryptamine. The SRS-A released may not be the main mediator of the extravasation since pre-treatment of the rats with the SRS-A antagonists FPL 55712 and BRL 19880 had no effect on extravasation, and a number of compounds, given in a similar way, were more potent as inhibitors of SRS-A release than of extravasation. Rat passive peritoneal anaphylaxis (PPA), following sensitisation with guinea pig antiserum, provides an example of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction in which there is no antibody-dependent release of histamine and in which the SRS-A released may not mediate all of the extravasation produced.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed1980

Characteristics of ventricular ectopic beats in patients with ventricular tachycardia. A 24-hour Holter monitor study.

A total of 99 consecutive 24-hour Holter recordings with ventricular tachycardia were reviewed. Ventricular premature beats which occurred alone, and ventricular premature beats which initiated ventricular tachycardia were examined to determine which characteristics correlated with occurrence of ventricular tachycardia and which predicted rate and duration of ventricular tachycardia. The preceding R-R interval, the coupling interval, and a ratio of the two were examined. We found that ventricular tachycardia rate and duration increase with a shorter coupling interval, and the coupling interval/preceding R-R ratio was significantly different in single beats not initiating ventricular tachycardia. The ratio for the beat initiating ventricular tachycardia was smaller, indicating more prematurity.

Aged↗
PubMed1980

The little-known determinants of virus pathogenicity.

Of the four cardinal facets of microbial pathogenicity: (1) entry to the host usually by penetrating mucous membranes; (2) multiplication in the host tissues; (3) interference with host defence; and (4) damage to the host; only multiplication (replication) has received much attention in studies of virus pathogenicity. This article points out the gaps in our knowledge of the other three areas emphasising that although some observations have been made on the invasive and pathological processes involved, the viral determinants concerned are mostly unknown.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Racing thoughts in primary depression.

The incidence of and relationship between racing thoughts and clinical variables in primary depression were examined. More than 50% of a group of 32 hospitalized patients reported moderate to severe levels of racing thoughts. Only 13% of patients did not experience racing thoughts. Racing thoughts were significantly related to symptom measures of anxiety, excitation and retardation but not to overall severity of illness or total Hamilton Depression Scale scores. Age but neither sex nor unipolar bipolar classification distinguished patients who did and did not experience racing thoughts.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Prostaglandins in human milk.

Levels of prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2 alpha were measured by radioimmunoassay in aliquots of foremilk and hindmilk obtained at different stages of lactation (colostrum, transitional, and mature milk) from six healthy nursing mothers who delivered at term. Immunoreactive prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2 alpha were detected in all fresh human milk samples, but not in cows' milk-based formulas. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of these hormones in the physiologic function, the extrauterine adaptation, and the cytoprotective effect on the gastrointestinal tract in the breast-fed human infant.

Breast Feeding↗