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Biomedical subjects

J D Harrison

Publications and source records attributed to J D Harrison.

188 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Difficult clinical decisions in gynecological oncology: identifying priorities for future clinical research.

This study investigates the acceptability and feasibility of conducting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in gynecological oncology by ascertaining the views of the Australian Society of Gynaecologic Oncologists (ASGO) about important clinical questions in this field, current treatment preferences, and willingness to participate in trials to address these questions. Members of ASGO received a mailed survey. Thirty-one gyneoncologists participated in this study (79% response fraction). There was considerable support for an RCT (81%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 63-93%) to compare sentinel node biopsy with total groin dissection for women with vulval cancer. This clinical question was also rated as "extremely" or "very" important by 91% (95% CI, 74-98%) of respondents, who also indicated high levels of individual equipoise. Another priority for research involved the use of second-line chemotherapy for women who have rising CA125 titers. This clinical question was rated as extremely or very important by 71% (95% CI, 52-86%), exhibited high levels of individual equipoise, with 74% (95% CI, 55-88%) of respondents willing to participate in an RCT to address this issue. The conduct of surveys of representative groups of clinicians provides useful empirical data to focus clinical research efforts where they are most likely to be successful based on equipoise, feasibility, and clinical interest.

Adult↗

Ultrastructural observation of calcification in a pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.

A pleomorphic adenoma was examined by electron microscopy. Calcification was found in a lumen and in epithelial cells and consisted of needle-shaped crystals that contained calcium and phosphorus and were probably apatite. Small collections of crystals in the lumen, which were often associated with membranous cellular debris, appeared to form larger calcified masses by fusion. Collections of crystals were seen in vacuoles in adluminal cells. The calcification in the lumen may have started on membranous cellular debris, and that in the adluminal cells may have arisen either by endocytosis of luminal material or by autophagocytosis. The calcification appears to relate to the old age of the tumor.

Adenoma↗

Chronic submandibular sialadenitis: ultrastructure and phosphatase histochemistry.

Eleven specimens of chronic submandibular sialadenitis were examined. A reduction in secretory material in acinar cells was seen with increasing atrophy until the acini resembled intercalary ducts. Myoepithelial cells and basement membrane were sometimes more conspicuous. Striated ducts showed a reduction of the folding of the plasma membranes in the basal part, and striated and excretory ducts showed a reduction in mitochondria. This possibly represents a functional atrophy secondary to reduced salivary flow. Very atrophic parenchyma largely consisted of simple cells. Phagosomes and apoptotic bodies were occasionally seen, and appear to be involved in the atrophy. Thiamine pyrophosphatase in the Golgi apparatus and acid phosphatase in the GERL were demonstrated in moderately atrophic parenchyma. This is similar to normal and indicates continuing synthetic activity. Acid phosphatase was demonstrated in lysosomes, which appear to be involved in the atrophy by their role in phagy. Alkaline phosphatase was occasionally demonstrated at luminal surfaces, and is likely to be involved in resorption of obstructed luminal contents. The changes are similar to those seen in experimentally obstructed glands and indicate that much of the parenchyma survives by adaptation to the altered environment which forms the basis for the successful results following conservative therapy.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Ultrastructural observation of arteriolar calcification in a submandibular salivary gland.

Foci of calcification were found ultrastructurally in the wall of an arteriole of a specimen of chronic submandibular sialadenitis. They were seen in the basement membrane surrounding the smooth muscle cells, where some of them were associated with vesicles and membraneous debris, and in a macrophage. Calcium and phosphorus were detected microanalytically in the calcifications, which contained needle-shaped crystals. The calcifications in the basement membrane may have started in vesicles released from smooth muscle cells and those in the macrophage may have arisen by heterophagy. Matrix vesicles appear to be of significance in arteriolar calcification and macrophages may offer protection against it.

Arterioles↗

Ocular injuries caused by magpies.

This paper presents a series of six patients with ocular injuries resulting from magpie attacks. Five cases involved children. In two cases the penetration was overlooked initially. In one case the keratitis was caused by Bacillus cereus. Full ophthalmic examination, including indirect ophthalmoscopy and microbiological studies, must be undertaken initially to identify unrecognised eye injuries and to prevent the possible sight-threatening complications of vitreal fibrosis with subsequent retinal detachment or endophthalmitis.

Adolescent↗

The application and adaptation of ICRP internal dosimetry models to the calculation of bone marrow tissue doses from 90Sr for epidemiological studies of Techa River populations.

The operation of the Mayak Production Association in the Southern Urals region of Russia, resulted in releases of large amounts of radioactive effluent into the Techa River during the period 1949-1956. The residents of the riverside communities were thus exposed to both external radiation, and internal radiation following ingestion of contaminated water and foodstuffs. One of the most important radionuclides for internal exposure was 90Sr. This paper gives a brief overview of the models provided by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), which are of interest for assessing internal doses from 90Sr. The application of these models to the calculation of red bone marrow doses for the fetus and infant from 90Sr intakes by the mother and the infant is illustrated by an example. A hypothetical individual born in 1951 is used as an example for dose calculations. The following doses due to intakes of 90Sr are taken into account: received in utero due to maternal intakes during pregnancy; received after birth from 90Sr accumulated by the fetus in utero; from intakes in breast milk; from intakes in the infant's diet after weaning. It is shown that doses to the fetus following maternal ingestion and subsequent transfer to the fetus via the placenta dominate the doses received for this particular individual for the first two years of life. Doses to the infant from intakes in breast milk are substantially lower but do make significant contributions to total doses in the first two years after birth. By about the age of two years residual 90Sr from placental transfer still contributes about the same dose as do intakes by the infant, but in later years doses from intakes by the infant dominate.

Bone Marrow↗