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P Cooper

Publications and source records attributed to P Cooper.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Evaluation of euglobulin methods for the study of blood fibrinolytic activity: results for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in the postoperative period.

Euglobulin fractionation is a frequently employed pretreatment of plasma for the determination of fibrinolytic activity. The fractionation procedure suffers from possible in vitro artifacts, e.g., variable precipitation of C1-inactivator. This is illustrated by the following two situations. It is shown that increased amounts of C1-inactivator not related to an increased plasma concentration are present in euglobulin fractions in cases of classic rheumatoid arthritis. Similarly, postoperatively, a disproportional increase in C1-inactivator in euglobulin fractions occurs. In both cases, an artificially reduced fibrinolytic activity is recorded due to increased inhibition by C1-inactivator. This is circumvented and recognized by adding sodium flufenamate or C1s-esterase to euglobulin fractions to uniformly eliminate C1-inactivator. Two specific assays for tissue-type plasminogen activator activity in euglobulin fractions (as C1-inactivator-resistant activator activity and a parabolic rate assay on a synthetic substrate) correlate excellently (r = 0.8728; p less than 0.001; n = 108). The first mentioned is corrected for variable endogenous C1-inactivator; the latter assay is found to be insensitive to inhibition by C1-inactivator. It is concluded that with euglobulin methods a misinterpretation of blood fibrinolytic activity is possible in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In the postoperative period, the fibrinolytic shutdown concerns tissue-type plasminogen activator activity; the pattern of the shutdown can be misjudged in using traditional euglobulin methods.

Abdomen↗

Primate mammary development. Effects of hypophysectomy, prolactin inhibition, and growth hormone administration.

The pituitary gland has been found to be an important factor in mammary development in primates. Hypophysectomy in 12 sexually immature monkeys caused significant inhibition of estradiol (E2)-induced mammary growth and development. A histological index of mammary development in sexually immature hypophysectomized animals was lower (0.82) than in intact E2-treated controls (3.4; P less than 0.008). Hypophysectomy also inhibited growth of the mammary gland as judged by a size index. Despite the hypophysectomy, E2 stimulated some, albeit blunted, mammary growth and development, which may have been due to incomplete hypophysectomy. Selective inhibition of prolactin by ergot drugs in intact animals did not prevent full mammary development, suggesting that there may be pituitary mammogens other than prolactin, or that very low or unmeasurable concentrations of prolactin were sufficient to synergize with E2 to cause full acinar development. The mean histological index was 3.08 in E2-treated animals and 3.16 in animals treated with E2 plus pergolide. There was also no difference in the size of the glands. We evaluated the effect of growth hormone on mammary development by treating three hypophysectomized animals with pure 22,000 mol wt human growth hormone (hGH) (Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA). We found that physiological or slightly supraphysiological concentrations of hGH in animals with unmeasurable prolactin were incapable of restoring the capacity of E2 to induce full mammary growth. These findings suggest that, if growth hormone is a mammary mitogen, that physiological concentrations are insufficient to synergize with E2 to induce full mammary growth or that other forms of hGH are mammogenic. Our studies suggest that the role of the pituitary gland in mammary mitogenesis in primates is more complicated than previously thought. They also raise the possibility that heretofore unidentified pituitary substances may be mammogenic.

Animals↗

Immunologic studies in allergen-induced late-phase asthmatic reactions.

We have measured plasma histamine, serum neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA) and complement (C3 and C4) over a 24-hour period in patients experiencing either early- and late-phase (dual) or single early asthmatic reactions to inhaled allergens. There was a significant biphasic elevation in plasma histamine, which paralleled the fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec in 10 patients with dual responses, whereas in seven subjects with single early reactions, only a single early increase in histamine concentrations was observed. In general, in the individual subjects, the changes in plasma histamine paralleled both the elevations in serum NCA and the decreases in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec. By gel filtration on Sephacryl S-400, anion exchange chromatography on DEAE Sephacel, and chromatofocusing with Polybuffer Exchanger 94, the major NCA of both the early and the late reactions was associated with proteins having an estimated molecular size of 600,000 daltons, an elution from DEAE Sephacel at 0.15M to 0.30M of NaCl (pH 8.1), and a pI of approximately 6.5. There were no appreciable changes in serum C3 and C4 up to 24 hr after challenge in subjects with late-phase responses. The patterns of asthmatic response were not related to either the total or allergen-specific serum IgE or IgG4 concentrations. These results support the view that mediators of hypersensitivity participate in late-phase as well as early asthmatic reactions.

Adolescent↗

Tissue specificity of the heat-shock response in maize.

The tissue specificity of the heat-shock response in maize was investigated. The ability to synthesize heat shock proteins (hsp) at 40 degrees C, as well as the intensity and duration of that synthesis, was analyzed in coleoptiles, scutella, green and etiolated leaves, suspension-cultured cells, germinating pollen grains, and primary root sections at different stages of development. One-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis of extracted proteins revealed that most of the tissues synthesized the typical set of 10 hsp, but that the exact characteristics of the response depended upon the tissue type. While elongating portions of the primary root exhibited a strong heat shock response, the more mature portions showed a reduced ability to synthesize hsp. Leaves, whether green or etiolated, excised or intact, constitutively synthesized a low level of hsp at 25 degrees C, and high levels could be induced at 40 degrees C. Suspension-cultures of Black Mexican sweet corn synthesized, besides the typical set of hsp, two additional polypeptides. In contrast to all the other tissues, germinating pollen grains could not be induced to synthesize the typical set of hsp but did synthesize two new polypeptides of 92 and 56 kD molecular weight.The heat shock response was transient for most of the tissues which synthesized the standard set of hsp. Hsp synthesis was detected up to 2 to 3 hours, but not at 10 hours of continuous 40 degrees C treatment. The exception was suspension cultured cells, in which hsp synthesis showed only a slight reduction after 10 hours at 40 degrees C. Tissue-specific differences in the heat-shock response suggest that there are differences in the way a given tissue is able to adapt to high temperature.We have confirmed the previous suggestion that maize hsp do not accumulate in substantial quantities. Using two-dimensional gel analysis, hsp could be detected by autoradiography but not by sensitive silver staining techniques.

Journal Article↗

A colposcopic and histological study of experimental chlamydial cervicitis in marmosets.

A total of 14 marmosets were inoculated intra-vaginally with Chlamydia trachomatis and the development of genital tract disease was assessed microbiologically, by colposcopic examination of the cervical and vaginal mucosa and by cytological and histological examination of biopsy and autopsy specimens. Eight animals had infections which persisted microbiologically for 2-5 weeks, and six animals, three of which had been inoculated on multiple occasions in a previous study, apparently eliminated their infection within 1 week of inoculation. Colposcopic examination showed that four of the eight infected animals developed acute cervicitis characterized by erythema, occasional slight oedema, and the presence of cloudy or purulent cervical mucus. The other four infected animals showed minimal signs of cervical inflammation. Three of the six animals which rapidly cleared their infections developed slight cervical inflammation characterized by erythema and cloudy cervical mucus during the fortnight after inoculation. Six control animals inoculated with medium displayed minimal cervical changes. The diagnosis of acute cervicitis in the infected animals was confirmed by examination of histological sections and cervical smears, which revealed the presence of polymorphonuclear leucocytes, with lymphocytes occasionally being seen. Although inflammatory changes were occasionally noted in specimens from control animals, the changes were relatively mild and occurred at a later time than those seen in infected animals. Intracytoplasmic chlamydial inclusions in epithelial cells were not detected in any of the specimens studied. Examination of genital tract tissue obtained at autopsy from five inoculated animals generally showed inflammation of the cervix and vagina, but in only one of these animals was there evidence of endometriosis and salpingitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Effect of heat treatment of human breast milk on its anti-endotoxin antibody activities.

Pooled human breast milk is frequently heat treated before administration to neonates in order to reduce the risk of spreading infection. However, heating such milk by two different routine hospital procedures totally inactivated anti-endotoxin antibodies present, thus greatly reducing the benefit of administering breast milk. Temperature-time parameters of the heat treatment of human breast milk were studied to determine the limits of anti-endotoxin IgG and IgA activities.

Antitoxins↗

Heat shock proteins in maize.

The pattern of protein synthesis in roots of 3-day-old maize seedlings (Zea mays L.) is rapidly and dramatically altered when the incubation temperature is raised from 25 to 40 degrees C. One-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate gels reveal that although synthesis of the proteins observed at 25 degrees C continues at 40 degrees C, a new set of ;heat shock proteins' (hsp) is induced within 20 minutes of the temperature transition. The hsp have molecular weights of 87, 85, 79, 78, 77, 72, 70, 27, 22, and 18 kilodaltons. The 10 hsp are visible on autoradiograms but not on stained gels, suggesting that the proteins do not accumulate to any great extent.The induction of the hsp is transitory. With prolonged high temperature treatment, the synthesis of hsp continues for 4 hours in excised roots and for 8 hours in the roots of intact seedlings before declining sharply. Coincident to the decline in synthesis of the 10 hsp is the gradual increase in intensity of three new polypeptides having molecular weights of 62, 49.5, and 19 kilodaltons. These proteins begin to appear about the time that synthesis of the other 10 hsp becomes maximal.Shifting the temperature back to 25 degrees C also causes a decline in synthesis of hsp, but this decline occurs more rapidly than that seen during prolonged heat shock. A decrease in hsp synthesis becomes apparent 2 hours after the roots are returned to 25 degrees C.Shifting the temperature from 25 to 45 degrees C results in a pattern of protein synthesis different from that observed after a shift to 40 degrees C. Normal protein synthesis continues, except four proteins, which are produced in small amounts at lower temperatures, show greatly enhanced synthesis at 45 degrees C. These proteins have apparent molecular weights of 83, 81, 68, and 65 kilodaltons. Also, the 10 hsp listed above are not synthesized. It is suggested that at least two distinct high-temperature responses are present in maize, which may reflect the metabolic changes generated at different elevated temperatures.

Journal Article↗

A retrospective review of cervical cytology in women developing invasive squamous cell carcinoma.

The records of 93 women who presented with invasive squamous cell carcinoma were searched for evidence of cervical cytology during the years preceding this diagnosis; a search was also made through the files of local laboratories and contact was made with general practitioners and relevant hospital departments. Only 26 (28%) of these 93 women had had a cervical smear at any time before the diagnosis of invasive cancer, and only 11 (12%) had had regular cytological surveillance. Fifteen (60%) had had a smear taken and reported as negative within the previous 5 years, six (6%) within the previous year. Eleven of these 15 slides were obtained for review: three were regarded as positive and three more were re-classed as too scanty for conclusive assessment. In nine of the 67 women who had never had a smear, a gynaecological or obstetric examination was known to have been performed or indicated within the previous 5 years, thereby representing a missed opportunity for screening. In three patients cytological abnormalities had been reported within the previous 3 years but no action had been taken.

Adult↗

The prostaglandins.

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Cardiovascular Agents↗

Auscultatory indirect measurement of blood pressure in dogs.

An indirect method of measuring blood pressure (cuff plus stethoscope) was evaluated in 70 dogs weighing 15 to 30 kg (17.5 +/- 8.8 kg; mean +/- standard deviation). A cuff 12 cm wide was used. The measurements were most audible with the cuff on the upper foreleg of the dog and with the stethoscope placed in the medial epicondylar region just distal to the cuff. The cuff was inflated to greater than systolic pressure and allowed to deflate slowly. In 70 lightly sedated dogs, systolic blood pressures averaged 145 +/- 25 mmHg (mean +/- standard deviation) and diastolic blood pressures averaged 84 +/- 14 mmHg. Indirect measurements were compared to direct measurements (femoral arterial catheter). Systolic pressures obtained by this direct method averaged 138 +/- 29 mmHg (mean +/- standard deviation) and diastolic pressures averaged 84 +/- 17 mmHg. The correlation coefficient for systolic pressure was 0.96 and for diastolic pressure 0.97.

Animals↗

Psychological sequelae to elective sterilisation: a prospective study.

A total of 201 women were interviewed four weeks before elective interval tubal sterilisation, of whom 190 (94.5%) were assessed again six months postoperatively and 193 (96.0%) 18 months postoperatively. Before sterilisation the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity as measured by the present state examination was 10.4% (21 patients), no greater than might be expected in a general population sample; six months after the operation the prevalence was significantly reduced to 4.7% (nine patients); and 18 months postoperatively it had returned almost to the preoperative value (9.3%; 18 patients). Postoperative psychosexual disturbance was rare, only 3% of patients reporting reduced enjoyment of sexual intercourse at either follow-up. Considerable regret was reported by only five patients (2.6%) six months after the operation and by eight (4.1%) 18 months after the operation; however, some dissatisfaction was reported by 15 patients (7.9%) at six months and 21 patients (10.9%) at 18 months. Postoperative psychiatric disturbance and dissatisfaction were largely associated with preoperative psychiatric disturbance. Thus there was no evidence that elective interval sterilisation increased the risk of psychiatric disturbance up to 18 months after the operation.

Adult↗

A personal reference retrieval system for medium sized computers allowing automatic data entry from ONLINE databases.

A series of programs has been developed for the storage and retrieval of bibliographic references, which allow automatic cross-referencing of the stored entries. Reference retrieval becomes successively faster as more searches are performed and references are automatically sub-grouped under indexed terms allow complete sub-sets to be scanned independently. The indexing allows complete sub-collections of references to be printed, e.g. for a review, with no further searching requirements. This style of retrieval is conceptually similar to card systems in use by many scientists and should enable a rapid familiarization with the retrieval system. The editing features of the programs provide for the direct collection of references from large ONLINE databases (e.g. MEDLINE) and the automatic entering of the references into the personal data collection. The programs provide reliable storage of references for individual scientists, so that their collections from library databases, or from manual input may be updated and searched quickly.

Abstracting and Indexing↗

Evidence for an association between Chlamydia trachomatis and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Attempts were made to isolate Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum from women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), from those with microinvasive or invasive cervical cancer, and from a control group of similar women with other gynaecological problems. C. trachomatis was found in a significantly greater proportion of women with CIN (8%) or cervical cancer (18%) than in the control group (1%), whereas M. hominis and U. urealyticum were approximately as common in each group. Histological examination of the cervix in cone biopsies or hysterectomy specimens from 26 women with CIN and from 39 women of similar age with no evidence of CIN showed lymphoid follicles, previously reported to be associated with chlamydial infection, in nine of the specimens with CIN, but in none of the specimens without CIN.

Cervix Uteri↗

Hysterectomy and psychiatric disorder: I. Levels of psychiatric morbidity before and after hysterectomy.

One hundred and fifty-six women with menorrhagia of benign origin were interviewed before hysterectomy, and re-interviewed six months post-operatively (n = 147), and again 18 months post-operatively (n = 148). Levels of psychiatric morbidity were significantly higher before the operation than after. On the Present State Examination, 58 per cent of patients were psychiatric cases before surgery, as against 29 per cent at the 18-month follow-up. Similar post-operative improvements were found on measures of mood (POMS), and of psychosexual and social functioning. Most of these improvements had occurred within three to six months after the operation. Both before and after hysterectomy, levels of psychiatric morbidity were high by comparison with women in the general population, but lower than in psychiatric patients. The pre-operative psychiatric morbidity had been mainly of long duration.

Adult↗