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Biomedical subjects

J Morris

Publications and source records attributed to J Morris.

At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Vegetable consumption and acute appendicitis in 59 areas in England and Wales.

Rates of acute appendicitis in 59 areas of England and Wales were correlated with consumption of different foods per caput, measured from household food purchases. There was a statistically significant positive correlation with potato consumption and a negative correlation with non-potato vegetables. This negative correlation depended mainly on green vegetables and tomatoes. There was no consistently significant correlation with any other main food group. In particular the correlations with cereal foods, cereal fibre, and total dietary fibre were small and not significant. Green vegetables and tomatoes may protect against appendicitis, possibly through an effect on the bacterial flora of the appendix.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1986

Space Station gas-grain simulation facility: application to exobiology.

The Space Station provides an environment in which the forces required to suspend particles during an experiment can be reduced by as much as six orders of magnitude. This reduction in levitation force enables us to perform many new experiments in a variety of disciplines. We have grouped these experiments into two categories: 1) those involving an individual particle or the interaction between a few particles and 2) those involving clouds in particles. We consider only particle experiments at this stage because cloud experiments suffer from electrostatic interactions and levitation-forced coalescence therefore requiring considerably more space, mass and crew interaction. The displacement of a particle resulting from g-jitter for ballistic, Knudsen and Stokes flow regimes is considered in detail and the radiation, acoustic, electrostatic and electromagnetic levitation mechanisms to control this motion are reviewed. We have selected the simulation of organic haze production ion Titan as an example experiment for detailed study. The objective of this experiment is to simulate the photolysis of methane and the subsequent formation of the organic haze particles in the upper atmosphere of Titan.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1986

Assessment of closed head injury in trauma-related spinal cord injury.

The complete medical records of 122 patients who sustained traumatic spinal cord injuries were reviewed to determine the frequency and results of emergency room assessments for loss of consciousness (LOC) and post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). Eighty-eight percent of the patients were assessed for LOC and 19% were assessed for PTA. Fifty patients (41% of the total population) admitted to LOC, PTA or both. Fourteen of these 50 patients underwent subsequent radiographic examinations of the skull, all of which were negative. Because of the association of intracranial complications and long-term cognitive sequelae with even brief LOC or PTA, early recognition of craniocerebral trauma is an important component of the acute management of spinal cord injured patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

On the stereochemistry and biosynthesis of lipoxin B.

Lipoxin B (LXB) was prepared by incubation of (15S)-15-hydroperoxy-5,8,11-cis-13-trans-icosatetraenoic acid (15-HPETE) with human leukocytes. Comparison with a number of trihydroxyicosatetraenes prepared by total synthesis showed that biologically derived LXB is (5S,14R,15S)-5,14,15-trihydroxy-6,10,12-trans-8-cis-icosatetraenoi c acid. Two isomers of LXB were identified by using an improved isolation procedure. These compounds were shown to be (5S,14R,15S)-5,14,15-trihydroxy-6,8,10,12-trans-icosatetraenoic acid (8-trans-LXB) and (5S,14S,15S)-5,14,15-trihydroxy-6,8,10,12-trans-icosatetraenoic acid [(14S)-8-trans-LXB]. Experiments with 18O2 showed that formation of LXB and its two isomers occurred with incorporation of molecular oxygen at C-5 but not at C-14. These results together with the finding that (15S)-hydroxy-5,8,11-cis-13-trans-icosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) is a precursor of LXB compounds in activated leukocytes suggest that 15-hydroxy-5,6-epoxy-7,9,13-trans-11-cis-icosatetraenoic acid or its equivalent is a common intermediate in the biosynthesis of LXB and its two isomers.

Arachidonic Acids↗
PubMed1986

The simple repeat poly(dT-dG).poly(dC-dA) common to eukaryotes is absent from eubacteria and archaebacteria and rare in protozoans.

Genomic DNA from a wide variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms has been assayed for the simple repeat sequence poly(dT-dG).poly(dC-dA) by Southern blotting and DNA slot blot hybridizations. Consistent with findings of others, we have found the simple alternating sequence to be present in multiple copies in all organisms in the animal kingdom (e.g., mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, crustaceans, insects, jellyfish, nematodes). The TG element was also found in lower eukaryotes (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Neurospora crassa, and Dictyostelium discoideum) and at a much lower frequency in protozoans (Oxytricha fallux and Tetrahymena thermophila). The sequence was also repeated in high copy number in a higher plant (Zea mays) as well as at very high levels in a unicellular green alga (Chlamydomonas reinhardi). Although the copy number of the repeat per haploid genome was generally proportional to genome size, there was a greater-than-1,000-fold variation in the number of (TG)25/100-kb genomic DNA. By contrast, no eu-or archaebacterium--including Myxococcus xanthus, whose life cycle is very similar to that of the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, and Halobacter volcanii, whose genome contains other repeated sequences--was found whose genomic DNA contained this sequence in detectable amounts. A computer search also failed to find the TG element in human mitochondrial DNA.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

The utility of computed tomography in colonic diverticulitis.

Forty-one patients admitted to our hospital during an 18-month period with the clinical diagnosis of colonic diverticulitis were analyzed to evaluate the utility of computed tomography (CT). Abdominal pain and leukocytosis were the most common presenting manifestations, 75 and 66%, respectively. Just over one-half of the patients also demonstrated hematuria. Twenty patients required surgical intervention, most commonly for failure to improve despite medical management. Preoperative studies included 10 sigmoidoscopies, 30 plain abdominal roentgenograms, 20 barium enemas (BE), and 24 CT scans. Two CT scans were also obtained after operation for successful percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses. Abdominal roentgenograms were most commonly obtained but least helpful, with only one third demonstrating any abnormality whatsoever. Sigmoidoscopy was least commonly performed but almost universally abnormal. Specificity was low, however, in that spasm with inability to advance the endoscope was the most common finding. Of the 20 barium enemas obtained, 60% had findings consistent with diverticulitis, most commonly localized perforation or fixed narrow segment. Sixty-three per cent of CT scans were abnormal. The most frequent findings were localized thickening of the colonic wall and increased density in the pericolic fat. Diverticular abscess, which may be inferred by other studies, was definitely diagnosed in one third of the patients with abnormal CT scans. CT also provided the ability to identify extracolonic intra-abdominal pathology. The study demonstrates that both barium enema and CT are effective in diagnosing diverticulitis, although CT can be performed without risk. CT played no therapeutic role before operation, although two patients benefited after operation by CT-guided drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses. The decision for surgery was most frequently dependent on clinical examination and never solely on the basis of either the barium enema or CT in this study. The major benefit of CT appears to be its ability to identify both gross and subtle changes indicative of diverticular disease and extracolonic pathology in a relatively noninvasive manner.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

A case-control study of acute appendicitis and diet in children.

The diets of 53 Southampton children who had had appendicitis were compared with those of two sets of age-sex matched controls using a seven-day weighed food record. One set of controls comprised classmates of the cases; the other was a random sample of all schoolchildren in the city. The cases weighed less and were shorter in height; they had lower intakes of energy, all the main nutrients and water. The differences in weight and water intake were statistically significant. Low water intake was identified as a risk factor independent of other factors. Consumption of dietary fibre from cereals and vegetables in relation to total energy intake and body weight was similar in cases and controls.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1986

Use of a bogus pipeline method to increase accuracy of self-reported alcohol consumption among pregnant women.

Pregnant women (N = 220) attending urban maternity care clinics were randomly assigned to study groups to determine the effectiveness of a "bogus pipeline" method to increase the accuracy of behavioral self-reports of alcohol consumption. Results indicate a significant difference (p less than .025) between those who reported alcohol consumption and those who were told their behavioral self-report of alcohol consumption would be confirmed by a physiological test (bogus pipeline). Only 14% in the self-reported group said they currently used alcohol during pregnancy, whereas 27% in the bogus pipeline group reported consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. The results suggest that the use of the bogus pipeline may increase the accuracy of self-reported alcohol consumption data from a cohort of pregnant women.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Storage of platelet concentrates--an in vitro study of four types of plastic packs.

Four types of plastic blood collection packs were studied for their ability to preserve platelet function during a 5 d storage period. The platelet concentrates were stored in polyvinyl chloride (Tuta Laboratories), PL 1240 and PL 732 (Fenwal Laboratories) and CLX (Cutter Laboratories) packs, on a Fenwal elliptical rotator at 20 degrees-24 degrees C. Plasma pH, lactate concentration, hypotonic shock response (HSR), platelet aggregation in response to ADP, collagen and ristocetin and levels of the plasticisers, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and tri-ethylhexyl trimellitate (TEHTM), were measured. Morphological changes were assessed by electron microscopy. No significant fall in pH occurred in any type of pack but in vitro function and platelet morphology was generally better preserved in Tuta and CLX packs than in PL 732 and PL 1240. Very little TEHTM leached out of the PL 1240 and CLX packs whereas the mean concentration of DEHP in the platelet concentrates stored in Tuta packs was 27.4 mg/100 ml plasma after 5 d of storage. The results indicate that it is possible to prepare and store platelet concentrates in polyvinyl chloride plastic packs for a period of 5 d and maintain their function and viability.

Benzoates↗
PubMed1985

Staphylococcus saprophyticus as a urinary pathogen: a six year prospective survey.

Over six years (1978-83, inclusive) weekly laboratory records of organisms causing urinary tract infection in women aged 15-25 not attending hospital were kept prospectively and analysed. The incidence of infection with Staphylococcus saprophyticus defined by age and sex was confirmed. This organism caused an increasing proportion of infections in young women over the six years studied, and these infections showed noticeable seasonality. All but four isolates of S saprophyticus were sensitive to all the commonly used antimicrobial agents that were tested. This might be because the organism is not often present in the body as a commensal and therefore not subject to the selection pressures exerted by such agents. As infection with S saprophyticus has different clinical connotations from infection with other coagulase negative staphylococci it should be differentiated from them in routine laboratory practice.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Design of a limited-access facility and safety program for a genetic toxicology laboratory.

A limited-access facility has been designed as a result of the need for laboratories for testing hazardous materials found in the environment. The facility design features include room air flow and filtration, hood types, sink design and placement, design of countertops, type of flooring and wall sealant, and traffic flow within the laboratories. These laboratories required the diversity to handle weighing of stock hazardous materials, preparation and handling of aliquots, maintenance of dosed animals as well as sterile conditions required for tissue culture and continuous cell culture methods. A safety and health program was also developed which included specific dress (e.g., scrub suit, TYVEK jumpsuit, gloves, safety glasses and safety shoes), safety advisory group, safety response group, medical monitoring program and training of current and new staff members. The design and use of the facility are continuously reevaluated and changes are made as necessitated by either research needs or improved safety methods.

Accident Prevention↗
PubMed1985

Stereophotogrammetry of the lumbar spine. A technique for the detection of pseudarthrosis.

A computer-assisted photogrammetric method for the detection of pseudarthrosis following spinal fusion is described. This radiologic method is quantitative and noninvasive and requires a minimum of clinician time. Results of tests with a phantom specimen are presented. Preliminary indications are that the method may prove to be a useful adjunct to the clinician in monitoring the postoperative course of patients requiring fusion procedures.

Lumbar Vertebrae↗
PubMed1985

Percutaneous lumbar diskectomy using a new aspiration probe: porcine and cadaver model.

A method of percutaneous aspiration of the nucleus pulposus of lumbar disks is described as performed in four pigs and three cadavers. Through a lateral oblique percutaneous approach, 80-100% of the nucleus pulposus was removed in each of the pigs; approximately 30% of the cadaver disk was removed. A unique aspiration probe and the introducing set as well as the technique are described. The implications for clinical use in patients are discussed. We believe this technique may be an alternative to both surgical diskectomies and chymopapain injection in the treatment of herniated disk disease of the lumbar spine.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Influence of coronary collateral blood flow on the development of exertional ischemia and Q wave infarction in patients with severe single-vessel disease.

The functional significance of coronary collateral flow from a nonobstructed supply artery was studied in 121 patients with severe (greater than or equal to 80%) single-vessel disease, 64 with and 57 without Q wave infarction. All patients underwent exercise thallium imaging and coronary angiography. On angiography, collateral flow was present in 85% of 74 occluded arteries compared with only 17% of 47 arteries with subtotal obstruction (p less than .001). Collateral flow was not seen in arteries with lesions of less than 90% obstruction. Collateral flow was present in 100% of 29 occluded arteries in patients without Q wave infarction compared with only 76% of 45 occluded arteries with Q wave infarction (p less than .005). Clinical variables did not correlate with collateral flow. Collateral flow did not prevent ischemia on exercise thallium imaging in patients without Q wave infarction: 30 of 33 (91%) with collateral flow had reversible thallium defects compared with 24 of 24 (100%) without collateral flow (p = NS). In patients with Q wave infarction, partially reversible exercise thallium defects (peri-infarctional ischemia) were more common with flow to the area from either subtotal obstruction (73%) or collateral flow (45%) than with no flow from total occlusion (27%; p = .05). In patients with severe single-vessel disease the presence of collateral flow is principally determined by coronary occlusion. Collateral flow may protect from Q wave infarction but does not prevent exercise ischemia on thallium imaging.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Ultrastructural localization of immunoreactive neurophysins using monoclonal antibodies and protein A-gold.

Using three different monoclonal antibodies against rat neurophysins (5), with protein A-gold as immunocytochemical marker (27), the murid hypothalamoneurohy-pophysial system was studied at the ultrastructural level. Postembedding staining was done on epoxy-embedded sections of supraoptic nuclei and posterior pituitaries. Specific immunolabeling of vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic neurosecretory granules was observed in tissues fixed with glutaraldehyde or glutaraldehyde mixtures (containing paraformaldehyde and picric acid), with or without osmium tetroxide postfixation and with or without sodium metaperiodate oxidation. Some autophagic vacuoles containing lysed neurosecretory granules were also neurophysin immunoreactive. Nonspecific background staining was extremely low. An attempt was made to appraise labeling intensities semiquantitatively by counting gold particles in relation to number of secretory granules per axonal varicosity. Immunoreactivity was measurably influenced by the mode of fixation, sodium metaperiodate oxidation, and titer and affinity of the antibody. The protein A-gold technique using monoclonal antibodies against neurophysins provides a superior means of ultrastructural analysis of the hypothalamoneurohypophysial system, both visually and morphometrically.

Animals↗