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Biomedical subjects

P Murphy

Publications and source records attributed to P Murphy.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Regulation of enzyme release from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: further evidence for the independent regulation of granule subpopulations.

Addition of 5-20 mM LiCl to purified human polymorphonuclear leukocytes led to the release of lysozyme, the specific granule constituent, but not the release of elastase which is in azurophilic granules. In contrast, 2.5-10 micrograms cytochalasin D/mL induced the release of both lysozyme and elastase. Addition of lipopolysaccharide to leukocytes did not induce enzyme release but primed cells for enhanced release induced by cytochalasin D. Lipopolysaccharide also primed cells for enhanced release of lysozyme by either N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP) or Li+ but did not prime cells for elastase release by these stimuli. In contrast, fMLP + cytochalasin D interacted synergistically, leading to enhanced elastase release but not lysozyme release from the cells. Additional experiments with combinations of secretagogues and lipopolysaccharide yielded results consistent with the hypothesis that specific granules and subpopulations of azurophilic granules are under separate regulation and, thus, may be influenced by separate elements of intracellular second messenger systems.

Calcium↗
PubMed1987

Pruritus ani. Classification and management.

Pruritus ani is a common dermatologic complaint that can be frustrating to treat. Effective therapy depends upon recognition of a variety of etiologic factors that may contribute to the symptom.

Humans↗
PubMed1986

Association between transfusion of whole blood and recurrence of cancer.

Transfusion affects the immune response to renal transplantation and may be associated with recurrence of various human neoplasms. Data from patients with colonic, rectal, cervical, and prostate tumours showed an association between transfusion of any amount of whole blood or larger amounts of red blood cells at the time of surgery and later recurrence of cancer. Recipients of one unit of whole blood had a significantly higher incidence of recurrence (45%) than recipients of a single unit of red cells (12%) (p = 0.03). Recipients of two units of whole blood also had a higher rate of recurrence (52%) than those receiving two units of red cells (23%) (p = 0.03). Recipients of any amount of whole blood had similar recurrence rates (38-52%). Recipients of four or more units of red blood cells had a higher rate of recurrence (55%) than those receiving three or fewer units of red blood cells (20%) (p = 0.005). Mortality due to cancer in patients receiving three or fewer units of red blood cells (2%) was similar to that in patients who did not have transfusions (7%) and significantly lower than that observed in patients receiving three or fewer units of whole blood (20%) (p = 0.003). A proportional hazards risk analysis showed that transfusion of any whole blood or more than three units of red blood cells was significantly associated with earlier recurrence and death due to cancer. These data support an association between transfusion and recurrence of cancer. They also suggest that some factor present in greater amounts in whole blood, such as plasma, may contribute to the increased risk of recurrence in patients who have undergone transfusion. Until the questions raised by retrospective studies of cancer recurrence and transfusion can be answered by prospective interventional trials with washed red blood cells, red blood cells should be transfused to patients with cancer in preference to whole blood when clinically feasible.

Blood Transfusion↗
PubMed1986

Pattern of spread of bloodborne tumour.

The pattern of bloodborne tumour spread has been studied experimentally in syngeneic rats. A variety of tumour types has been injected intravenously, intraportally and also intra-arterially via the left ventricle. Tumour cell arrest as a factor in the localization of metastases in the lung following intravenous injection of cells, and in the liver following intraportal injection, is emphasized. Once tumour cells have entered the arterial circulation they disseminate to almost all organs in similar proportions to the distribution of cardiac output. The dissemination and arrest of cells is not found to correlate with the later distribution of metastases. For example, certain organs (especially the adrenals) which receive only low fractions of injected cells, are always preferred sites for bloodborne metastasis. A strikingly similar pattern of 'arterial metastasis' is also seen for all the tumours used despite their very different histological and biological natures.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Biochemical and clinical correlates of diuretic therapy in the elderly.

To estimate the frequency of diuretic-related electrolyte disorders in the elderly, 561 consecutive admissions to three acute geriatric units were studied. For the 287 admissions to one unit, discharge/death diagnoses were also examined in relation to admission diuretic therapy. Sodium concentrations were significantly lower, and urea and creatinine significantly higher, in patients on diuretics, though the size of the differences was small. Comparing different preparations sodium concentrations were significantly lower on Moduretic than on Dyazide or Navidrex K and on frusemide when combined with a potassium-retaining diuretic rather than a potassium supplement. Potassium concentrations were significantly lower on Bendrofluazide alone compared to Navidrex K or Moduretic. Diuretics were positively associated with cardiac failure, ischaemic heart disease, airflow obstruction and obstructive large bowel disorders but negatively with Parkinson's disease. No significant association was found with falls, immobility or confusion. Major electrolyte disorders on diuretics appear to be unusual but important differences exist between preparations. Similarly major illness resulting from diuretic therapy is rare but minor morbidity may be more common.

Aged↗
PubMed1986

A comparative study of ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim in the treatment of urinary tract infections in geriatric patients.

A prospective, comparative clinical trial of ciprofloxacin (100 mg bd) versus trimethoprim (200 mg bd), both for five days, was carried out in 40 geriatric patients with urinary tract infection. Thirty-two could be assessed for drug efficacy, and all forty for toxicity studies. Both drugs were equally safe, and ciprofloxacin was at least as effective as trimethoprim as far as clinical response was concerned. Ciprofloxacin appeared more effective in eradication of bacteria. Antibacterial activity was found in urine and faeces up to five days after stopping ciprofloxacin therapy.

Aged↗
PubMed1986

Polyarticular pigmented villonodular synovitis in children: evidence for a genetic contribution.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis rarely occurs in multiple joints, and only once has been noted in siblings. We identified this disorder in 2 generations and found evidence for its presence in a third. It occurred in 2 sibling children at multiple sites. All affected individuals also had a rare autosomal dominant disorder, the multiple lentigines syndrome. Among the developmental abnormalities in this kindred were fibrous dysplasia, hypertelorism, pectus excavatum, high arched palate, and primary lymphedema. The etiology of pigmented villonodular synovitis is uncertain, and suggested causes include trauma, inflammation, neoplasia, and repeated hemorrhage. Our observations suggest genetic factors might also be important in the development of pigmented villonodular synovitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Who should provide hospital care of elderly people?

Since 1980 Islington Health District has appointed one consultant physician trained in geriatric medicine and three general physicians. The effect of these appointments on health care of the elderly in hospital was studied by means of Hospital Activity Analysis data for 1980-83. There were significant reductions in length of stay and in numbers becoming long stay among elderly patients admitted to the geriatric department. There was little change in these variables for elderly patients in general medical beds. The reduction in length of stay was achieved by the geriatric medicine department despite a lower staff/bed ratio and negative skewing in favour of acute medicine, and without any significant increase in the rates of readmission or mortality within 2 weeks of admission.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Analysis of a geriatric day hospital.

Analysis of the activity and functions of the Geriatric Day Hospital in the Islington Health District over a 3 1/2-year period suggests that (a) formal medical involvement in assessment of patients referred for treatment at the day hospital and (b) multidisciplinary management are paramount for rehabilitative function of the unit. The other conclusions to be drawn from the study are that the recommended norm for the day hospital places should be near 0.5 place per 1000 over 65 years and that the 'corrected new patient index' developed by Millard (1) is not applicable to in-patients attending the day hospital.

Day Care, Medical↗
PubMed1985

Copper and zinc levels in "healthy" and "sick" elderly.

Healthy elderly as a group have a wider range for serum copper, ceruloplasmin, and serum zinc than the adjusted ranges for the laboratory. In disease serum copper and/or ceruloplasmin act as acute-phase reactants in vascular disease, inflammation, and malignancy. Serum zinc values likewise are affected by the presence of inflammation and malignancy. The reported low level of copper in patients with osteoporosis was not confirmed by the present study. Neither was there any evidence found for zinc deficiency in patients with dementia.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1985

Enzymatic correction of interference in the kinetic Jaffé reaction for determining creatinine in plasma.

We evaluated a simple, specific method for measuring plasma creatinine concentration, involving enzymatic degradation of creatinine before analysis by a kinetic Jaffé reaction. The enzymes--prepared in a dry, stable form--are convenient to use and eliminate the need to correct for sample dilution. As little as 50 microL of plasma is required, making the procedure ideal for use with samples from children. Between-day precision studies for determination of plasma creatinine at concentrations of 70 and 470 mumol/L yielded CVs of 7.8 and 4.3%, respectively. Analytical recovery of creatinine added to plasma samples ranged from 94 to 113%. Linear regression analysis demonstrated excellent agreement between results by this method and those by a "high performance" liquid-chromatographic technique.

Amidohydrolases↗
PubMed1984

Intra-arterial cisplatin treatment of unresectable or medically inoperable invasive carcinoma of the bladder.

Five patients between 72 and 82 years old received 5 to 6 treatments of 50 to 75 mg. per m.2 cisplatin by bilateral internal iliac artery infusion for unirradiated invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Of the patients 3 also were diabetics and 1 had congestive heart failure. Treatment was tolerated extremely well, although most courses were associated with moderate to severe nausea and vomiting lasting several hours. Of 4 evaluable patients 3 achieved complete remission and 1 achieved a good partial remission. An additional 55-year-old woman with a large invasive bladder carcinoma fixed to surrounding structures was treated with 4 courses of 100 mg. per m.2 intra-arterial cisplatin. This patient had a marked decrease in tumor size, permitting surgical resection of all known residual tumor. A 49-year-old patient with large pelvic lymph node metastases from a squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder achieved only minimal decrease in tumor size after 3 courses of 100 mg. per m.2 intra-arterial cisplatin. We conclude that intra-arterial cisplatin can be highly effective for localized invasive bladder cancer even when relatively low doses are used. With proper care the regimen can be used safely and effectively in elderly patients with medical contraindications to an operation.

Age Factors↗