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Biomedical subjects

J R Barton

Publications and source records attributed to J R Barton.

98 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Effect of isosorbide dinitrate, verapamil, and labetalol on portal pressure in cirrhosis.

The effects on portal pressure of the vasodilatory drugs isosorbide dinitrate and verapamil and of an alpha and beta blocking agent, labetalol, were assessed in 21 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The wedged hepatic venous pressure gradient (wedged minus free hepatic venous pressures) was used as an index of portal pressure and was not significantly changed by treatment with labetalol (n = 5) but was significantly decreased by verapamil (n = 6; p less than 0.05) and isosorbide dinitrate (n = 10; p less than 0.01). Long term administration of isosorbide dinitrate also had a significant effect (p less than 0.01).

Humans↗

Rapid measurement of creatine kinase activity in a coronary care unit using a portable benchtop reflectance photometer.

Rapid measurements of plasma creatine kinase activity using an inexpensive benchtop reflectance photometer (Ames Seralyzer) and disposable reagent strips were evaluated in the laboratory and coronary care unit. The system proved simple to use and capable of yielding rapid (four minutes per analysis), precise (coefficient of variation less than 9%), and accurate results (correlation with routine method 0.995) when used by medical staff. Creatine kinase values were available 6.5-102 hours earlier than routine laboratory data, depending on the time and day of sampling, thereby facilitating appropriate and economic patient management. This instrument might be used to supplement the routine enzyme service for selected admissions, resulting in greatly improved availability of results and hence contributing to the early discharge of patients from intensive care facilities.

Clinical Enzyme Tests↗

"Invalidity" due to chronic bronchitis and emphysema: how real is it?

Hospital discharges and deaths attributed to chronic bronchitis and emphysema have fallen in recent years while the number of those receiving invalidity benefit for these conditions has remained constant. One hundred and fifty seven such persons were invited to take part in this study, in which the diagnosis, degree of respiratory impairment, and other factors contributing to disability were reviewed. The scope for rehabilitation was considered. One hundred subjects agreed to take part; 96 were men and 70 were over 60 years. In only 67 was the main diagnosis chronic bronchitis and emphysema. There was a bimodal distribution of functional impairment, most being severely disabled, but in 20 the FEV1 was within the normal range. Among these asthma was more common and psychological factors were important. Economic factors contributed to "invalidity," especially among those with a normal FEV1. For 32 of the 57 who had declined to take part some information was available from hospital records. The findings in this group were similar. There was little scope for rehabilitation in the group as a whole as motivation was poor. Less than half had ever seen a chest physician. Specialist assessment before invalidity benefit is claimed is probably desirable.

Aged↗

A murine monoclonal antibody recognizes the 13,000 molecular weight polypeptide of the Sm small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex.

Antibodies to the Sm antigen are closely associated with the rheumatic disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The Sm antigen exists in the cell as part of a ribonucleoprotein complex containing at least 10 polypeptides and five small nuclear RNA. The major immunoreactive Sm species are three polypeptides of m.w. 27,000, 26,000, and 13,000. By using an MRL/1 mouse, a strain which spontaneously produces a disease with many of the characteristics of human SLE, we have produced an anti-Sm hybridoma specific for the 13,000 m.w. Sm polypeptide. This monoclonal antibody is sufficient to allow for the rapid bulk isolation of the entire class of Sm snRNP, and can be used sequentially with an anti-(U1)RNP monoclonal antibody to subfractionate the Sm snRNP particles.

Animals↗

Barium enema or colonoscopy for the investigation of iron deficiency anaemia?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether double contrast barium enema is adequate for excluding carcinoma of the colon in patients with iron deficiency anaemia. DESIGN: Prospective audit. SUBJECTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients with iron deficiency anaemia. INTERVENTION: All patients had upper intestinal (GI) endoscopy, duodenal biopsy and double contrast barium enema. Malignant disease and other GI pathology were treated. Patients with recurrent or persistent anaemia at follow-up were colonoscoped. OUTCOME MEASURE: Colon cancer missed on barium enema examination but detected on colonoscopic examination. RESULTS: An identified GI lesion contributing to their anaemia and 11 colon cancers were found in 71% of patients, all identified on barium enema. Two pre-cancerous conditions were missed on barium enema examination. Only 45% colonoscopies inspected the caecum. CONCLUSION: Double contrast barium enema with sigmoidoscopy is probably sufficient for excluding carcinoma of the colon in iron deficiency anaemia.

Adolescent↗