Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M J Bartholomew

Publications and source records attributed to M J Bartholomew.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Correlation of afferent pupillary defect with visual field loss on automated perimetry.

The study was designed to ascertain the relationship between visual loss in the central 30 degrees of vision and the density of the relative afferent pupillary defect (APD). The APD of 26 patients was quantified using a neutral log density filter. The mean threshold light sensitivity on Humphrey automated perimetry (Program 30-1) of one eye was substracted from the fellow eye total to yield the interocular visual field difference (VFD). A direct correlation was noted such that the log density of the APD increased linearly with an increase in VFD (r = 0.69, P = 0.0001). In the absence of ptosis or ocular media opacification, a VFD greater than 8.7 that is not associated with an APD is suggestive of functional visual loss. Four patients had an APD despite normal static automated perimetry, indicating that an APD may be one of the earliest signs of retinal ganglion cell or axonal dysfunction.

Adolescent↗

Aromatase activity in primary and metastatic human breast cancer.

Aromatase activity was measured in 104 primary and 24 metastatic breast cancer patients. The assay employed quantitates the production of 3H water release from 1 beta-[3H]androstenedione after aromatization. Of 104 human primary breast tumors studied, 64 contained measurable aromatase activity, ranging from 5-70.5 pmol estrone formed/g protein/hour. In primary breast cancers there was no difference in levels of aromatase activity when analyzed by menstrual status or age by decade. Aromatase activity was similar in small and large primary tumors. The median aromatase activity of primary breast tumors (8.6 pmol/g/h) was similar to that found in metastatic breast cancer deposits (12.0 pmol/g/h). Aromatase activity did not correlate with either estrogen (ER) or progesterone (PR) receptor concentration in the tissues assayed. In this regard there were 33 ER- PR- tumor biopsies. Twelve of these 33 tumors contained aromatase activity greater than 10 pmol/g/hour.

Adult↗

A randomized trial of aminoglutethimide +/- estrogen before chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer.

Recent reports have suggested that the sensitivity to chemotherapy of endocrine-dependent breast cancer may be enhanced by transient exposure to hormonal stimulation. To test this concept, 39 postmenopausal women with proven metastatic breast carcinoma and measurable disease were entered into this prospective, double-blind trial; 35 are currently evaluable. All patients were continuously treated with aminoglutethimide and hydrocortisone to lower estrogen production, plus cyclic chemotherapy. Patients in the "stimulation" arm received in addition, Estrace 2 mg b.i.d. sublingually for 3 days before and on the day of chemotherapy. Estrace administration appeared to accelerate tumor growth as demonstrated by increased bone pain, hypercalcemia, and growth of skin lesions. Response rates, response duration, and survival were similar in the stimulation and control groups.

Aminoglutethimide↗

The fibrinolytic system in experimental prostate tumor.

Hypofibrinogenemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation are common events in patients with metastatic prostate carcinoma. This study tests the hypothesis that prostate tumor growth and metastasis is associated with sustained activation of fibrinolysis secondary to increased release of plasminogen activator. We implanted an androgen-insensitive prostate tumor into an inbred strain of rats and serially measured plasminogen, plasminogen activator, plasmin and fibrinogen. Control groups included animals without tumor and a group implanted with transitional cell bladder carcinoma, a locally infiltrating tumor not usually associated with hemostatic complications. Our results showed a significant and steady rise in plasma plasminogen activator, plasmin and fibrinogen levels in animals implanted with prostate cancer. This, however, is not specific for prostate tumor. Similar, perhaps more profound changes were noted in animals implanted with the transitional cell carcinoma.

Animals↗

Former cancer patients as counselors of newly diagnosed cancer patients.

This study tested the hypothesis that counseling of newly diagnosed cancer patients by former cancer patients will increase the use of coping strategies and reduce psychological stress beyond what can be accomplished by just counseling from professional staff. Thirty-two newly diagnosed patients in a gynecologic oncology service were subjects in this study. All subjects received supportive services from professionals assigned to the service. Control group patients received just the professional support program, while the experimental group patients received professional support plus additional counseling by former cancer patients that emphasized four coping strategies characteristic of patients who have adapted well to cancer. Results 6 and 12 weeks after entering the study showed no statistically significant differences in emotional status between experimental and control groups and only one significant difference in coping behaviors that was opposite to what was predicted. The findings do not support the hypothesis.

Adaptation, Psychological↗