Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R Lee

Publications and source records attributed to R Lee.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources

Visual disturbances in TUR reaction.

Visual disturbances during transurethral resection (TUR) of the prostate are described and possible causes of this phenomenon are discussed. Awareness of this unusual manifestation of the TUR reaction may offer the first clue to excessive systemic absorption of irrigation fluid.

Aged↗

The use of a computer in a hand clinic.

We have developed a computerised system for the storage, retrieval and analysis of the workload of a hand clinic. In a study of 800 patients we have found it superior to a punched card system collecting similar information. The computer system functioned reliably and achieved its user specification. It should prove a useful tool in helping a surgeon in matters of audit, research and disease or accident prevention but its long term performance in this regard requires evaluation.

Computers↗

Role of the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor-ionophore complex in seizure disorders.

The possibility of a role for the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in seizure disorders has been strengthened by biochemical studies showing that various nervous system depressant drugs can modulate GABA receptor binding in vitro. In particular, two classes of anticonvulsant agents, the benzodiazepines and the barbiturates, have modulatory receptor sites on the GABA receptor-ionophore protein complex of the postsynaptic membrane. Furthermore, it is well established that direct block of GABA function causes seizures and that augmentation of GABA function can protect against seizure activity. Direct evidence for altered GABA synaptic markers has been obtained in some animal models of epilepsy, as well as in human focal epilepsy. We present preliminary evidence for a deficit in benzodiazepine receptor binding in the midbrain of seizure-susceptible Mongolian gerbils. These data would be consistent with an impairment of GABA-mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission that contributes to susceptibility to the genesis or spread of seizures in some kinds of epilepsy.

Animals↗

Synthesis and quality assurance of [11C]alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), a potential radiotracer for imaging and amino acid transport studies in normal and malignant tissues.

Carbon-11 labeled alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), a synthetic amino acid, was prepared by the modified Bucherer-Strecker amino acid synthesis from acetone, ammonium carbonate and [11C]KCN in the presence of carrier KCN. This method results in the labeling of AIB in the carboxyl group. The label is stable in this position because AIB is not a metabolized after cellular uptake. AIB is rapidly accumulated in viable cells including malignant cells. Since it is a non-metabolized amino acid, AIB offers the possibility of studying amino acid transport in vivo without interference by radiolabeled metabolic products. Radiochemical yields of [11C]AIB of 35-60% have been obtained in 70-80 min with radiopurities greater than 99%. Carrier added syntheses gave 15-25 mCi of [11C]AIB with specific activities of 0.3 Ci/mmol. Our quality control program which insures that [11C]AIB is suitable for imaging studies in patients with cancer includes HPLC analyses of product identity and purity, apyrogenecity and isotonicity assays, and a sensitive test for cyanide.

Aminobutyrates↗

The mouse c-abl locus: molecular cloning and characterization.

The mouse c-abl gene, part of the sequence of which was captured in Moloney murine leukemia virus to generate the transforming gene (v-abl) of the Abelson murine leukemia virus, has been isolated and characterized. The c-abl locus spans 40 kb in the mouse genome with the v-abl homologies distributed in no less than ten clusters along 25 kb of the cloned DNA. Partial sequence of the v-abl homologous regions indicates that v-abl derived from c-abl mainly by splicing of multiple exons of the c-abl gene. The c-abl sequences can be subdivided into two regions: a tyrosine kinase coding sequence distributed among eight small clusters on the 5' end of the gene and a C-terminal portion consisting of one small and one large cluster, which are needed neither for the tyrosine kinase activity nor for the transforming ability of v-abl. Apparent exon/intron boundaries in the homologous kinase-coding regions of c-abl and c-src are at different locations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Anatomical characteristics of the anterior vestibular nerve of the bullfrog.

Study was made of the dimensions of the nerves to the receptor organs in the anterior branch of the bullfrog vestibular nerve. The number of fibers and their diameters and trajectories in the nerve and Scarpa's ganglion were studied. A correlation was made between the anatomical and physiological properties of neurons identified with intracellular injections of horseradish peroxidase. The data suggest a specific pattern of innervation of the organs, organization of fibers and cells in the vestibular nerve, and significant correlation between the anatomical and physiological properties of individual neurons. A comparison was made between the information obtained from the bullfrog and that from other animals, which suggests a similarity between species and supports the hypothesis of a differential physiological role of the neurons in each vestibular organ according to anatomical characteristics.

Animals↗

Antiarrhythmic activity of esmolol (ASL-8052)--a novel ultra-short acting beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agent.

In a single-blind, placebo-controlled study, esmolol was administered intravenously to 12 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Esmolol produced a significant dose-dependent decrease in the ventricular rate without conversion to normal sinus rhythm in any of the patients. For most patients, a correlation was observed between the blood levels of esmolol and reductions in heart rate. There were no significant adverse effects. We conclude that esmolol is an effective and safe agent for the control of heart rate in patients with supraventricular tachycardia.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Modification of transoperative changes in blood fluidity by hydroxychloroquine: a possible explanation for the drug's antithrombotic effect.

A study was carried out in 40 patients undergoing minor surgery to investigate the effect of hydroxychloroquine on haemorrheological parameters which might explain its reported anti-thrombotic action. Twenty patients received 600 mg to 1400 mg hydroxychloroquine sulphate in the 48-hour period before operation and the control group of 20 patients received placebo. Blood samples were taken during the 24 hours before and on the day after operation. The results showed that in the hydroxychloroquine-treated group the transoperative increase in fibrinogen was associated with a reduction in plasma viscosity compared with an increase in the control group. Furthermore, the mean value for whole blood viscosity at middle shear rate decreased post-operatively in the drug-treated group whereas it increased in patients who had received placebo.

Blood Sedimentation↗

Gel high-performance liquid chromatographic studies on the elution behavior of chemically deglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin and its subunits.

The elution behavior of human chorionic gonadotropin and its subunits, and their desialylated and deglycosylated derivatives was studied on gel high-performance liquid chromatography. Using three TSK G-SW columns, excellent separations were achieved for eleven human chorionic gonadotropin derivatives. In a comparison of the native (30% carbohydrate content), asialo (24%) and HF-deglycosylated (8%) subunits, the estimated values of molecular weights on the basis of a series of reference globular proteins deviated in various degrees from the actual molecular weight. The extent of deviation depended on the carbohydrate content and possibly the location of carbohydrate chains. The data from recombination studies suggest that the beta-subunit is the dominant determinant for their expanded molecular size.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗

The glycaemic index of foods tested in diabetic patients: a new basis for carbohydrate exchange favouring the use of legumes.

Recently diabetic patients have been encouraged to increase their carbohydrate intake, but exact details of which foods to use are lacking. To determine whether sufficiently large differences existed to justify more specific dietary advice, we compared the glycaemic responses to 50 g carbohydrate portions of different foods, taken as breakfast test meals by groups of five to seven diabetic patients. Two- to threefold differences were seen amongst the 15 foods tested. The glycaemic responses for spaghetti, 'All-bran', rice and beans were significantly below those for bread, while 'Cornflakes' were above. Factors predicted to influence this were without effect, including: substituting wholemeal for white bread, increasing substantially the simple sugars (using 'All-bran' or bananas instead of wholemeal bread) and doubling meal protein by adding cottage cheese to bread. Paired comparisons of the glycaemic response to the five legumes with those of the seven other starchy foods (breads, spaghetti, rice, Cornflakes, oatmeal porridge and potatoes) showed that the mean peak rise in blood glucose concentration and mean area under the glucose curve after beans were 23 and 28% lower, respectively, than the mean for the other foods (p less than 0.001). Such results suggest a potentially valuable role for dried leguminous seeds in carbohydrate exchanges for individuals with impaired carbohydrate tolerance. These large differences in blood glucose response to different food cannot at present be predicted directly from tables of chemical composition. Nevertheless, physiological testing may both aid in understanding the factors responsible and help selection of the appropriate carbohydrate foods for the diabetic diet.

Aged↗

Persistent incompetence of the cervix in female infants with congenital abnormalities of the pelvic viscera and perineum.

Vaginal reflux during voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is a common finding in young females. Reflux of urine into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and peritoneal cavity documented by contrast studies is rare and considered abnormal. Chronic retrograde flow of urine and its contaminants through an incompetent cervical os mechanism into the peritoneal cavity may lead to peritonitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sterility. Five females with congenital abnormalities of the pelvic viscera and perineum had reflux into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or peritoneal cavity during voiding studies done before or months to years after successful corrective surgery. The findings were compatible with a persistent incompetent cervical os. It appears that this group of patients is at risk for the development of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease and its consequences.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗