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Biomedical subjects

L F Smith

Publications and source records attributed to L F Smith.

85 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

Antibody-dependent mononuclear cell-mediated antimeningococcal activity. Comparison of the effects of convalescent and postimmunization immunoglobulins G, M, and A.

We have compared the abilities of immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, and IgA to induce either mononuclear cell-mediated (complement-independent) or complement-mediated (cell-free) antibacterial activity against group C meningococci. In each of these assays, immunoglobulins purified from the sera of individuals immunized with meningococcal group C polysaccharide were compared with those purified from sera of patients convalescing from disseminated meningococcal disease. Our data support three conclusions. First, although nonbactericidal in cooperation with complement, IgA can induce cell-mediated antibacterial activity as well as IgG. Second, the amount of IgG required to induce cell-mediated antibacterial activity is similar to the amount required for complement-mediated killing. Third, although the amount of either postimmunization or convalescent IgM required to induce complement-mediated killing is 16- to 20-fold less than the amount of respective IgG required, IgM is inferior to IgG in its ability to induce cell-mediated antibacterial activity because in the cell-mediated system (a) postimmunization IgM is ineffective; (b) the amount of convalescent IgM required for minimal activity is eightfold more than the amount of convalescent IgG required; and (c) the maximal antibacterial index induced by convalescent IgM is 50% less than that which can be induced by IgG. These data suggest that IgG and IgA may play a greater role than IgM in mononuclear cell-mediated antibacterial host immune defense.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1979

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated antibacterial activity of human mononuclear cells. I. K lymphocytes and monocytes are effective against meningococi in cooperation with human imune sera.

In cooperation with human heat-inactivated antisera from adults immunized with group C meningococcal polysaccharide, normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells significantly decreased the viability of group C meningococci (Mgc) in vitro. K lymphocytes (Null cells) and monocytes, (but not T or B lymphocytes) were capable of effecting antibody-dependent cell-mediated (ADC) antibacterial activity in this system. The degree to which meningococcal viability was decreased was a function of the length of the test incubation, the concentration of effector cells, and the amount of antiserum used in the assay. When specific antibodies directed against Mgc were adsorbed from the antiserum, cell-mediated antibacterial activity was abolished. ADC antibacterial activity was also abrogated by performing the assay at 4 degrees C or by heating effector cells to 46 degrees C for 15 min before the assay, Similarities between the ADC antibacterial system and previously described ADCC assays are discussed. The data suggest the K cells (as well as monocytes) may play a role in host immune defense against pathogenic bacteria.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1979

5-Fluorouracil, adriamycin, and mitomycin-C (FAM) chemotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Twenty-five patients with advanced measurable adenocarcinoma of the lung were treated with combination chemotherapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin, and mitomycin-C (FAM). Objective response (1CR, 8PR) was obtained in 36% of patients. The median duration of response was 7.0 months and the median survival for responders is greater than 8.5 months. Five responders are alive 5.5 to 23.5 months after starting therapy. Three of four patients evidencing stabilization of disease are alive at 10-23 months. Non-responding patients had a median survival of 2.5 months and none lived beyond seven months. Tumor response and survival suggested correlation with initial performance status and limited disease. The FAM regimen was tolerated well, with moderate bone marrow suppression and gastrointestinal symptoms being the only clinically significant toxicities. These results indicate that patients with advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma can obtain objective tumor regression with FAM chemotherapy.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1978

Phase II trial of 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin, and mitomycin C in advanced colorectal cancer.

Thirty-five patients with advanced measurable colorectal cancer were treated with a combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), adriamycin, and mitomycin C (FAM). Objective regression of tumor was observed in six patients (17%); seven patients (20%) demonstrated stabilization of disease. The FAM regimen was generally well tolerated with toxic effects limited to bone marrow depression and mild-to-moderate nausea and vomiting. FAM combination chemotherapy did not significantly improve survival in responding patients, nor was it more effective than 5-FU alone in achieving objective regression of disease.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Intraoperative ultrasound and other techniques to achieve negative margins.

Over the past few decades new procedures and technologies have been introduced into clinical practice for the evaluation and management of breast disease. Ultrasound is rapidly becoming a valued tool in the armamentarium of the breast surgeon. The use of ultrasound by radiologists and breast surgeons to evaluate nonpalpalable detected breast lesions has increased dramatically. With its easy portability and improvements in the technology, the use of ultrasound has now expanded into the operating room. In this work we review the value of intraoperative ultrasound and other techniques in obtaining and assessing margin status.

Biopsy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Music therapy for assistance with pain and anxiety management in burn treatment.

The management of pain is one of the primary issues in burn care. Pain is not only a physiologic experience, but a psychological one as well. With this in mind, the treatment of burned patients must incorporate a holistic view of pain management and healing. Cognitive, behavioral, and pharmacologic interventions all have a role in pain management. Studies, as well as clinical experience, have shown that musical intervention has been helpful in assisting patients with pain management in a variety of medical settings. Music is an element of normal life that can be easily adapted for the needs of individual patients and their current environment while providing a means for self expression and for normalizing the environment. This article examines the rationale for using music therapy with burned patients, describes several protocols that have been adapted to meet the specific needs of burned patients, and summarizes our preliminary findings, which demonstrate significant response to music therapy protocols employed on our patients.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of brachial and calf blood pressures in infants.

PURPOSE: To compare brachial and calf blood pressures in infants under one year of age using the same size blood pressure cuff. METHODOLOGY: A convenience sample of 79 infants ages 4-300 days was selected from the General Pediatric, Pediatric Special Care, and Pediatric Intensive Care units in an acute care hospital located in the southern United States. Difference between brachial and calf blood pressures were compared using a paired t-test and defining the range of difference for 95% of the sample. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in brachial and calf blood pressure measurements when assessed by paired t-test. The range of difference for 95% of the sample merits further clinical attention. CONCLUSION: Calf blood pressure measurements can be assessed routinely on infants under one year of age but it is important to consistently compare calf pressures to calf pressures and brachial pressures to brachial pressures.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Low blood lead levels in Northern Ontario - what now?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of childhood lead exposure and provide guidance for public health efforts to reduce exposure in Northern communities in Ontario. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Northern Ontario, September-October 1992. PARTICIPANTS: 395 children aged 1 to 6 living in Moosonee or Moose Factory (68% of all children in target group). OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood lead levels. RESULTS: The geometric mean lead level was 3.10 micro g/dL (range, 0 to 18.9 micro g/dl); 4% of children had a lead level > 10 mu g/dL, and none had levels over 20 mu g/dL. Two-year-olds and boys had the highest lead levels. CONCLUSIONS: Blood lead levels in this survey are low but unexpectedly close to inner city Toronto children in both non-point-source and point-source neighbourhoods. Population-level rather than individual interventions are required to further reduce exposure. Lead shot is among the important sources of insidious environmental lead exposure in this population and may be very important for some children involved in hunting activities. Results suggest the development of safer alternatives for lead shot.

Child↗