Fetal growth in late gestation--a constrained pattern of growth.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
M Oliver
Publications and source records attributed to M Oliver.
Intraocular pressure fluctuations during regular hemodialysis and ultrafiltration.
The effect of hemodialysis and of ultrafiltration on intraocular pressure (IOP) was studied in 30 non glaucomatous patients (58 eyes) with chronic renal failure. IOP and serum osmolality were measured before and after dialysis and every hour during the procedure. IOP showed a slight but non-significant rise when measured after hemodialysis and a significant drop for ultrafiltration. Serum osmolality decreased significantly when measured after hemodialysis, but remained stable for ultrafiltration. The variations in IOP were found to be significantly correlated with changes in osmolality during hemodialysis.
Adolescent↗
Plasma antioxidants and coronary heart disease: vitamins C and E, and selenium.
The possibility of a relation between plasma antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and selenium, and mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) was examined. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken of random population samples of apparently healthy middle-aged men in four European regions with differing mortalities from CHD [rate/100,000 for men aged 40-49]: north Karelia (eastern Finland) (n = 99) [212/100,000]; south-west Finland (n = 85) [146/100,000]; Scotland (n = 131) [140/100,000]; and south Italy (n = 80) [43/100,000]. Median (5th-95th percentile) plasma vitamin C concentrations were lower in Scotland: 18.2 (5.7-61.3) microM than in other regions: north Karelia 28.4 (6.2-85.2); south-west Finland 33.5 (5.7-76.6); south Italy 38.0 (10.2-69.8) microM (P less than 0.001). The median levels in the four areas did not however reflect the regional CHD mortality rates. Regional differences in plasma vitamin E levels were also observed: Scottish levels were low 20.0 (12.1-29.3) microM (P less than 0.001) and did not differ between the other areas: 23.0 (16.7-35.1), 22.5 (13.7-31.6) and 23.9 (15.6-41.3) microM respectively. The vitamin E gradient could be explained in part by differences in serum cholesterol. However, cholesterol-adjusted vitamin E levels were low in the three high CHD areas: Scotland 3.41 (2.41-4.62); north Karelia 3.53 (2.67-5.18); south-west Finland 3.53 (2.58-4.92); Italy 4.81 (3.25-5.99) mumol/mmol cholesterol (P less than 0.001). Cholesterol-adjusted vitamin E was not lower in north Karelia, the higher CHD mortality area in Finland. Serum selenium values also varied with the area examined and reported low levels in Finland were confirmed. Nevertheless, selenium levels did not correlate with the reported mortality rates of CHD. Thus in our small cross-cultural study the evidence did not support our hypothesis that plasma antioxidants explain regional differences in CHD mortality.
Adipose Tissue↗
Developmental changes in synaptic properties in hippocampus of neonatal rats.
The properties of synaptic responses in area CA1 of hippocampus were analyzed in slices prepared from 7-9 and 12-15 day old neonate rats. As expected from earlier work, only slices of two-week-old animals showed a consistent degree of long-term potentiation (LTP) in response to patterned high frequency stimulation. Several other synaptic properties were found to change during this developmental period. Inhibitory responses were absent in 7-9 day old but not in 12-15 day old neonates. Paired-pulse facilitation and the calcium sensitivity of postsynaptic responses were considerably reduced in 7-9 as compared to 12-15 day old rats. However, phorbol esters and 4-aminopyridine treatment still produced a strong facilitation of field potentials. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) component of responses to single pulse stimulation in low magnesium medium was found to be larger in slices of 7-9 than 12-15 day old or adult animals. At the two time periods examined, trains of high frequency stimulation applied in the presence of regular magnesium elicited an NMDA dependent response. It is concluded that the differences in synaptic properties observed between 7-9 and 12-15 day old neonates may not account for the absence of LTP in the younger animals.
Action Potentials↗
A randomized trial of laparoscopy and transvaginal ultrasound-directed oocyte pickup for in vitro fertilization.
Ninety-four (94) couples undergoing IVF for the usual spectrum of clinical reasons and who were suitable for either laparoscopic or vaginal ovum pickup (OPU) were randomly assigned at the commencement of 166 treatment cycles to one of two OPU procedures. Both patient and clinician were informed of the allocation. If either wished to change this, then that cycle was eliminated from the trial. After a period of 15 months, 103 cycles were appropriate for analysis, of which 64 had been subject to ultrasound and 39 to laparoscopic OPU. Patients in the two groups did not differ significantly in terms of age or diagnosis, and the treatment cycles did not differ significantly in terms of stimulation used, commencing or maximum estradiol (E2) concentrations, E2 per follicle aspirated, or characteristics of the semen used for IVF. The rate of oocyte recovery (number of oocytes obtained per follicle aspirated), the average number of embryos available for transfer, and the pregnancy rate per oocyte recovery procedure did not differ significantly in the two groups. Ovum recovery for IVF using vaginal aspirations and ultrasound guidance is as efficacious as that which uses laparoscopy.
Female↗
The fellow eye in retinal vein occlusive disease.
Bilateral occurrence of retinal vein occlusive disease is relatively uncommon. In this retrospective review of 157 patients with retinal vein occlusion, 74 had unilateral major trunk occlusion (MTO), i.e., either central (CRVO) or hemicentral (hemi-CRVO) retinal vein occlusion, 12 had MTO in both eyes, and two had MTO in one eye and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in the other. In 69 patients there was unilateral BRVO. Thus, 8.9% of the patients had bilateral retinal vein occlusive disease of any type. Of the 88 patients with MTO in at least one eye, 13.6% had MTO disease in the fellow eye as well and only 2.3% had BRVO in the fellow eye. Major trunk occlusion in one eye thus appears to be a greater risk factor than BRVO for the bilateral occurrence of retinal vein occlusive disease. Another factor predisposing to bilateral occurrence in the group of patients with MTO was the coexistence of diabetic retinopathy (P less than 0.05).
Age Factors↗
[The "3-in-1" block: myth or reality?].
The technique described by Winnie in 1973 is supposed to provide a regional block of the femoral, femoral cutaneous, and obturator nerves by a single injection within the femoral nerve sheath. This study aimed to assess the diffusion spaces for the local anaesthetic solution used in this technique. The anatomical study included the dissection of 2 adult and 1 foetal cadavers. It was associated with a radiographic study in adult volunteers. About 20 to 60 ml of an isotonic radiographic contrast (iopamidol 150) were injected into the femoral nerve sheath located with the help of a nerve stimulator. Standard pelvic radiographs and computerised tomographic scans were carried out at the time of injection, and 30 min later. Two different unpredictable distributions were found; which were independent of the injected volume. One type consisted in an internal diffusion towards the psoas major muscle, the liquid thus reaching the three nerves. The other type was an external diffusion, in front of the iliacus muscle, the liquid never reaching the internal side of the psoas major muscle, and therefore the obturator nerve. The "3 in 1" block would therefore seem to be useful for those surgical acts requiring only a block of the femoral and femoral cutaneous nerves, i.e. those involving the anterior aspect of the thigh and knee, the femoral shaft, and the patella. On the other hand, its usefulness for surgery of the hip (dislocation, fractured neck of femur) is rather uncertain.
Adult↗
Staffing in cardiology in the United Kingdom 1988. Fifth biennial survey.
This is the fifth survey of staffing (consultants and senior registrars) in cardiology in the United Kingdom. Data from previous years--including the fourth survey (1986) that was not published separately--are used to show the trends over the past decade. In 1988 there were less than six cardiologists per million population. The United Kingdom, with Ireland, has fewer cardiologists than all other European countries with reliable figures. The ratio for Europe as a whole is approximately 45 per million population; the recommended figure for the United States of America is 60 per million. The distribution of cardiologists in England and Wales is still very uneven. Seven million people--nearly 15% of the population--have no immediate access to special expertise in cardiology. Women are particularly poorly represented in the specialty. This survey indicates that the crisis in staffing for cardiology continues. It will worsen as the possibilities grow for effective management of heart disease and as needs increase with the greater average age of the population. Resolution of this crisis should be a major priority in policies aimed at countering the ravages of heart disease.
Cardiology↗
Stimulation of NMDA receptors induces proteolysis of spectrin in hippocampus.
Stimulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors was found to induce proteolysis of brain spectrin in hippocampal slices. The effect was dependent upon extracellular calcium, blocked by the antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (AP5), and was not reproduced by potassium-induced depolarization. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the involvement of NMDA receptors in plasticity and excitotoxicity is at least partially mediated by calcium-activated proteolysis of cytoskeletal proteins.
2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗
Effect of intraocular lens implantation on combined extracapsular cataract extraction with trabeculectomy: a comparative study.
In an attempt to assess the effect of posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation on the outcome of combined extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and trabeculectomy we compared 23 eyes subjected to ECCE and trabeculectomy with 23 eyes subjected to a triple procedure-that is, with the addition of IOL implantation. The results showed that IOL implantation did not have a detrimental effect on postoperative IOP reduction, gain in visual acuity, or needs for antiglaucoma medication. The incidence of anterior chamber reactions consisting of the development of posterior synechiae and fibrin formation was significantly higher when IOL had been implanted. However, the fibrin was generally absorbed within 14 days and the posterior synechiae did not occlude the visual axis. We conclude that IOL implantation should be included in these combined operations with the object of rehabilitating visual function.
Aged↗
Electron paramagnetic resonance and magnetic circular dichroism studies of electron-transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase from pig liver.
Pig liver electron-transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase has been investigated by room temperature UV-visible, low-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance and low-temperature magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopies. The results provide unambiguous evidence for the presence of a single [4Fe-4S] cluster that is diamagnetic in the isolated enzyme and becomes paramagnetic with an S = 1/2 ground state on reduction with dithionite or enzymatically with the physiological electron donor. The EPR data for samples at pH 7.8 indicate that FAD is reduced by one electron to the anionic semiquinone form in the enzymatically reduced enzyme, and by two electrons to the hydroquinone form by excess dithionite. The possibility of weak spin-spin interaction between the FAD semiquinone and the [4Fe-4S]1+ center is discussed in the light of the observation of a small increase in the linewidth of the Fe-S EPR in enzymatically reduced samples.
Animals↗
Limited choroidal hemorrhage associated with extracapsular cataract extraction.
Limited choroidal hemorrhage was observed in eight (2.2%) of 368 eyes subjected to extracapsular cataract extraction, compared with a rate of 3.07% in our previous study, in which the technique employed was intracapsular extraction. The difference was found to be significant only for eyes with high myopia. Myopia was found to be the main risk factor for the development of limited choroidal hemorrhage, especially when general anesthesia was used. The presence of glaucoma or the combination of extracapsular cataract extraction and trabeculectomy may increase the susceptibility to this complication. The occurrence of limited choroidal hemorrhage did not affect the final visual function.
Adult↗
Defective memory B cell formation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease following tetanus toxoid booster immunization.
Inflammatory bowel disease patients with mild to inactive disease were studied for their ability to generate pokeweed mitogen responsive anti-tetanus toxoid IgG producing B cells in the peripheral blood 21 days following in vivo tetanus toxoid booster immunization. Compared to normals and disease controls, patients with inflammatory bowel disease had significantly impaired in vitro production of anti-tetanus toxoid antibody during an 8 day pokeweed mitogen stimulated culture period. There was poor correlation between the ratio of helper to suppressor T cells in the peripheral blood and pokeweed mitogen stimulated antibody production. Likewise, there was little correlation between in vitro antibody production and peripheral blood natural killer cell cytotoxic activity. Culture of the patients B cells with normal T cells failed to improve antibody production in vitro. These results indicate that many inflammatory bowel disease patients have an impaired humoral immune response to tetanus toxoid booster immunization. This impaired immune response may be due to an inability to generate B cell precursors of anti-tetanus toxoid IgG producing B cells rather than to abnormal circulating helper or suppressor T cell activity or natural killer cell regulatory activity.
Adult↗
Compliance and results of treatment for amblyopia in children more than 8 years old.
Our prospective study of 350 amblyopic children divided them into three age groups: 2 to 5 1/2 years, 5 1/2 to 8 years, and 8 years and older. Treatment consisted of occlusion of the good eye. Compliance with treatment was analyzed by age group for the whole study population, but visual acuity results were evaluated only in children who complied fully with treatment and who cooperated at the initial visual acuity test with a Snellen chart. Younger children were significantly more compliant than older ones. This was probably the primary reason for the high incidence of treatment failure in older children. Children older than 8 years who complied with treatment showed a marked improvement in visual acuity--one almost as good as that in the younger children. A better initial visual acuity can be taken as a good prognostic sign, especially for this age group. In each group, most of the improvement occurred during the first three months of treatment. Improvement after this period was marginal.
Adolescent↗
Linoleic acid content in adipose tissue and coronary heart disease.
The possibility of an inverse relation between essential fatty acids in adipose tissue, in particular linoleic acid, and mortality from coronary heart disease was studied by a cross sectional survey of random population samples of apparently healthy men aged 40-49 from four European regions with differing mortality from coronary heart disease. The proportion of linoleic acid in adipose tissue was lowest in men from north Karelia, Finland, where mortality from coronary heart disease is highest, and highest in men from Italy, where mortality is lowest, with intermediate proportions in men from Scotland and south west Finland. Similar gradients were observed for the desaturation and elongation products dihomo-gamma-linolenic and arachidonic acid. The proportion of saturated fatty acids in adipose tissue was highest in Finland, intermediate in Scotland, and lowest in Italy. Italian men also had the highest proportion of oleate in their adipose tissue and the lowest proportion of myristoleate and palmitoleate. Finnish men were more obese and had a higher blood pressure. Serum cholesterol concentration was higher in north Karelia and south west Finland than in Scotland or Italy. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations reflected the regional differences in serum cholesterol, being higher in Finland and lower in Italy. The ratios of HDL cholesterol to total cholesterol, however, did not differ. The regional differences in linoleic acid in adipose tissue remained highly significant when the observed differences in other known risk factors for coronary heart disease among the four areas were taken into account by multivariate analysis. The gradients in proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids probably reflect differences in dietary intake of linoleic acid.
Adipose Tissue↗
Demographic and personality characteristics of couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation.
Two hundred and fifty-eight (258) couples requesting in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were interviewed by a social worker prior to commencing treatment. At the time of admission to hospital 147 women and 134 men completed a questionnaire which incorporated the Eysenck Personality Inventory and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Forty-three women conceived and 26 couples (14.2%) required extra counselling or support after their involvement in the programme. Couples seeking IVF did not differ significantly from the rest of the population with respect to occupation, education, alcohol, cigarette and medication use. The personality characteristics of couples seeking IVF did not differ significantly from a local comparison group. Personality and psychosocial characteristics did not identify those couples who were more likely to become pregnant by IVF. However, couples who required extra counselling were more likely to have required similar help in the past. Women requiring counselling also scored significantly higher on the Eysenck neuroticism scale and the Spielberger State-Trait anxiety scales compared to those women who did not require extra counselling or support. The male partners scored significantly lower on the Eysenck scale of extroversion compared to male partners of couples who did not require support or counselling. We conclude that these inventories may be of value in identifying certain couples who require extra care during attempted conception by IVF.
Adult↗
Allergy, red man syndrome, and vancomycin.
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Adult↗
The effect of 6-mercaptopurine on natural killer-cell activities in Crohn's disease.
Crohn's disease patients on long-term 6-mercaptopurine therapy (more than 4 months) were evaluated for activity of peripheral blood natural killer cells. Natural killer-cell cytolytic activity against K-562 tumor-cell targets was examined, as was natural killer-cell suppression of lymphoblastoid B-cell antibody production. In addition, these patients were studied for their ability to generate antitetanus-specific IgG-antibody-producing lymphoblastoid B cells following in vivo booster immunization. Crohn's disease patients on 6-mercaptopurine therapy had significant reductions in peripheral blood natural killer-cell activity against K-562 targets compared to normals, disease controls, and Crohn's disease patients not on 6-mercaptopurine. Natural killer-cell suppression of lymphoblastoid B-cell antibody production was likewise decreased in 6-mercaptopurine-treated patients compared to normal controls. In contrast, the in vivo generated lymphoblastoid B-cell antibody responses of Crohn's disease patients on 6-mercaptopurine therapy were not decreased compared to normal, while Crohn's disease patients not on 6-mercaptopurine therapy had significantly impaired IgG antitetanus antibody responses. These findings suggest that 6-mercaptopurine therapy in Crohn's disease affects several lymphoid subpopulations, resulting in a decreased natural killer-cell cytotoxic activity against K-562 target cells and a decreased natural killer-cell ability to suppress lymphoblastoid B-cell antibody production, as well as an improved humoral immune response following tetanus toxoid booster immunization.
Adult↗