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Biomedical subjects

J Spencer

Publications and source records attributed to J Spencer.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Proliferation and differentiation of tumour cells from B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue in vitro.

Several characteristics of lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT type) suggest that they are antigen-dependent and that their growth parodies a normal immune response. We have previously shown that three cases of low-grade B-cell MALT-type lymphoma recognize autoantigens. In this study, we investigated the response of three low-grade and one high-grade case of MALT-type lymphoma to anti-idiotypic antibody as a model of antigen binding either alone or as a co-stimulus with B-cell mitogens. We also studied the response of tumour cells to interleukin-6 (IL-6), which induces differentiation to immunoglobulin-producing cells in many systems. Of the four cases studied, one low-grade case showed markedly enhanced proliferation in response to anti-idiotype alone. This could not be increased by the addition of mitogens. In the remaining two low-grade cases, mitogen responsiveness was observed which was affected by anti-idiotype either by an enhancement or by a reduction in the proliferative response. The high-grade case failed to respond to the stimuli studied. No response to IL-6 was observed. This study supports the suggestion that antigen may affect the pathogenesis of low-grade tumours of MALT type.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗
PubMed1993

The nominal group technique: a research tool for general practice?

Qualitative methods are increasingly recognized as valuable, yet practitioners face difficult decisions in their choice of method and the process of analysis. The nominal group technique combines quantitative and qualitative data collection in a group setting, and avoids problems of group dynamics associated with other group methods such as brainstorming, Delphi and focus groups. Idea generation and problem solving are combined in a structured group process, which encourages and enhances the participation of group members. The stages involved in conducting a nominal group are described, and practical problems of its use in a health care setting are discussed with reference to a study of the priorities of care of diabetic patients, carers and health professionals. Some potential applications of the technique in audit and exploratory research are also outlined.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1993

Ontogeny and induction of adhesion molecule expression in human fetal intestine.

In this study we examined the distribution of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin in human fetal intestine, to determine whether they may have a role in the development of gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Secondly, we studied the tempo of induction of these molecules after T cell activation in explants of human fetal intestine cultured in vitro. In the fetus from 11 to 20 weeks gestation, endothelial expression of ICAM-1 and diffuse staining of VCAM-1 was observed in the lamina propria. In contrast, there was intense expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the developing Peyer's patches, suggesting that these molecules may be involved in the accumulation or organization of lymphoid tissue in the gut. After T cell activation in fetal intestinal explants, the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was increased on most endothelial cells, leucocytes, and stromal cells in the lamina propria. Expression was maintained for at least 4 days. In contrast, the induction of E-selectin was rapid, and the expression was transient, despite the continuing presence of activated T cells and macrophages. This suggests that other factors are required to prevent the down-regulation of E-selectin to maintain the sustained expression sometimes observed in vivo.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1993

Incorporation of ethnographic methods in occupational therapy assessment.

Many constructs of interest to occupational therapists can only be studied through qualitative methods. Such constructs include meaning of activity or the illness experience and the context in which these occur. The purpose of this paper is to describe how ethnographic methods used in research can be generalized and applied to clinical practice. Ethnography is compared with other qualitative research approaches and a model clinical ethnographic assessment process is described.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1993

Immunoglobulin specificity of low grade B cell gastrointestinal lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type.

The specificity of the tumor cell immunoglobulin in three cases of low grade B cell gastrointestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma has been studied. Using anti-idiotypic antibodies to detect the reactivity of tumor immunoglobulin in tissue sections from the patients and other individuals, we observed specificity for normal tissue components in all three cases studied. Reactivity in one case was with follicular dendritic cells, in the second case with a novel antigen on mucosal post capillary venules, and, in the third case, a broad pattern of reactivity was observed. This study suggests that autoimmunity may play a role in the pathogenesis of gastric lymphoma.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗
PubMed1993

Creating a death register for general practice.

General practitioners complete approximately 26% of death certificates themselves but have considerable difficulty obtaining prompt and accurate information about their other patients who die. A random survey of district health authorities in England revealed that all were able to compile death lists but none included general practitioner details. This paper reviews the flow of information on patient deaths and describes a project to assess the feasibility of providing Newcastle general practitioners with comprehensive death registers. With the collaboration of the family health services authority and the district health authority, and with data from the regional perinatal mortality survey the creation each week of complete lists of patient deaths, broken down by general practitioner, is feasible. Death registers allow general practitioners to undertake audit of the quality of death certification and of the care of the recently deceased, and to improve the continuing care of the bereaved.

Cause of Death↗
PubMed1992

Psychiatric diagnostic profiles in hospitalized adolescent and adult Navajo Indians.

Diagnostic profiles of 400 adolescent and 1159 adult Navajo Indians consecutively admitted to a psychiatric unit between 1980 and 1989 are presented in this paper. The major discharge diagnoses for adolescents were as follows: adjustment reaction, mixed, and depression, not otherwise specified (NOS), with females accounting for two-thirds of either diagnosis; schizophrenia, with males accounting for 68% of all diagnoses, and personality disorder, NOS, with no gender differences. The four major discharge diagnoses for adults were schizophrenia and depression, NOS, in which there were no gender differences; alcohol withdrawal, syndrome, in which males accounted for 76% of those discharged; and adjustment reaction, mixed, in which females constituted 60% of those discharged. Over the 10-year period, there was a decrease in adult and an increase in adolescent admissions. During the last 2 years (1988 and 1989) adolescents accounted for almost 30% of all admissions compared with 14% during the first 2 years (1981 and 1982).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The intraoperative localization of the obscure bleeding site using fluorescein.

Despite visceral angiography and radiolabeled gastrointestinal scintigraphy, the localization of gastrointestinal bleeding can still be a challenge. Even preoperative localization with visceral angiography is no guarantee of successful intraoperative localization or subsequent pathological confirmation. We report a case of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding of small bowel origin, which was localized intraoperatively by fluorescein injected via a superselectively placed catheter.

Angiography↗