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Biomedical subjects

P Chamberlain

Publications and source records attributed to P Chamberlain.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

How accurate is antenatal sonographic identification of discordant birthweight in twins?

The association between discordant birth weight in twins and poor perinatal outcome is well recognised. Antenatal identification of discordant fetal growth in twins using ultrasound has been previously reported. In this study we have assessed the accuracy of interpair percentage estimated fetal weight difference determination (interpair EFW%) in identifying an interpair percentage birth weight difference (interpair BW%) of greater than or equal to 20% and greater than or equal to 25% in 85 twin pregnancies. The maximum sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values we noted were 54.5, 98.5, 75 and 94.4%, respectively. These results suggest that interpair EFW% results should be interpreted with caution when used in the antenatal assessment of birth weight in twin pregnancies.

Abdomen↗

Severe limb abnormalities after chorion villus sampling at 56-66 days' gestation.

Among 289 pregnancies in which chorion villus sampling (CVS) was carried out at 56-66 days' gestation, 5 babies with severe limb abnormalities were subsequently identified. 4 had oromandibular-limb hypogenesis syndromes, and the other had a terminal transverse limb reduction defect. This high incidence raises the possibility that CVS was an aetiological factor for these developmental anomalies.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Late fetal death--has ultrasound a role to play in its prevention?

Late fetal death is the principle cause of perinatal mortality (PNM) in Ireland. Real-time ultrasound scanning has been suggested as a means for identifying the fetus at risk of abnormal pregnancy outcome. Using an ultrasound-based method of fetal assessment the author noted a significant reduction in late fetal death rates over a 4 year period (1985-1988: late fetal death rate: 3.1/1000) as compared to an historic control (1983-84: late fetal death rate: 7.05/10000). In addition, as operator experience increased the false positive test rate (i.e. unnecessary delivery) was noted to fall. It is suggested that real-time ultrasound assessment of the fetus may have some role to play in preventing late fetal death.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

Interaction of a plasmin A-chain/t-PA B-chain hybrid enzyme with plasma inhibitors in vivo and in vitro.

A hybrid plasminogen activator consisting of the "A" chain of plasmin linked to the "B" chain of rt-PA was inhibited in vitro in human and guinea pig plasmas 4 to 5-fold more rapidly than its parent activator, two-chain t-PA. Using zymographic and autoradiographic techniques together with the use of immunodepleted plasma the major inhibitor was identified as alpha-2-antiplasmin. The pharmacokinetic profile of the hybrid in guinea pigs was determined by two different methods: disappearance of fibrinolytic activity and removal of radiolabelled hybrid from the circulation. Fibrinolytic activity was cleared rapidly via inhibitory mechanisms, whilst radiolabelled material was cleared considerably more slowly due to the formation of hybrid-inhibitor complexes. When the active site of the hybrid was reversibly acylated inhibitory mechanisms were evaded and a prolonged pharmacokinetic profile of activity was observed.

Animals↗

Immunologic competence of hemodialysis patients following withdrawal of vitamin C supplement.

Twelve stable nondiabetic patients on chronic hemodialysis were studied for their immunobiologic competence while receiving vitamin C supplement and 1-2 months following its withdrawal. These subjects, on prescribed diets, were checked for their food intake at the beginning of the study and at 1-month intervals thereafter. Immunological parameters tested were: (1) plasma vitamin C levels; (2) number of mononuclear cells isolated from blood and their vitamin C contents; (3) lymphocyte blastogenic response to mitogens; (4) leukocyte metabolic functions in presence of endotoxin by nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test, and (5) delayed hypersensitivity to skin-testing antigens, e.g. Candida and mumps antigens and purified protein derivative. Patients on vitamin C had significantly higher plasma ascorbic acid levels compared to normal healthy subjects. These decreased to low normal levels 1 month following withdrawal of the supplement and stayed comparable thereafter, up to 12 months of the study period. Ascorbic acid contents in the isolated mononuclear cells remained unchanged in patients on or off vitamin C. The number of blood mononuclear cells isolated and mitogenic responses to concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin did not change following withdrawal of vitamin C supplement. All patients had positive delayed hypersensitivity to Candida, 60% to mumps and all were unresponsive to purified protein derivative. Leukocyte metabolic functions by nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test were higher in patients on vitamin C than when off, but this was not statistically significant. Vitamin C supplement is not necessary in hemodialysis patients when they are on an adequate diet.

Aged↗

A study of the specific IgM antibody response in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in man.

Sera from 96 patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection were examined for specific IgM antibody. The complement fixation test was used to measure the IgM after separation by ultracentrifugation through sucrose density gradients. Of patients under the age of 20 years 78% displayed positive specific IgM titres. In older patients only 34% were IgM positive. The specific IgM remained detectable, but at decreasing levels, during the follow-up period of 5 months. This diagnostic technique appears to be of value in children and young adults experiencing primary infection with M. pneumoniae.

Adolescent↗

Children at risk for delinquency: a follow-up comparison of aggressive children and children who steal.

This study compared the follow-up incidence of court-recorded nonstatus offenses for three groups of adolescent children. These children had been seen 2 to 9 years earlier for problems with aggression in the home (N = 21), for stealing problems (N = 25), or for normative comparisons (N = 14). The results showed that 77% of the children with stealing problems had court-recorded offenses. This was significantly higher than the aggressive children, whose rate did not differ from the normative sample. These findings suggested that young aggressive children were not at risk for adolescent court contact. Instead, it was the young child with identified stealing problems who was highly likely to become an official delinquent. It also appeared that parental reports of stealing events constituted a predictive measure of later criminal acts.

Adolescent↗

Innovative culture shock prescribed for health care.

Finally, organizations must accept that inefficiencies are often present in creative cultures. Resources that were devoted to operating and revenue-generating functions must be shifted to finance the capacity to be creative. The short-term focus of today's organizations blinds them from envisioning the long-term benefits of fostering creative changes and improvements. When creativity is properly managed, meaningful risks may be taken with reasonable costs occasionally yielding monumental results.

Communication↗