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Biomedical subjects

M Hughes

Publications and source records attributed to M Hughes.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources
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Cross-sectional imaging of nodal metastases in the abdomen and pelvis.

Accurate nodal staging is important for the management of patients with abdominal and pelvic malignancies. Local and nodal staging using cross-sectional imaging can influence treatment planning. The measurement of nodal size is still the most widely used criteria for discriminating between benign and malignant nodes. However, knowledge of the pathways of nodal spread, the treatment history, and careful analysis of nodal characteristics can improve nodal assessment. An appreciation of normal structures that may simulate nodal disease is also important. The potential for further improving nodal staging accuracy by positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance lymphography is discussed.

Abdomen↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Genes, development and evolution of the placenta.

Through studies of transgenic and mutant mice, it is possible to describe molecular pathways that control the development of all major trophoblast cell subtypes and structures of the placenta. For example, the proliferation of trophoblast stem cells is dependent on FGF signalling and downstream transcription factors Cdx2, Eomes and Err2. Several bHLH transcription factors regulate the progression from trophoblast stem cells to spongiotrophoblast and to trophoblast giant cells (Id1/2, Mash2, Hand1, Stra13). Intercellular actions critical for maintaining stable precursor cell populations are dependent on the gap junction protein Cx31 and the growth factor Nodal. Differentiation towards syncytiotrophoblast as well as the initiation of chorioallantoic (villous) morphogenesis is regulated by the Gcm1 transcription factor, and subsequent labyrinth development is dependent on Wnt, HGF and FGF signalling. These insights suggest that most of the genes that evolved to regulate placental development are either identical to ones used in other organ systems (e.g., FGF and epithelial branching morphogenesis), were co-opted to take on new functions (e.g., AP-2gamma, Dlx3, Hand1), or arose via gene duplication to take on a specialized placental function (e.g., Gcm1, Mash2). Many of the human orthologues of these critical genes show restricted expression patterns that are consistent with a conserved function. Such information is aiding the comparison of the human and mouse placenta. In addition, the prospect of a conserved function clearly suggests potential mechanisms for explaining complications of human placental development.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mediators on human airway smooth muscle.

1. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthma may be due to several abnormalities, but must include alterations in the airway smooth muscle responsiveness and/or volume. 2. Increased responsiveness of airway smooth muscle in vitro can be induced by certain inflammatory cell products and by induction of sensitization (atopy). 3. Increased airway smooth muscle growth can also be induced by inflammatory cell products and atopic serum. 4. Mast cell numbers are increased in the airways of asthmatics and, in our studies, in airway smooth muscle that is sensitized and hyperresponsive. 5. We propose that there is a relationship between mast cells and airway smooth muscle cells which, once an allergic process has been initiated, results in the development of critical features in the lungs in asthma.

Asthma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Treatment planning with a graphics tablet.

A graphics-tablet treatment planning system is described. The cost effectiveness of this approach is especially attractive where time-sharing use of a central computer facility is available.

Computers↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pharmacokinetics of saquinavir-SGC in HIV-infected pregnant women.

PURPOSE: To evaluate saquinavir (SQV) pharmacokinetics, tolerance, and safety in 10 HIV-infected pregnant women between 14-32 weeks gestation. METHOD: This was a phase I, prospective, area-under-the-curve (AUC) targeted study. Antepartum treatment consisted of SQV 1200 mg tid, lamivudine 150 mg bid, and zidovudine 200 mg tid. The SQV targeted exposure was an 8-hour AUC (AUC(8)) of 3000 ng. h/mL; the study was to be halted if the first 4 participants did not achieve this AUC(8). Cord blood and plasma samples were collected in neonates at birth. RESULTS: Four women completed the SQV pharmacokinetic assessments. Exposure in all 4 patients was below the target AUC(8). Median (range) AUC(8) and trough (C8H) were 1672 (738-2614) ng. h/mL and 60 (<15-332) ng/mL, respectively. Oral clearance (CL/F) was 9.3 (5.1-16.6) L/h/kg and C(max) was 599 (177-953) ng/mL. Cord and neonate plasma concentrations were mostly undetectable; 1 of 5 infants was HIV-infected at 24 weeks. CONCLUSION: These data suggest highly variable SQV pharmacokinetics in pregnant women, and exposure at 1200 mg tid may not be adequate for longer term therapy; both the AUC(8) and C8H were considerably below average. Because ritonavir has been shown to significantly increase SQV concentrations, this combination should be further explored in this population.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The share index.

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Benchmarking↗
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Feeding time.

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Benchmarking↗
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Biased approach.

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Clinical Competence↗
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Pioneering change.

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Community Health Nursing↗
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Modified constraint induced therapy: a randomized feasibility and efficacy study.

This case series examined the feasibility and efficacy of a modified constraint induced therapy (CIT) protocol administered on an outpatient basis. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery After Stroke (Fugl), Action Research Arm Test (ARA), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and Motor Activity Log (MAL) were administered to six patients between 2 and 6 months poststroke (CVA) exhibiting stable motor deficits and learned nonuse of the affected limb. Two patients then participated in half-hour physical and occupational therapy sessions three times/week for 10 weeks. During the same period, their unaffected arms and hands were restrained 5 days/week during 5 hours identified as times of frequent use. Two other patients received regular therapy and two control patients received no therapy. The ARA, Fugl, WMFT, and MAL were again administered after 10 weeks. Patients receiving modified CIT exhibited substantial improvements on the Fugl, ARA, and WMFT, as well as increases in amount and quality of use of the limb using the MAL. Patients receiving traditional or no therapy exhibited no improvements. Results suggest that modified CIT may be an efficacious method of improving function and use of the affected arms of patients exhibiting learned nonuse.

Adult↗