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Biomedical subjects

R L Dennis

Publications and source records attributed to R L Dennis.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Pre-spiking dialysate bags: improved peritonitis prevention in patients on CAPD.

We review experience with 238 patients over 5.5 years to determine the impact of techniques of spiking dialysis bags in advance of their use (pre-spiking) on peritonitis incidence. Our two units provide peritoneal dialysis therapies only with liberal patient acceptance policies. The Y-set was used almost exclusively over the last 4 years (192/238 patients), peritonitis rate 1:31.5 patient-months (99 episodes/3,122 months). Nineteen patients spiked each exchange, 23 episodes/282 months, 1:12.3; 173 pre-spiked 1-14 days in advance using Y-set and compact exchange device (CXD), 76 episodes/2,840 months, 1:37.4. Peritonitis rates did not worsen with increased pre-spiking intervals: 1 day, 1:16.2; 2-6 days, 1:47.9; 7 days, 1:62.2; 8-14 days, 1:34.3. Similarly, pre-spiking in CCPD patients at 10 day intervals (4 patients) yielded a peritonitis rate of 1:19. We conclude that pre-spiking dialysis bags using the Y-set and CXD promotes significant peritonitis prevention. By spiking at less frequent intervals, technical performance improves, exchanges are simplified and done under more flexible circumstances. Participation by patient-assistants is facilitated. Transfer from CAPD to CCPD is decreased. Low peritonitis rates contribute to excellent patient acceptance and retention. The potential CAPD-eligible population is broadened.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Pharmacological treatment of erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.

The potential for potency after radical retropubic prostatectomy has improved considerably since the anatomical description of the neurovascular bundles to the penis and a technique whereby these nerves may be spared from injury. However, impotence remains an unavoidable complication in some patients. It is in such patients that we have chosen to evaluate the technique of intracavernosal injection of a papaverine/phentolamine mixture to obtain erections. After classical radical prostatectomy potency was restored by the injection technique in 12 of 14 patients (85 per cent). Three patients who failed to attain erections initially had successful results with larger doses. Two patients who failed to achieve erections had the lowest penile brachial index values and 1 in whom priapism developed had the highest value, indicating that this may be a useful technique to determine the initial dosage of the injection.

Drug Combinations↗
PubMed1978

The hypothenar radial arch and parathenar loop in palmar dermal topology: sex, bimanual and regional variation in samples from the British Isles.

Consideration is given to the regular recording of parathenar distal loops (Pa) and hypothenar radial arches (Ar) in palmar dermal topology. Frequencies are given for four British populations (the North Pennine Dales, the Mid Welsh Borderland, Pembrokeshire and Ireland) and regional variation noted together with sex and bimanual differences. Both Pa and Ar occur infrequently in normal populations, generally in less than 5% of individuals, Pa significantly less than Ar. Both attributes are similar in that they are significantly more common on right than left hands and in females than males. Three out of twelve comparisons between the North Pennine Dales, Welsh Borderland and Pembrokeshire data attained formal significance, in each case in the males. The former two regions were distinguished for both Pa and Ar; the latter two for Ar. This is more than expected by chance at the 5% level.

Dermatoglyphics↗
PubMed1975

Tissue-washing tank for histologic preparations.

A small tank made of plexiglass was designed to wash tissues for histologic preparations. The tank was divided into 16 compartments in 2 rows to wash 16 tissue samples at one time. The compartments in the same row alternately intercommunicated by rows of holes in the upper or lower halves. The arrangement of holes at 2 water levels in the partition appeared to create silent water waves, making the tank more efficient for washing tissues.

Histological Techniques↗
PubMed1975

The effects of cosmic particle radiation on pocket mice aboard Apollo XVII: appendix III. evaluation of viscera and other tissues.

Histopathological findings in the lungs, livers, bone marrows, small intestines, gonads, kidneys, and other tissues of the four pocket mice (Perognathus longimembris) that survived the Apollo XVII flight were evaluated in the light of their immediate environment and as targest of HZE cosmic ray particles. Results of this study failed to disclose changes that could be ascribed to the HZE particle radiation. Decreased numbers of erythropoietic cells in the bone marrow of the flight mice were probably related to the increased oxygen pressure. The small intestine showed no changes. Ovaries and tests appeared normal. Two of the three surviving male flight mice displayed early stages of spermatogenesis, just as ground-based controls did at the same season. Abnormalities were also not found in the thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, or kidneys. The status of the juxtaglomerular apparatus could not be evaluated. The lungs exhibited nonspecific slight rections. A variety of incidental lesions were noted in the livers of both the flight mice and their controls. The heart muscle showed nothing that could be regarded as pathological. Sections of skeletal muscle examined were free from significant change.

Adrenal Cortex↗