Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J M James

Publications and source records attributed to J M James.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Early gene interaction during prepupal expression of Drosophila arginine kinase.

Arginine kinase displays a distinctive rise and fall in specific activity and specific protein levels during the prepupal stage of Drosophila development with maximal activity occurring at morphological stage P3. This developmentally regulated peak is under the influence of ecdysone. Altered doses of the major ecdysone-inducible "early" genes at cytological regions 75B and 2B5 alter this pattern of expression while altered doses of another major "early" gene at 74EF have no effect. We hypothesize that a product of the 2B5 locus and a product of the 75B locus interact to effect this developmental pattern of expression of Drosophila arginine kinase.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Immunologic changes associated with the development of tolerance in children with cow milk allergy.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cow milk-specific antibody responses correlated with the development of clinical tolerance in cow milk-allergic children. Double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges were performed annually in 29 patients with cow milk allergy. Clinical reactivity was lost in 11 (38%) of 29 patients. The median age for all patients at the time of diagnosis by these food challenges was 3 years; more than 80% of patients in each group had atopic dermatitis as part of their presenting symptoms. Casein-specific and beta-lactoglobulin-specific IgE, IgG, IgG1, and IgG4 antibody concentrations were analyzed in all patients at regular intervals. In the patients becoming clinically tolerant to cow milk, the IgE-specific antibody concentrations and IgE/IgG-specific ratios for both milk proteins were lower initially and decreased significantly with time, in comparison with those in the group who retained clinical sensitivity. The concentrations of IgG1- and IgG4-specific antibody to casein and the IgE/IgG1 and IgE/IgG4 ratios for both casein and beta-lactoglobulin were significantly less in the patients losing clinical reactivity. No differences in the IgG-specific concentrations were observed in either group at any of the evaluation times noted above. Monitoring similar casein-specific and beta-lactoglobulin-specific IgE concentrations and IgE/IgG ratios may help predict which patients will ultimately lose their clinical reactivity to cow milk.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The incidence and severity of hypoxia associated with 99Tcm Technegas ventilation scintigraphy and 99Tcm MAA perfusion scintigraphy.

Inhalation of the ventilatory radiopharmaceutical 99Tcm Technegas leads, in some patients, to symptoms that may be attributed to temporary lowering of oxygen saturation. In order to evaluate this, oxygen saturation was measured by pulse oximetry in a series of patients undergoing Technegas ventilation scintigraphy. A decrease in oxygen saturation was recorded in 87% of the patient group. The mean change, as a percentage of the initial value, was 8.3% (range 1-24%). Hypoxia arising in association with Technegas administration may be reduced by pre-oxygenation. In patients who were pre-oxygenated, oxygen saturation did not fall below 85% (PaO2: 50 mmHg) but in 39% of those not pre-oxygenated the value fell below this level. Oxygen saturation was also monitored in a series of patients undergoing perfusion scintigraphy. In 17% of patients a decrease was recorded (range 2-11%). In view of the large number of perfusion scans performed annually in this department and elsewhere without untoward effect, such temporary decreases in oxygen saturation presumably present no hazard to the patient.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

99Tcm-Technegas and krypton-81m ventilation scintigraphy: a comparison in known respiratory disease.

Krypton-81m gas, by virtue of its imaging characteristics, is often considered the "gold standard" for ventilation scintigraphy but its use is restricted by its high cost and limited availability. The new radiopharmaceutical 99Tcm-Technegas, a suspension of ultrafine technetium-99m labelled carbon particles, produces high-quality images of ventilation and has the advantage of continuous availability. As part of our evaluation of Technegas the two were compared in 40 patients with a variety of established respiratory diseases. Disparities were seen in five patients in five diagnostic groups and may be a consequence of the differing physical properties of the two agents and the different inhalation techniques used. In addition two interesting features were noted on the Technegas images. (1) Hot spots were seen in 50% of patients, particularly in those with a degree of airways obstruction; (2) preferential basal deposition of activity was seen in 30%, particularly in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Both features were significantly associated with parameters of pulmonary function indicating obstructive lung disease in the former case and restrictive lung disease in the latter.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Anaphylactic reactions to a psyllium-containing cereal.

Historical data were obtained by questionnaire and telephone survey on 20 of 24 women with reported allergic reactions to a psyllium-containing cereal, Heartwise. Protein fractions from this new cereal, as well as from psyllium mucilloid and a psyllium-containing laxative, Metamucil, were extracted, quantitated, and separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Patients' sera were collected, and specific IgE and IgG antibodies to these psyllium antigens were detected by immunoblotting techniques. Of the 20 women evaluated, all but six were nurses. Eighteen (90%) of the women had historical and/or laboratory evidence of atopy. Exposures included ingestion or dispensing of psyllium-containing products. Only three women denied prior exposure to psyllium. Symptoms developed shortly after small amounts of the cereal were ingested and most commonly included moderate to severe wheezing, throat and chest tightness, and urticaria. All the women required medical therapy, 11 (55%) in an emergency room. Specific IgE and IgG antibodies to various psyllium protein fractions were documented in all the subjects. It was concluded that individuals sensitized by occupational exposure to psyllium dust are at high risk for allergic reactions to ingested psyllium-containing products.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Evaluation of 99Tcm Technegas ventilation scintigraphy in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

In the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, perfusion lung scintigraphy offers high sensitivity but low specificity. The specificity can be significantly increased by the use of combined ventilation and perfusion studies. Most aspects of perfusion lung scintigraphy are uniformly accepted but the technique of ventilation imaging varies from centre to centre. This study describes a new technique for the performance of ventilation scintigraphy using a suspension of ultrafine carbon particles labelled with 99Tcm ("Technegas"). The technique combines the ready availability of 99Tcm and its optimal imaging properties with an easily administered radiopharmaceutical of particle size sufficiently small to deposit in the alveoli. Of 63 patients studied by conventional perfusion scintigraphy plus Technegas ventilation scintigraphy, images of diagnostic quality were obtained in all. 31 of these patients also had a ventilation study using 81Krm gas and in only one instance did the two methods of ventilation imaging lead to differing interpretations. We conclude that high quality diagnostic images may be obtained using this new technique, which can be made available on both a routine and an emergency basis, thus improving the service provided for patients suspected of having pulmonary embolism.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

A prospective study of genital infections in a family-planning clinic. 1. Microbiological findings and their association with vaginal symptoms.

A prospective study of genital infection was conducted in four inner-city family-planning clinics. Fifteen per cent of routine attenders had symptoms and signs of vaginal infection and many more women attended primarily because of symptoms. Among the women with both signs and symptoms, 70% had positive laboratory findings, Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans and bacterial vaginosis being equally prevalent. Measurement of vaginal pH in the clinic was the single most useful clinical finding for directing empirical therapy. Among patients with a discharge confirmed on examination and an abnormally high pH, 72% had either T. vaginalis or bacterial vaginosis. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was isolated from 4% of women with, and 1% of those without, symptoms. We believe that it is worthwhile to investigate patients presenting to family-planning clinics with vaginal symptoms. No single specimen was found ideal for all pathogens, a cervical swab is better for gonococci and also for T. vaginalis but a vaginal swab is needed for candida and bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed1990

A prospective study of genital infections in a family-planning clinic. 2. Chlamydia infection--the identification of a high-risk group.

During a study of genital infection in inner-city family-planning patients we examined 452 women for Chlamydia trachomatis. The prevalence of infection was 7.3%. There was no significant difference between patients attending because of genital symptoms and those who were attending for routine family-planning advice. Infection was found to be correlated with five main demographic parameters; age less than 25, no stable partnership, hormonal contraception, nulliparity and West Indian Ethnic origin. Using these parameters a simple scoring system was devised which allowed a high-risk population to be defined in whom screening would be economically justified.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia in a bird breeder: a case history with pulmonary involvement and antibody activity of the monoclonal IgM to canary's droppings.

A canary breeder with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia developed a pulmonary disease related to an interstitial infiltration by malignant B cells secreting a monoclonal IgM K. The serum monoclonal IgM was shown to possess an antibody activity to some canary's droppings antigen. This finding may help elucidate the natural course of lymphoid malignancies and the pathogenesis of rare visceral localizations.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Spontaneous remission in adult acute leukemia.

A spontaneous complete remission of 34 months' duration was observed in an adult patient with acute myeloblastic leukemia. The remission occurred after a severe febrile pneumonia, which was treated with leukocyte transfusions. At relapse, chromosomal abnormalities reappeared slowly. Such spontaneous complete remissions, almost always associated with bacterial infections and blood transfusions, are extremely rare, and are usually of short duration. Previous cases are summarized, and the role of etiologic factors, including those related to the leukemic proliferation, are discussed.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1985

Associated chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma: origin from a single clone.

We investigated the clonal relationship of malignant cells in a patient affected with both chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma (MM). CLL cells and malignant plasma cells synthesized IgG1 kappa and IgA kappa molecules, respectively; these monoclonal Ig shared idiotypic determinants, providing evidence that a single clonal disease occurred in this patient. Furthermore, when leukemic CLL cells were driven to differentiate in vitro to immunoblasts and plasma cells, a switch from IgG to IgA occurred in a significant percentage of cells that were double producers. These data suggest that, in some circumstances, CLL leukemic B cells may reach a more mature state, leading to the occurrence of clinical MM.

B-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed1985

[Dural venous sinus occlusions in hemopathies].

Four men and four women, aged 16 to 43, developed dural sinus thrombosis, five patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (L.A.L.) and three with non Hodgkin malignant lymphoma (N.H.M.L.). All the cases of L.A.L. were F.A.B.-2 subtype without any unusual hematological features. In 6 cases, the disorders occurred during the phase of therapeutical induction (E.O.R.T.C.-A.L.L.-H.R. protocol) at D5, D10, D15, D26, D30, D38, and in 2 cases during maintenance after a period of remission. All patients had received Vincristine and Prednisone, intrathecal Methotrexate in 5 cases, encephalic irradiation in 3 cases and L-Asparaginase in one case. Three women were taking contraceptive drugs. The neurological symptoms and signs were headache due to intracranial hypertension in 6 cases, Grand Mal seizures in 5 cases, focal seizures in 2 cases, a regressive hemiparesis in 4 cases, stupor in 3 cases. CT scan was abnormal in 4 cases, displaying oedema in 3 cases and an hemorrhagic infarction in 1 case. Angiography showed in all cases occlusion of the superior sagittal sinus in 7 cases and of the transverse sinus on 1 case. Six patients received anticoagulant therapy. Outcome was fatal in 3 cases: in 2 cases of L.A.L., the condition worsened rapidly after the onset and death was related to a tentorial herniation; in 1 case of N.H.M.L. death resulted from an intercurrent infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Histopathologic aspects of bone marrow in angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy].

42 bone marrow biopsies (BMB) were done in 34 patients with angio-immunoblastic lymphadenopathy (AIL), 3 of them associated with Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome. Involvement of bone marrow was discovered in 36 BMB (85%) and in 27 patients (79%). The lesions appeared as nodules destroying the hematopoietic tissue. Each nodule was constituted by a variable amount of lymphocytes, plasma cells, immunoblasts and histiocytes. Epithelioid cells were associated in 14 BMB and in 11 patients. Collagenous myelofibrosis was seen in and around nodules. The bone marrow lesions were uninodular in 5 BMB (11.9%), multinodular in 17 patients and 20 BMB (47.6%) or massive in 10 patients and 11 BMB (26.1%). Vascular lesions were disclosed in only 17 BMB with multinodular or massive involvement. The hematopoietic bone marrow outside the nodular lesions showed hyperplasia in 12 BMB and was normal in all other cases. In the 7 BMB without AIL localization the hematopoiesis was 6 times normal and hyperplasic in one case. No case of malignant lymphoma was disclosed. AIL bone marrow involvement should not be confused with non Hodgkin's ML or Hodgkin's disease. Correlation with median survival and bone marrow involvement was shown: 12 months in cases with massive involvement, 16 months in uni or multinodular lesions, 56 months in bone marrow free of disease. So BMB is useful for the diagnosis of AIL and the presence or absence of bone marrow involvement is of prognostic value.

Bone Marrow↗
PubMed1982

[Thrombopenia caused by heparin. Review of the literature apropos of a personal case].

Following operation for bladder papilloma and subcutaneous heparin therapy, a patient developed severe thrombopenia with biological signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation (D. I. C.). Heparin therapy was discontinued and the platelet count became normal, no further signs of (D. I. C.) being apparent. Histological examination of the excised tumor showed that it was non-malignant, the thrombopenia being directly related to the heparin treatment. A review of the published literature demonstrated variations in the frequency of this complication reported, with an apparently higher incidence in the USA than in France. This could possibly depend upon whether the heparin was prepared from pulmonary or intestinal tissue. The thrombopenia may be severe (platelet count less than 100,000/mm3) with resulting hemorrhages or more commonly thromboses, or moderate without clinical expression. The dose or mode of administration of the heparin does not appear to be a factor in the development of the thrombopenia, its mechanism not being clearly elucidated. From the practical point of view, a platelet count should be performed before heparin treatment, and this should be repeated if the treatment is continued for more than four days.

Aged↗