Biomedical subjects

R K Sanders

Publications and source records attributed to R K Sanders.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

A new distal arthrogryposis syndrome characterized by plantar flexion contractures.

The distal arthrogryposis (DA) syndromes are a distinct group of disorders characterized by contractures of two or more different body areas. More than a decade ago, we revised the classification of DAs and distinguished several new syndromes. This revision has facilitated the identification of five genes (i.e., TNNI2, TNNT3, MYH3, MYH8, and TPM2) that encode components of the contractile apparatus of fast-twitch myofibers and cause DA syndromes. We now report on the phenotypic features of a novel DA disorder characterized primarily by plantar flexion contractures in a large five-generation Utah family. Contractures of hips, elbows, wrists, and fingers were much milder though they varied in severity among affected individuals. All affected individuals had normal neurological examinations; electromyography and creatinine kinase levels were normal on selected individuals. We have tentatively labeled this condition distal arthrogryposis type 10 (DA10).

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Validation for use with coyotes (Canis latrans) of a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Dirofilaria immitis.

Serological tests offer a potentially powerful tool for monitoring parasites in wildlife populations. However, such tests must be validated before using them with target wildlife populations. We evaluated in coyotes (Canis latrans) the performance of a commercially available serological test used to detect canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in domestic dogs. We obtained 265 coyote carcasses and serological specimens from 54 additional coyotes from several regions of California, USA. We necropsied coyotes to determine the adult heartworm infection status. Blood was collected at necropsy on filter paper strips and allowed to dry; it was later eluted in a buffer solution, and the supernatant was tested for heartworm. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess discriminatory power of the test and indicated a 93% probability that a randomly selected infected coyote would exhibit a higher enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) value than a randomly selected uninfected coyote. We estimated specificity at 96% (95% CI: 92-98%) for 165 uninfected coyotes and sensitivity at 85% (77-91%) for 100 infected coyotes, results similar to published values for the commercial serological test used with dog serum or plasma. Test performance was similar for filter paper specimens and supernatant of frozen whole blood collected in EDTA tubes (i.e. hemolyzed plasma). We found no difference in test performance among geographic or demographic coyote groups. Our findings support application of the test to filter paper or standard serological specimens for detection of heartworm in coyote populations.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Osteochondral injuries.

Osteochondral injuries are an important type of musculoskeletal trauma that can lead to disabling arthritis if not recognized and treated appropriately in the early stages. The anatomic configuration and biomechanical function of a joint are important for understanding its particular pattern of osteochondral injury and the resultant imaging appearance. The imaging of osteochondral fractures and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) is reviewed in this article, with particular attention to differentiating surgical and nonsurgical lesions on the basis of their appearance with advanced imaging modalities. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved both the sensitivity and specificity for detection and characterization of osteochondral injuries. MRI is currently the modality of choice for the detection and staging of osteochondral injuries. It has the greatest sensitivity owing to its ability to depict marrow edema and directly assess the fracture clefts of stage 3 lesions, as well as the morphology of articular cartilage. Newer strategies for differentiating stable from unstable osteochondral fragments include MR arthrography and intravenous contrast-enhanced MRI.

Bone and Bones↗

PubMed1996

The management of tetanus 1996.

The three main basic concepts in the understanding and management of tetanus: (1) Tetanus is polysystemic in terms of pathology and management. Most body organs, as well as the nervous system, are severely affected by tetanus toxins. (2) Prevention is not only by immunization, but also by specific treatment. Since the toxin cannot be therapeutically eradicated from the body, therapy is directed towards preventing continued spread of the toxins and the consequences of intoxication. (3) Variability in terms of prevalence and prognosis. The natural incidence and severity of tetanus varies greatly with social environment, season, climate and soil. Prognosis is influenced by age, source of infection and delay in treatment.

Child↗

PubMed1981