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Biomedical subjects

M L Martin

Publications and source records attributed to M L Martin.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

The expression of an N-CAM serum fragment is positively correlated with severity of negative features in type II schizophrenia.

The expression of a 70-kD serum fragment of the neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) in schizophrenia is described. Schizophrenic patients (n = 40) were found to have statistically significant increases (p less than 0.0001) in serum N-CAM levels when compared to normal individuals (n = 26), and this could not be associated with age or sex. This difference was more marked (p less than 0.0001) between type II schizophrenics (n = 13) and normal individuals (n = 26) than when patients in the overlap group between type I and type II schizophrenia (n = 18) were compared to normal individuals (p less than 0.001). This difference remained significant (p less than 0.01) when overlap patients were compared to those of type II schizophrenia. Furthermore, schizophrenic patients with lower serum N-CAM proved to be better responders to neuroleptic therapy. We suggest that these elevated serum N-CAM levels reflect an increased synaptic turnover rate in this psychotic state.

Adult↗

Emergency department daily record review: a quality assurance system in a teaching hospital.

A system of daily patient chart review of 11 categories of physician documentation and patient care was implemented over a 36-month period at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. A total of 108,317 charts of emergency patients were reviewed. Feedback on errors in all categories were given to the physicians responsible, and necessary corrective actions were taken as soon as possible. All new resident physicians rotated in two-month blocks and received orientation to patient care and chart documentation expectations prior to starting the service. All physicians' charts underwent the same thorough chart review. Not only did the percentage of errors decrease from the first months to the second months of the residents' rotations, but the yearly percentage of total errors decreased as the study progressed, from 5.47% to 3.57%.

Concurrent Review↗

Delayed diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia during pregnancy.

We present a case of delay in diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture and herniation in a pregnant 25-year-old woman. The diaphragmatic rupture was secondary to trauma sustained five months prior to presentation. Subsequent to her accident, she was provided medical care on multiple occasions for symptoms of intractable nausea, vomiting, and weight loss that were probably related to an expanding uterus and diaphragmatic herniation of abdominal contents. At the time she presented to us the herniation had progressed and she was experiencing severe respiratory difficulty. A nasogastric tube was placed for diagnosis and decompression. A chest radiograph provided the diagnosis of herniation of gastrointestinal contents through the left hemidiaphragm. A healthy 5-lb boy was delivered vaginally and subsequently a left thoracotomy was performed for decompression and repair of the diaphragm. The patient's hospital course after hernia repair was uneventful.

Adult↗

Ultrastructure of human immunodeficiency virus type 2.

The ultrastructure of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) was determined by negative stain and thin section electron microscopy (EM). Some virus particles had surface projections about 10 nm in length which were evenly spaced. Nonidet P40-treated particles which were penetrated by stain revealed a distinctive off-centre cone-shaped core and, in addition, free-lying cores were also seen in detergent-treated preparations. The surface of the cores was composed of a layer of small subunits. The structure of HIV-2 determined by thin section EM was the same as that deduced by negative stain EM.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Uterine inhibitory effect of reticuline.

Reticuline, the most abundant benzylisoquinoleic alkaloid of Laurobasidium lauri, exerts a uterine inhibitory effect mainly related to a decrease in the concentration of cytosolic calcium available for contraction.

Alkaloids↗

Potassium.

Potassium homeostasis is dependent on many physiologic and metabolic factors. Potassium level testing by the clinical laboratory can aid the emergency physician in planning treatment in suspected cases of potassium depletion or excess. Familiarization with indications for ordering tests of potassium level and correct interpretation of test results is essential for appropriate patient care.

Adult↗

Distinction between Bunyaviridae genera by surface structure and comparison with Hantaan virus using negative stain electron microscopy.

Ultrastructural studies of glutaraldehyde-fixed viruses of the Bunyaviridae were performed by negative-stain electron microscopy. The surface structure of viruses of each genus was compared with that of the other genera and with Hantaan virus, the prototype of a proposed new genus of Bunyaviridae. Viruses of each genus had a surface structure distinct for that genus. In addition, Hantaan virus had a surface structure composed of a grid-like pattern of morphologic subunits not previously described for animal viruses. Careful morphologic studies of suspected Bunyaviridae may be used in considering preliminary generic assignment. This study also supports the assignment of Hantaan-related viruses to a separate generic status within the Bunyaviridae.

Bunyaviridae↗

Morphology and immunoelectron microscopy of AIDS virus.

Lymphocytes infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus were examined by thin-section and immunoelectron microscopy, with horseradish peroxidase as an electron-dense marker. There was no evidence of an intracytoplasmic virion precursor, but viral antigen accumulated at the plasma membrane. Particles formed at the plasma membrane, and most virus was found in extracellular spaces. Mature virus had an envelope with fuzzy surface projections surrounding a centric core and an electron-dense eccentric nucleoid.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

We present the case of a 35-year-old man who developed symptoms of the neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) after taking prescribed, moderately high, therapeutic doses of haloperidol. When brought to the emergency department, he was comatose, hypotensive, and had rigid muscle tone and a core body temperature of 42.2 C. Although initial treatment was supportive, intubation, ventilator support, and further care in the intensive care unit were necessary. Ensuing disseminated intravascular coagulation was treated successfully and the patient was weaned from the ventilator on the third day after admission. He was discharged from the hospital 11 days after admission. Recently recognized drug therapy for NMS, such as bromocriptine mesylate and dantrolene sodium, was not used in this case.

Adult↗

Emergence of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium fortuitum during treatment.

We present a case of pulmonary infection with Mycobacterium fortuitum demonstrating the development of multidrug resistance during therapy with multiple drugs. Emergence of drug resistance in a previously sensitive M fortuitum has been described with single drug therapy, but never before with multiple drug treatment. Development of resistance in the setting of multiple drug therapy illustrates the importance of repeated susceptibility testing during therapy.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗