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Biomedical subjects

L Wilson

Publications and source records attributed to L Wilson.

At least 505 records · Page 28Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Microtubules in PMNs from patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells derived from patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) were evaluated in vitro for the function and concentration of their microtubules. Using the time-decay colchicine binding assay to determine the tubulin concentration in PMN cells, no difference was found in PMN cells derived from FMF patients in comparison with those from normal healthy subjects. Colchicine treatment had no effect on the detectable tubulin concentration in the cells. The mobility of fluorescent con A(F-con A)-receptor complexes on PMN membranes was used to test the function of the microtubules. PMNs from untreated FMF patients showed the same pattern of con A cap formation as seen in normal cells. PMNs derived from colchicine treated patients, however, showed 22-32% spontaneous cap formation. These cells also showed 10-30% more capping in comparison with normal or untreated FMF cells, for any given in vitro colchicine concentration, suggesting that at therapeutic doses, the colchicine does accumulate in the PMNs in vivo. We were unable to demonstrate a microtubule defect in the neutrophils from FMF patients in these studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nurse-assisted PEG in pediatric patients.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has become an accepted technique to provide enteral access in children. At the author's institution, this procedure has evolved from being performed by a surgeon and a pediatric gastroenterologist to being performed by two gastroenterologists. As studies in the adult population have shown the efficacy of training an experienced endoscopy nurse to assist with PEG placement, it was decided to develop a nurse-assisted PEG program for pediatric use and to evaluate the safety of this method. Data were collected on 147 consecutive patients undergoing PEG from June 1997 to May 1999. Sixty-nine patients had nurse-assisted PEGs, and 78 had a gastroenterology fellow-assisted PEG. Both groups had a pediatric gastroenterology attending physician as the endoscopist. The two groups were compared for periprocedure complications. No significant difference in the complication rate was found between the two groups. Our experience suggests that PEGs can be safely placed in the pediatric population using a trained endoscopy nurse as first assistant.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Inferior epigastric artery avulsion: a fracture table complication.

The use of traction as an aid to fracture reduction and treatment is well recognized. We present a patient with a complex subtrochanteric femoral fracture that was reduced and fixed using traction on a fracture table. This led to avulsion of the contralateral inferior epigastric artery and life-threatening hemorrhage that necessitated operative intervention.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of a whole blood glutaraldehyde coagulation test for the detection of failure of passive transfer in calves.

The accuracy of a commercially available whole blood glutaraldehyde clot test in the detection of failure of passive transfer (serum immunoglobulin [Ig]G1 < 1,000 mg/dL) in neonatal calves was evaluated. Serum samples were obtained from 242 calves ranging in age from 1 to 8 days, and comparisons were made with serum IgG1 concentrations determined by radial immunodiffusion. Both the sensitivity and specificity of the currently marketed whole blood glutaraldehyde clot test are inadequate for routine diagnostic use. Concerns regarding test sensitivity are the most problematic. Sensitivity varied from 0.41 to 0.00, depending on the choice of test endpoint. Specificity varied from 0.85 to 1.00, depending on the choice of test endpoint. Regression analysis demonstrated that the relationship between serum IgG1 concentration and the glutaraldehyde clot results, although significant (P < .10), was of negligible biological relevance (r2 = .034).

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A non-human primate model for the in utero chronic catheterization of the umbilical vein. A preliminary report.

Short-term ultrasound-guided fetal umbilical cord catheterization in humans has been reported. However, before chronic umbilical vein catheterization is attempted in humans the technique must be tested in the non-human primate model. If the fetus was to tolerate this procedure, chronic fetal umbilical vein catheterization could be used for drug administration, parenteral fetal nutrition or to monitor the changes of hematologic parameters during and after open or endoscopic fetal surgery. In this study, 4 pregnant baboons were used to test the feasibility of ultrasound-guided umbilical vein catheterization. Although the umbilical vein was successfully catheterized in all the animals, only 1 fetus survived the postoperative period. The 3 immediate fetal deaths were due to a fetal intra-amniotic hemorrhage, while the most likely cause of death of the 4th animal was infection. In the surviving fetus and mother, blood was sampled once a day. Neither fetomaternal hemorrhage nor thrombosis could be documented. We conclude that ultrasound-guided transplacental umbilical vein chronic catheterization is technically difficult but feasible in the baboon model. Further studies in this model are needed to improve the catheterization technique and to monitor the extent of time that the catheter may be tolerated within the umbilical vein.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cytogenetic analysis of a case of "13q- syndrome" (46,XX,del 13) using banding techniques.

Many chromosomal syndromes include ocular anomalies. In the del(13q) syndrome retinoblastoma, coloboma, and microphthalmia may be present. In the del(13q) case we report, the findings include colobomas and apparent microphthalmia, although the retinoblastoma sometimes associated with this condition was not observed. More precise descriptions of the del(13q) syndrome relative to the region deleted using improved banding techniques may: (1) increase the likelihood of accurate diagnosis, (2) enhance clinical predictions, and (3) possibly further clarify the genetic control over the development of the ocular system.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Views of mixed sex wards: a survey of patients, carers and nurses.

This paper describes the design and implementation of a survey carried out at Wharfedale General Hospital, related to the potential development of mixed sex wards. The survey of patients, carers and ward nurses, carried out in December 1992, demonstrated a general consensus of views on mixed sex ward options, and identified a number of key areas which need to be addressed before both sexes can be nursed satisfactorily on wards which have historically been used for males or females only. The recommendations arising from the survey are now being taken up by the hospital managers for further action.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of passive transfer status and vaccination with Escherichia coli (J5) on mortality in comingled dairy calves.

The effect of vaccination with a commercially available R-mutant coliform mastitis vaccine on the survival of comingled dairy calves on a farm with endemic salmonellosis was examined. A total of 864 calves were randomly assigned to either vaccine (n = 435) or control (n = 429) groups. Passive transfer status of each calf was determined using refractometer determination of serum total protein concentration. Logistic models were developed to determine the effects of vaccine group and passive transfer status on calf survival to 100 days of age. In a model in which serum protein concentration was treated as a categorical variable, increasing serum total protein concentrations were associated with decreased mortality until these concentrations exceeded 6.0 g/dL. Calves with serum protein concentrations > 6.0 g/dL had increased risk for mortality compared with calves with serum protein concentrations > 5.5 g/dL but < or = 6.0 g/dL. This increased risk for mortality was supported by the results of a logistic model in which serum protein concentration was treated as a continuous variable. The increased risks associated with high serum protein concentration probably reflect the effect of dehydration in calves with occult disease. Neither model demonstrated any significant association between vaccination status and survival to 100 days of age. Based on these results, the routine immunization of calves cannot be recommended as a strategy to prevent mortality on farms with endemic salmonellosis.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Navigating a nursing curriculum: bridges and barriers.

As increasing numbers of students from non-traditional sources enter the baccalaureate nursing program, retention of these educationally, socially, and economically disadvantaged and older students have become important to a nursing program's continued viability. To retain these students, nurse educators need to become more sensitive to the educational needs of these students. Through focus groups used to survey sophomore, junior, and senior nursing students, researchers identified academic and non-academic resources cited by successful traditional and non-traditional students. A telephone survey of local nursing programs, by a third researcher, identified student resources at other statewide baccalaureate nursing programs. Participating students cited curriculum resources most often, with emotional support and academic resources of next importance. Students also expressed frustration regarding accessing resources (e.g., class time, office support, parking). The long term goal was to develop a resource program for non-traditional nursing students.

Adolescent↗