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Biomedical subjects

J Higginson

Publications and source records attributed to J Higginson.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1981

Nutritional status, globulin titers, and parasitic infections of two populations of Tanzanian school children.

Two schools in rural Tanzania were surveyed regarding the pupils' nutrition (weight and height), serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE), autoantibodies, malaria antibodies, hepatitis B antigenemia, and fecal and urinary parasites. The survey attempted to quantify the relative importance of undernutrition and parasitic infestation in determining the serological abnormalities found. Of all the children surveyed 69% were undernourished (less than 80% of expected weight for age); 63% had fecal parasites and 38% had urinary schistosomiasis. Serum IgG and IgM concentrations were raised and the serum IgE concentration was strikingly raised (mean 4990IU/ml). Elevated serum IgE was associated with ascariasis. Autoantibodies were common but no autoimmune disease was detected. Notably there was a 35% prevalence of reticulin antibody. This reticulin antibody positivity correlated with increased malaria antibody concentrations. Reduced malaria antibody concentration was significantly associated with hepatitis B antigenemia. The study illustrates that parasites, notably malaria, are important determinants of the serum antibodies of children in the tropics and suggests that mild undernutrition has little effect.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Implications for future studies in humans.

While an environmental link with cancer is widely accepted, its implications are not always understood. Because of the multistage nature of carcinogenesis, it is insufficient to study initiation only at the level of the 'target cell', since events before and after initiation may prove pivotal to neoplastic development. Estimates of the relative contributions of factors causing human cancer are briefly summarized. Tumours related to patterns of life style--including diet and behaviour--and individual susceptibility are discussed. It is in this group of tumours that metabolizing enzymes are probably most significant, especially for weak initiating stimuli, whether extrinsic or intrinsic. There are few epidemiological data available at present but future research can be suggested, to improve the definition in biochemical terms of individual susceptibility and effects of life style.

Behavior↗
PubMed1980

Clinical applications of immunofixation: a more sensitive technique for the detection of Bence Jones protein.

Immunofixation in agarose gel has been compared with agarose electrophoresis for the detection of Bence Jones protein in urine. The technique has a sensitivity between five and 10 times greater than electrophoresis and allows the identification of multiple Bence Jones proteins and Bence Jones proteins with fast mobility in the presence of other urinary proteins. In four out of 12 patients studied, Bence Jones protein was undetectable by electrophoresis of 300 times concentrated urine but was clearly identified by immunofixation.

Bence Jones Protein↗
PubMed1980

Clinical applications of immunofixation: detection and quantitation of complement activation.

The methods currently in use for the detection and quantitation of complement activation products are slow and time consuming. We describe a method utilising immunofixation after agarose or cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis which allows large batches of samples to be screened rapidly for the presence of activation products of C3 and factor B. Further, after immunofixation on agarose the conversion product may be quantitated by densitometry. This method gives similar results to those obtained by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Using both this technique and crossed immunoelectrophoresis we have been able to confirm that C4 activation occurs during electrophoresis in the absence of EDTA and that in the presence of EDTA it is not demonstrable even in patients with active immune complex disease.

Complement Activation↗
PubMed1980

IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans.

On 3/4/80, a Special communication was received from the Acting Director of the National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Program and the Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer. This documents the current availability of IARC Monographs concerning the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans. Since this information is of vital interest to many in the profession, the Special Communication is published herewith. All inquiries, requests for information and orders for documents should be directed to the organizations and addresses set forth in the text.

Bibliographies as Topic↗
PubMed1979

Immunogenicity of guinea-pig submandibular and coagulating gland kininogenases.

The antigenic relationship between submandibular and coagulating gland kininogenases of the guinea-pig has been examined using Ouchterlony double diffusion, crossed and rocket immunoelectrophoresis and immunofluorescent techniques. The evidence suggests a partial immunological identity between submandibular and coagulating gland kininogenases of the guinea-pig. In this respect these enzymes seem to differ from the glandular kallikreins of other species (porcine, human and rat) which apparently share a complete immunological identity.

Animals↗