Comparison of normal subjects and asthma patients with respect to age-related elastase-binding activity of alpha 2-macroglobulin in plasma.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
P J Becker
Publications and source records attributed to P J Becker.
The prevalence of homocysteinemia and hypercholesterolemia in angiographically defined coronary heart disease.
Total serum homocysteine and cholesterol levels were determined in 163 male patients with typical angina who were subjected to coronary angiography. The prevalence of homocysteinemia in coronary heart disease (CHD) was 41.9%. Serum homocysteine levels were significantly elevated (p less than 0.05) in patients with major occlusion in two or three coronary arteries. Furthermore, the prevalence of homocysteinemia correlated positively (p less than 0.05) with the number of coronary vessels that were occluded. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 34.9%, but, in contrast to homocysteinemia, no graded strength of association with the number of stenotic coronary arteries could be demonstrated. The results suggest that homocysteinemia may contribute significantly to the development of coronary heart disease.
Adult↗
Epidemiological reference ranges for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B for identification of increased risk of ischaemic heart disease.
Although there is widespread acceptance that total cholesterol (TC) value reference ranges should be based on epidemiological rather than statistical considerations, the epidemiological action limits for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are still incomplete and only statistical reference ranges for apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) levels are available. The combined use of epidemiological reference ranges for TC and incomplete or statistical reference ranges for LDL-C and Apo-B is illogical, since these parameters may fall into discordant risk categories that will hamper and complicate the management of hypercholesterolaemia. Based on a study of lipograms obtained from +/- 3,000 inhabitants of two industrialised Transvaal towns, the age-related epidemiological reference ranges for LDL-C and Apo-B were established. A comparison with published observational studies of other populations, in which comparable lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein methodologies were used, reflected the severity of these lipid-related abnormalities in white South Africans, especially after the age of 30 years. In addition, the serum TC values found in this survey were not significantly different from those obtained 10 years ago.
Adolescent↗
Serum levels of DDT and liver function of malaria control personnel.
The levels of DDT and metabolites in serum of 23 applicators involved in malaria control operations in Natal were determined using gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The mean levels (microgram/l, ppb) were 61.7 DDT, 129.3 DDE, 11.0 DDD and 202.0 sigma DDT. Percentage DDT was 33.4%. These levels were higher than for an age matched sample of the general population in KwaZulu, who are protected by DDT against malaria. Percentage DDT correlated negatively with age (P less than 0.05) for the applicators, suggesting a change in pharmacodynamics with age. Mean serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels did not differ significantly from an age-matched control group, but the mean GGT value for the applicators was higher than the maximum of the laboratory normal range. Although not clinically significant, the alanine transferase was significantly higher in the applicators than in the control group. These higher levels suggest a possible risk to the health of the sprayers, but uncertainties remain.
Adult↗
Evaluation of the results of oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer.
The long-term results of standard techniques of oesophagectomy were examined in 127 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. A near-total oesophagectomy with a cervical anastomosis was performed in 93 patients and an oesophagogastrectomy with an intrathoracic anastomosis was carried out in 34 patients. One hundred and eight patients had a curative oesophagectomy and 19 patients had a palliative resection. Eight patients received radiotherapy to the tumour bed. There were 15 deaths in hospital and the overall 5-year survival rate including perioperative deaths was 13.2 per cent. Survival was adversely affected by incomplete excision of macroscopic tumour (P less than 0.001), positive regional lymph nodes (P less than 0.05) and distant lymphatic metastases (P less than 0.02). The 5-year survival rate of patients with tumour invasion beyond the oesophageal wall (T3) and negative nodes was 20 per cent. Postoperative irradiation had no effect on the survival of patients with gross residual tumour. Complete clearance of microscopic tumour was achieved in 50 per cent of patients with T3 tumours and this group did not benefit from adjuvant radiotherapy. Survival in patients undergoing curative oesophagectomy with residual microscopic tumour, however, was significantly improved by irradiation of the tumour bed (P less than 0.01). These results suggest that the survival of patients can be increased significantly by the excision of all gross tumour and by identification of those who will benefit from local radiotherapy.
Adult↗
Ethnic immunity to coronary heart disease?
Dietary fat intake is often regarded as a major determinant of coronary heart disease (CHD) rate and it has been deemed unnecessary to invoke racial or other factors to explain the differences in CHD rates among different ethnic groups. Despite a high prevalence of CHD risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and smoking, CHD remains a rarity in westernized black Africans. Cord blood total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and apolipoprotein B (apo B) levels were measured and found to be respectively 12.1%, 18.3% and 22.4% lower in black neonates when compared to white neonates. These differences were again studied in a group of young black African males and a comparable group of age-matched whites who had been exposed to the same environment and western diet for at least 2 years. Although the body mass indices and serum albumin concentrations in the adult males were not significantly different, serum levels of TC, LDLC and apo B were 10.7%, 18.7% and 39.7% lower in the blacks, respectively. Furthermore, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and Apolipoprotein AI were 20.2% and 9.5% higher, homocysteine 45.6% lower and coagulation factor VII 26.6% lower in the adult black Africans. It is concluded that blacks are biochemically less responsive to an atherogenic diet than whites and these differences are already present at birth.
Adult↗
Malaria control and levels of DDT in serum of two populations in Kwazulu.
Concentrations of p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, and p,p'-DDD were determined in serum of members of households of two different areas of KwaZulu. Annual intradomiciliary application of DDT is used for the interruption of malaria transmission in one area (the exposed group) while the other served as the control. Demographic differences between the two groups resulted in significantly more females in the control group. The two groups were comparable with respect to age. Serum from household members living in DDT-treated dwellings had significantly higher (p less than .005) levels of sigma DDT and metabolites (mean sigma DDT 140.9 micrograms/l) than those from the control area (mean sigma DDT 6.04 micrograms/l). Percentage DDT was also significantly higher (p less than .05) in the exposed group (28.9%) than the control group (8.3%). sigma DDT for the 3-10 yr age interval (168.6 micrograms/l) was significantly higher (p less than .05) than the 20-29 (60.5 micrograms/l) and 30-39 (84.2 micrograms/l) yr age intervals. There seemed to be two groups with regard to accumulation and elimination. The age group 3-29 appeared to be eliminating DDT, most likely accumulated from contaminated breast milk, faster than they accumulated it. From around 29 yr of age accumulation predominated as the levels increased with age. Regression analysis suggested pharmacokinetic differences for DDE and DDT between the two groups. Liver function parameters between the two groups only differed significantly for gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma GT) (p less than .005), but the influence of difference in alcohol consumption, which was significantly higher in the exposed group (p less than .0001), offered a better explanation. Those of the exposed group that consumed alcohol had a significantly higher (p less than .05) mean gamma GT level (41.5 IU/l) than those that did not (20.2 IU/l), but were not significantly different for sigma DDT (p greater than .05). The safety of DDT used in malaria control for subjects aged 3 and older was confirmed by the levels of DDT in serum when compared with other studies, which showed lack of any negative effects associated with these levels in adults, and an apparently normal liver function in the exposed and control groups.
Adolescent↗
Liver function in early congenital syphilis: does penicillin cause a deterioration?
In this prospective study, neonates with clinical congenital syphilis were investigated to determine if penicillin therapy caused a deterioration in liver function. The relationship between circulating immune complexes and liver involvement was monitored, and the efficacy of steroid therapy as an adjunct in the treatment of congenital syphilis was investigated. Thirty neonates with clinical congenital syphilis were randomly assigned into two groups: one group received penicillin therapy only, and the other group penicillin and prednisone as an adjunct. Twenty-one infants who did not have clinical or serological syphilis, born to seropositive mothers, served as a "control" group. Liver function tests, full blood counts, and immunological studies were performed at various intervals up to 3 months of age. Although the symptomatic groups differed significantly from the asymptomatic group in most of the parameters measured, there were no significant differences noted between the two symptomatic groups at any time point. No direct relationship between penicillin therapy and either deteriorating liver function or the presence of circulating immune complexes could be demonstrated. Also, prednisone therapy did not modify any of the parameters studied.
Antigen-Antibody Complex↗
Bond strength of glass ionomer cement to composite resin.
This report assesses the effect of acid etching, acid etching plus bonding adhesive and bonding adhesive only, on the bond strength of one light curing and two chemical curing glass ionomer cements (GICs) to composite resin. Bonded specimens were fractured using a three point flexural jig. The only bond obtained with the chemically curing cements was after acid etching and bonding adhesive application. The light curing cements produced a bond with all treatments but a true cohesive fracture was only obtained after application of the dentine primer and bonding adhesive of the particular bonding system employed. It is recommended that a bonding adhesive be applied after acid etching chemically curing GICs in order to achieve a bond to composite resin. The light curing GIC should not be etched with phosphoric acid and is the material of choice as it is both stronger and less technique sensitive than the chemically curing GICs. Manufacturers' instructions may not always give the best results.
Analysis of Variance↗
Effect of impression technique and multiple pours on accuracy of stone models.
The number of accurate repour models obtainable from a single impression is of clinical importance. This study was designed to compare the accuracy of initial and repour models obtained from an impression recorded in a hydrophilic addition curing silicone and to determine whether or not this accuracy is affected by the impression technique employed and whether any interaction between impression techniques and levels of pour existed. The laminated and putty wash plus spacer techniques were employed. Six impressions were recorded of a brass master model with each technique. Improved stone models were poured after 2 hours and then repoured in the same impression at 3, 4, 5 and 6 hours. Thus, 30 models were poured with each impression technique. Using a reflex microscope, measurements between two fixed points on the brass model were taken and compared with similar measurements obtained from the stone models. The analysis of variance indicates that no significant difference exists between impression techniques (p greater than 0.05) and between the first pour and first repour model (p greater than 0.05). With the material tested, this study indicates that the laminated and putty wash plus spacer techniques both give accurate impressions and that only two accurate models can be poured.
Analysis of Variance↗
Lack of efficacy of the standard potency Edmonston-Zagreb live, attenuated measles vaccine in African infants.
The efficacy of standard potency Edmonston-Zagreb (E-Z) measles vaccine was tested in a randomized trial of Black infants in a rural area of South Africa where a measles epidemic was occurring. The following immunization schedules were used: 48 infants aged 4-8.5 months who received 3.9 log 50 infectious units of E-Z vaccine (group A); 48 infants aged 4-8.5 months who received 3.28 log 50 infectious units of Schwarz vaccine (group B); and 28 infants aged greater than 9 months who received 3.28 log 50 infectious units of Schwarz vaccine and served as controls (group C). For infants aged less than 23 weeks who were given either the E-Z or Schwarz vaccine, the number of seropositives was low (28%), irrespective of the pre-vaccination level of measles antibody. There was a higher number of seropositives (68%) among those in the age range greater than 23 weeks to less than 36 weeks who received the E-Z vaccine rather than the Schwarz vaccine (36%). When administered to children aged greater than 36 weeks, the Schwarz vaccine produced a satisfactory, though suboptimal response rate (61%). There was no correlation between seropositivity and pre-vaccination measles antibody status. Use of the standard dose of E-Z vaccine may have been one of the factors for this poor response, and this supports the WHO recommendation that titres higher than the standard potency vaccine are needed if 6-month-old infants are to be successfully immunized against measles.
Humans↗
Risk factors for complications after thyroid surgery.
Data on 60 patients who underwent thyroid surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathological data were compared with the occurrence of the complications of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, hypocalcaemia and laryngeal oedema. Age, pressure symptoms and types of pathology were not associated with complications. Large glands and radiological evidence of a compressed trachea were statistically significant risk factors for postoperative complications.
Adult↗
Serum keratan sulphate levels during prolonged rest.
Serum levels of keratan sulphate (KS) were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent-inhibition assay on admission to hospital in 26 previously healthy young patients who had sustained fractures of the pelvis without involvement of the hips. The serum KS level was found to decrease during the period in hospital (5-6 weeks), but rose after return to ambulatory life (6-12 months). The results suggest that serum KS levels are related to rest.
Adolescent↗
Serum amylase during pregnancy.
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Amylases↗
Peritoneal lavage in abdominal sepsis. A controlled clinical study.
The value of intraoperative peritoneal lavage (IOPL) with saline solution, with or without antibiotics, in the treatment of peritoneal contamination, continues to be controversial. A prospective trial was carried out in 87 patients who underwent emergency laparotomies for peritonitis. They were randomized to be treated in one of three ways: group 1 (mean acute physiologic and chronic health evaluation [APACHE] II score, 8) received no IOPL; group 2 (mean APACHE II score, 10) received IOPL with saline solution; and group 3 (mean APACHE II score, 8) received IOPL with saline solution and 2 g of chloramphenicol succinate. In groups 1, 2, and 3, the mortality was 21%, 21%, and 10%, respectively (not significant), and correlated well with the preoperative APACHE II scores. In groups 1, 2, and 3, the mean hospital stay was 13, 13, and 10 days, respectively (not significant), and the incidence of wound infections was 20%, 17%, and 17%, respectively; the incidence of surgical complications was 10%, 24% and 7%, respectively (not significant), and of medical complications, 24%, 31%, and 17%, respectively. We concluded that IOPL with saline solution or antibiotics did not influence the outcome following laparotomies for peritonitis.
Adolescent↗
The effect of a brain lesion on bone healing.
Using a feline model, the effects of stereotaxic brain lesions producing unilateral spasticity on bilateral fibular osteotomies were observed. Healing in spastic limbs occurred with more new bone formation than on the contralateral (control) side. Union appeared to be slightly faster in spastic limbs. Histomorphometric analysis of resected fibular specimens following union revealed little difference between spastic and non-spastic limbs. When these brain-lesioned animals were compared with a group with identical osteotomies but no brain lesions in respect of various systemic biochemical and endocrine parameters, no differences were found.
Animals↗
An evaluation of the surface characteristics of a facial prosthetic elastomer. Part I: Review of the literature on the surface characteristics of dental materials with maxillofacial prosthetic application.
Silicone elastomers are used to construct a wide variety of maxillofacial prostheses and appliances. These applications dictate that an elastomer-tissue interface is present. The behavior of this interface will vary according to the method of retention of the prosthesis, the nature of the tissue surface, and whether the prosthesis is externally applied or occupies an intratissue location. Understanding the behavior of the silicone-tissue interface is consequently important. Part I of this series of three articles is a review of the literature on the surface characteristics of dental materials with maxillofacial prosthetic application. The review considers surface texture, indentation hardness, wettability, and reaction of tissues to surface texture of restorative materials.
Dental Materials↗
An evaluation of the surface characteristics of a facial prosthetic elastomer. Part II: The surface texture.
Silicone elastomers do not have an inherent surface texture but take on the surface texture of the surface against which they are processed. This study compares the surface texture of Cosmesil material, a purpose-designed facial prosthetic elastomer, and Molloplast-B material, which is a well-established material for use in the clinic. We used a profilometer to determine the roughness average, maximum roughness, and waviness of the dies, control, gypsum, and silicone test surfaces. Statistical analyses of results involved multivariate analyses of variance and Tukey's procedures to compare roughness average, maximum roughness, and waviness (in all cases p less than 0.05). The results showed that the silicone elastomers, Cosmesil and Molloplast-B, have similar surface characteristics. The only statistically significant difference was in waviness (Molloplast-B, means = 10.82 microns; Cosmesil, means = 12.82 microns). The gypsum surface yielding the most satisfactory result was the surface that had been treated with silicone paste separator. On the basis of surface characteristics, Cosmesil material is likely to cause no more surface trauma of the tissue against which it is placed than the use of Molloplast-B material.
Biocompatible Materials↗