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Biomedical subjects

J H Edwards

Publications and source records attributed to J H Edwards.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

A search for linkage in cystic fibrosis.

Linkage between the locus for cystic fibrosis and other genetic markers was explored in 40 families from Birmingham and 20 from Manchester. No strong evidence was found for linkage with any of the markers examined. There was evidence against close linkage with ABO, HLA, and Rh.

Child↗

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis after exposure to isocyanates.

Four patients exposed to isocyanate vapour developed dyspnoea associated with restriction and reduced gas transfer as well as moderate airways obstruction on lung function testing. In one patient bilateral radiographic shadowing was present and an open lung biopsy was performed. The microscopic appearances ranged from acute inflammation to end-stage fibrosis but the centribular accentuation of disease and the presence of areas resembling bronchopulmonary aspergillosis suggested that the process was a hypersensitivity response to inhaled allergen. Challenge tests with albumin and toluene diisocyanate-albumin were carried out in sensitized and control rabbits. The sensitized animals developed extensive lung damage of the type associated with an Arthus reaction. It is suggested that patients exposed to isocyanates may occasionally develop a hypersensitivity pneumonitis rather than the more usual asthmatic syndrome.

Animals↗

Cross-reacting antibodies to Micropolyspora faeni in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

Two cases are described of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in whom cross-reacting antibodies developed to a glycopeptide antigen of Micropolyspora faeni. The antibodies were predominantly IgG, although some IgM was detected. Precipitin responses to M. faeni were detected for 4 months after the initial illness in one case, and 1 month in the second case. The cross-reacting antibodies were closely related to the antibodies responsible for the complement fixation reaction to M. pneumoniae. It is suggested that a common polysaccharide antigen may exist on the surface membranes of M. pneumoniae and M. faeni. Initial studies of the frequency of the development of cross-reacting antibodies in M. pneumoniae infection suggest it is uncommon. Atypical cases of farmer's lung should be investigated to exclude M. pneumoniae infection.

Absorption↗

Centrometric linkage in autosomal trisomies.

A detailed description of the cytological mechanisms leading to autosomal trisomy shows that the proportion of trisomics carrying three alleles from three of their grandparents is bound to be greater than zero for any locus anywhere on a trisomic chromosome. The likelihood method used to estimate this proportion in pedigree data can be applied to the detection of linkage, or to investigations on the origin of trisomy when linkage is known.

Chromosome Aberrations↗

The composition of massive lesions in coal miners.

The nature of the material forming the massive lesions in the lungs of coal workers has never been demonstrated. The concept that it was in fact massive fibrosis, implying that it consisted of collagen impregnated with coal dust, has been challenged only during the last ten years. It was agreed that the best chance of obtaining more definite information was from a combined study of the biochemical, pathological, ultrastructural, and immunological features of a number of lungs containing these lesions. Six cases which were found to contain suitable material were studied. The preliminary results obtained suggest that collagen is present in the capsule of these lesions but that at the centre it is replaced by another insoluble protein or proteins which is probably stabilized by some form of cross-linking. This protein complex accounts for one-third of the weight of the lesions, the remaining two-thirds consisting of approximately equal amounts of mineral dusts and calcium phosphate. Serum proteins were also observed but their association with the lesions has yet to be determined.

Coal Mining↗