Search PubMedSearch

Biomedical subjects

R C Read

Publications and source records attributed to R C Read.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Second primary lung cancer.

We reviewed our experience with second primary lung cancer (SPLC) at the Little Rock Veterans Affairs Medical Center from 1966 to 1993. Fifty-four patients were found to have 65 such lesions after 1,572 "curative" resections for lung cancer (4.1%). Eleven patients had at least a third primary tumor (3 having more). Metachronous SPLCs comprised 60% (39/65) and synchronous 40% (26/65). The mean interval between first and second tumors was 54.63 +/- 8 (standard error) months (range, 5 to 218 months), and that between second and third was 26.1 +/- 7.4 (standard error) (range, 5.5 to 51 months). Squamous cell carcinoma comprised 58.4% (38/65), adenocarcinoma 30.8% (20/65), and small cell carcinoma 10.8% (7/65). Histology of the SPLC was the same as that of the first tumor in 50.7% (33/65). Stage I primary tumors comprised 76% (41/54) of index tumors, 61.1% (33/54) of SPLCs, and 72.2% (8/11) of third primary tumors. Second primary lung cancer followed minimal resection in 44% (24/54), lobectomy in 37% (20/54), and pneumonectomy in 13% (7/54) of cases. There was no evidence that minimal resection for the first primary tumor predisposed to SPLC. After 1983 the majority of SPLCs were diagnosed with computed tomographic scanning. After resection of SPLCs, survival rates at 3 and 5 years were 26% and 18%, metachronous 39% and 23.4%, and synchronous 12.25% and 12.25%.

Actuarial Analysis

Evolution of pulmonary resection techniques and review of the bronchus-first method.

The dissection technique of pulmonary resection evolved in the period 1930 to 1950. Surgeons had to cope with the location of disease, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, and lung cancer, as well as associated bronchial secretions, hilar pathology, and the status of anesthesiology. Two basic hilar dissection methods emerged, the anterior vessel-first sequence and the posterior bronchus-first method. The bronchus-first method is particularly suitable for pneumonectomy, right upper lobectomy, and posterior-apical segmentectomy of this lobe as well as ease of lymph node removal. This technique, as a primary method of lung resection, does not appear to be emphasized in teaching curricula and supporting atlases or texts.

Dissection

Prolonged cryptosporidiosis during primary HIV infection.

Primary infection with the human immunodeficiency virus causes profound immunosuppression with a decrease in lymphocyte numbers and function. However, this immunosuppression is transient and most individuals regain normal immune function. Infection with opportunist pathogens during the period of immunosuppression is rare. We report a case of severe prolonged cryptosporidiosis complicating primary HIV infection. This has not previously been described. A review of other cases of opportunist infections in primary HIV infection suggests that various pathogens may take advantage of the transient immunosuppression. This has important implications for the diagnosis and management of acute HIV infection, and for the diagnostic criteria currently used for AIDS.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections

Experimental infection of human nasal mucosal explants with Neisseria meningitidis.

The interaction of Neisseria meningitidis with rhinopharyngeal epithelium was studied by experimental infection of explants of human nasal turbinate mucosa with two wild strains: a fully capsulate case isolate, and an epidemiologically related non-capsulate nasopharyngeal isolate. After incubation for 4 h, epithelial cells of infected explants changed conformation from tall columnar morphology towards cuboidal, and there was increased discharge of mucus globules from goblet cells. By 24 h there was significant damage to infected epithelia, including projection of cells out of the surface, cytoplasmic blebbing and mitochondrial abnormalities. Meningococci were associated with surface non-ciliated cells by 4 h after infection. By 24 h after infection they were associated extensively with all cell types exhibiting damage. There was little association with secreted mucus. In areas of cell damage, penetration between surface cells was observed. Endocytosis into non-ciliated cells was observed in only a minority of explants studied and only in those infected for 24 h. From this intracellular site there was apparent migration to adjacent cells and to intercellular locations. No organisms were observed within or beneath basement membrane collagen in any explants but internalisation into mononuclear phagocytes was observed occasionally.

Cilia

Interaction of fimbriated and nonfimbriated strains of unencapsulated Haemophilus influenzae with human respiratory tract mucus in vitro.

Adherence to mucus may influence bacterial colonization of the respiratory tract. Clinical isolates of nontypable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) from the respiratory tract are often fimbriated. We wondered whether fimbriated strains have a different adherence from related nonfimbriated strains. A microtitre plate assay has been developed to study adherence of nontypable H. influenzae to mucus. Wells were coated by incubation either with sol phase of sterile mucoid secretions or with purified preparations of mucins. Two laboratory pairs of fimbriated (F+) and nonfimbriated (F-) nontypable H. influenzae, and six fresh clinical isolates of fimbriated nontypable H. influenzae each with nonfimbriated partners derived by serial passage on agar, were cultured to mid-log phase, washed, and then added to the wells. They were then incubated at 37 degrees C for 30 min before washing to remove unbound bacteria. Adherent bacteria were desorbed by agitation with 0.5% Tween 80 and a viable count performed. The two fimbriated laboratory strains (n = 12 and n = 17), and 5 of the 6 fimbriated clinical isolates were more adherent to sol phase than their respective nonfimbriated partners. Two nonfimbriated clinical isolates were more adherent to plastic than their fimbriated partners. A fimbriated laboratory strain was more adherent than its nonfimbriated partner both to a purified preparation of high molecular mass mucin and to the glycopeptide fraction of the same. We conclude that fimbriated strains of nontypable H. influenzae have increased adherence to sol phase of mucus and purified human respiratory tract mucin. The interactions of fimbriae with mucus are likely to be complex, and may involve both nonspecific and specific interactions.

Bacterial Adhesion

Carotid-subclavian bypass: a twenty-two-year experience.

PURPOSE: A retrospective review of 124 patients who underwent carotid-subclavian bypass from 1968 to 1990 was done to assess primary patency and symptom resolution. METHODS: Preoperative data included age, atherosclerosis risk factors, and indications for surgery. Perioperative data included mortality and morbidity rates and graft conduit. Postoperative follow-up assessed graft patency, resolution of symptoms, and late survival. RESULTS: Age ranged from 42 to 78 years (mean 57.9). Indications for surgery were vertebrobasilar insufficiency in 24 (19%), extremity ischemia (EI) in 33 (27%), transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in 13 (11%), both vertebrobasilar insufficiency and EI in 31 (25%), and both TIAs and EI in 23 (18%) patients. Graft conduits were polytetrafluoroethylene in 44 (35%) and Dacron in 80 (65%) cases. Concomitant ipsilateral carotid endarterectomy was done in 32 (26%) patients. During operation, death occurred in one patient (0.8%), and complications occurred in 10 (8%) patients. Thirty-day primary patency and symptom-free survival rates were 100%. Long-term follow-up ranging from 5 to 164 months was available for the 60 cases done between 1975 and 1990. Three grafts occluded at 30, 36, and 51 months after surgery for a primary patency rate of 95% at 5 and 10 years. Twenty-two patients died, yielding survival rates of 83% at 5 years and 59% at 10 years. Symptom recurrence occurred in six (10%) patients from 9 to 66 months after surgery. The symptom-free survival rate was 98% at 1 year, 90% at 5 years, and 87% at 10 years. Symptoms recurred in three patients with occluded grafts and three with patent grafts. The preoperative symptoms of drop attacks and TIAs did not recur. EI recurred in 5% and was noted only in the presence of graft occlusion. Dizziness recurred in 17% of patients admitted with this symptom and was observed despite graft patency. CONCLUSION: Carotid-subclavian bypass was a safe and durable procedure for relief of symptomatic occlusive disease of the subclavian artery. Long-term symptomatic relief appeared particularly likely in patients with drop attacks or upper extremity ischemia.

Adult

Isolated symptomatic midcervical stenosis of the internal carotid artery.

All carotid arteriograms performed between January 1, 1986 and December 31, 1991 were reviewed for instances of midcervical carotid stenosis. Sixteen cases were identified. A stenosis related to the hypoglossal nerve was specifically identified in three operative reports in the retrospective review. Pathologic examinations of the specimens confirmed the presence of atherosclerotic plaque or fibrous dysplasia. In another case, relief of intermittent neurologic symptoms (TIAs) was obtained by division of the stylohyoid ligament. Prospective observation of five cases confirmed a stenosis immediately distal to a transverse neurofascial band formed by the hypoglossal nerve, which arose with the vagus nerve in three patients, and a large cervical contribution to the ansa hypoglossi in two. Presumably the lesion was caused by the turbulent flow in the internal carotid artery distal to the band. Isolated stenosis of the midcervical internal carotid artery unrelated to bifurcation disease may be the result of turbulence induced by tethering neural or myofascial bands.

Aged

The concentrations of clarithromycin and its 14-hydroxy metabolite in sputum of patients with bronchiectasis following single dose oral administration.

Clarithromycin and its metabolite, 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin are active against a wide range of respiratory pathogens. Antibiotics generally penetrate poorly into respiratory secretions which may therefore continue to harbour bacteria following bronchial infection. We have studied sputum and serum concentrations of clarithromycin and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin in eight patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis without infective exacerbations (five male, three female; mean age 53.3 years). Oral single dose administration of 250 or 500 mg clarithromycin, separated by at least 6 days, was given to each patient. Serum and sputum samples were collected (the latter by physiotherapy at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 24 and 0, 4, 8 and 24 h respectively after administration of each dose. Serum sol phase was obtained by high speed centrifugation and concentrations of clarithromycin and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Serum Cmax for clarithromycin and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin were 1.20 mg/L (3 h) and 0.37 mg/L (3.1 h) for clarithromycin (250 mg)) and were 2.78 mg/L (2.5 h) and 0.68 mg/L (2.6 h) for clarithromycin (500 mg) respectively. Sputum Cmax for clarithromycin and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin were 0.52 mg/L (5 h) and 0.30 mg/L (5.5 h) for clarithromycin (250 mg) and were 1.59 mg/L (5 h) and 0.47 mg/L (5.5 h) for clarithromycin (500 mg) respectively. The sputum/serum percentage ratios at Cmax (sputum) for clarithromycin and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin were 74.3% and 113.9% (250 mg) and 94.7% and 99.9% (500 mg) respectively. We conclude that oral administration of clarithromycin to patients with bronchiectasis results in rapid penetration into respiratory mucus with persistent drug concentrations that exceed its MIC for many respiratory pathogens.

Administration, Oral

An in vitro model for measuring tryptase release from nasal mucosa in response to allergen challenge.

A simple in vitro nasal mucosal culture model has been developed to measure release of the mast cell specific enzyme tryptase in response to allergen challenge. Patients who were undergoing inferior turbinectomy were skin-tested for commonly inhaled allergens. The mucosa from the inferior turbinates was kept viable using Minimal Essential Medium. Tryptase release into the medium was measured using the Pharmacia Riact Assay. There was a significant increase in tryptase release in response to allergen challenge from the mucosa harvested from skin-test positive patients. Mucosa from skin-test negative patients failed to demonstrate an increase in tryptase release. This could prove to be a useful research model for the study of nasal type I hypersensitivity and drugs that affect it.

Allergens

Interaction of capsulate Haemophilus influenzae with human airway mucosa in vitro.

Two pairs of isogenic capsulate and noncapsulate and one pair of capsulate fimbriate and nonfimbriate strains of Haemophilus influenzae type b were studied in an organ culture of human respiratory mucosa. Over 24 h, the numbers of recovered bacteria increased from the original inoculum size of 10(5) to 10(8) CFU/ml. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that noncapsulate organisms caused significant epithelial damage, whereas capsulate strains did not. Association of noncapsulate bacteria with damaged epithelial cells was observed by 14 h of incubation. In contrast, capsulate organisms were associated with a dense, thick, gel-like matrix which was observed above the epithelial surface. These capsulate organisms were not seen to associate with the epithelial surface (by transmission electron microscopy), though they were occasionally seen adhering to cells by scanning electron microscopy. Fimbriate capsulate H. influenzae showed increased adherence to buccal cells compared with nonfimbriate capsulate organisms. There was also association of fimbriate capsulate bacteria with damaged organ culture epithelium in one of four experiments. It is concluded that both capsule and fimbriae affect the interaction of H. influenzae with human airway mucosa in vitro by influencing adherence to and damage of the epithelium.

Bacterial Adhesion

Effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa rhamnolipids on mucociliary transport and ciliary beating.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa rhamnolipid causes ciliostasis and cell membrane damage to rabbit tissue, is a secretagogue in cats, and inhibits epithelial ion transport in sheep tissue. It could therefore perturb mucociliary clearance. We have investigated the effect of rhamnolipid on mucociliary transport in the anesthetized guinea pig and guinea pig and human respiratory epithelium in vitro. Application of rhamnolipid to the guinea pig tracheal mucosa reduced tracheal mucus velocity (TMV) in vivo in a dose-dependent manner: a 10-microgram bolus caused cessation of TMV without recovery; a 5-micrograms bolus reduced TMV over a period of 2 h by 22.6% (P = 0.037); a 2.5-microgram bolus caused no overall changes in TMV. The ultrastructure of guinea pig tracheal epithelium exposed to 10 micrograms of rhamnolipid in vivo was normal. Application of 1,000 micrograms/ml rhamnolipid had no effect on the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of guinea pig tracheal rings in vitro after 30 min, but 250 micrograms/ml stopped ciliary beating after 3 h. Treatment with 100 micrograms/ml rhamnolipid caused immediate slowing of the CBF (P less than 0.01) of human nasal brushings (n = 7), which was maintained for 4 h. Mono- and dirhamnolipid had equivalent effects. The CBF of human nasal turbinate organ culture was also slowed by 100 micrograms/ml rhamnolipid, but only after 4 h (CBF test, 9.87 +/- 0.41 Hz; control, 11.48 +/- 0.27 Hz; P less than 0.05, n = 6), and there was subsequent recovery by 14 h.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

Cooper's posterior lamina of transversalis fascia.

The original description of the transversalis fascia and the internal inguinal ring by Astley Cooper in 1804 is recounted along with the immediate recognition of its importance by other surgical anatomists. The description he made in 1807 of two laminae has been essentially ignored or denied. The deep posterior lamina has been confused with a membranous condensation in the preperitoneal fascia. However, Lytle and Fowler reported a secondary or deeper internal ring and Mackay described the inferior epigastric artery perforating the transversalis fascia at its origin and then coursing cephalad on it to enter the rectus sheath anterior to the arcuate line. My experience with preperitoneal exposure of groin herniae, from the anterior and posterior approach, has demonstrated a posterior lamina deep to the epigastric vasculature attached to the pubic ramus. Repair of inguinal herniae should begin in the preperitoneal layer internal to Astley Cooper's bilaminar transversalis fascia and the epigastric vessels. This will ensure ligation of any peritoneal sac within the iliac fossae, as recommended by Bassini, or internal to the false neck, as described by Henry. This is the avascular, fissile, envelope in which Stoppa has so successfully placed prostheses.

Anatomy

Interaction of nontypable Haemophilus influenzae with human respiratory mucosa in vitro.

One laboratory strain (SH9) (n = 12) and five clinical isolates of unencapsulated Haemophilus influenzae replicated from 10(4) to 10(8) cfu/ml over 24 h in an organ culture of human respiratory mucosa in which only the intact mucosal surface is exposed. By transmission electron microscopy (TEM), bacteria were not seen in association with normal respiratory epithelium, even after incubation for 24 h. Histology and TEM morphometry demonstrated patchy and occasionally confluent damage to epithelia at this time, with bacteria associated only with cells that were structurally damaged. Scanning electron microscopy revealed an increased quantity of mucus in infected preparations; H. influenzae were associated with mucus by 14 h of incubation and with damaged epithelial cells by 24 h. Fimbriation of H. influenzae increased buccal cell adherence but did not facilitate association with normal respiratory epithelium and failed to increase epithelial damage or association with damaged cells. Epithelial damage may be prerequisite for association of H. influenzae with respiratory epithelium in vitro.

Bacterial Adhesion

Ciliary beat frequency and structure of recipient and donor epithelia following lung transplantation.

To investigate possible changes following lung transplantation, the structure and in vitro ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of airway epithelium from the cytology brushings of 9 heart-lung (HLT) and 5 single-lung (SLT) transplant recipients were examined. The CBF of brushings taken proximal and distal to the anastomosis was measured 2-10 months following transplant. There was no difference between the measured mean CBF at the two sites or between the two groups; HLT CBF: distal 11.0 +/- 0.5 Hz (standard error of mean), proximal 10.5 +/- 0.4 Hz, SLT CBF: distal 11.7 +/- 0.9 Hz, proximal 12.0 +/- 0.6 Hz. Mean CBF of bronchial brushings (except distal brushings from SLT patients) was significantly lower than that from controls: 13.6 +/- 0.3 Hz (n = 7) (p less than 0.05). Transmission electron microscopy of epithelial brushings from 4 patients (3 HLT, 1 SLT) revealed epithelial abnormalities both proximal and distal to the anastomosis, particularly ciliary depletion, mitochondrial abnormalities and death of cells. No significant ciliary ultrastructural abnormalities were seen in any tissue. We conclude that epithelial abnormalities were observed both proximal and distal to the anastomosis following lung transplantation. These may contribute to impairment of mucociliary clearance.

Bronchi