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Biomedical subjects

R M Ford

Publications and source records attributed to R M Ford.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Beta 2 agonists.

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Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed1991

Analysis of chemotactic bacterial distributions in population migration assays using a mathematical model applicable to steep or shallow attractant gradients.

The mathematical model developed by Rivero et al. (1989, Chem. Engng Sci. 44, 2881-2897) is applied to literature data measuring chemotactic bacterial population distributions in response to steep as well as shallow attractant gradients. This model is based on a fundamental picture of the sensing and response mechanisms of individual bacterial cells, and thus related individual cell properties such as swimming speed and tumbling frequency to population parameters such as the random motility coefficient and the chemotactic sensitivity coefficient. Numerical solution of the model equations generates predicted bacterial density and attractant concentration profiles for any given experimental assay. We have previously validated the mathematical model from experimental work involving a step change in the attractant gradient (Ford et al., 1991 Biotechnol. Bioengng, 37, 647-660; Ford and Lauffenburger, 1991, Biotechnol. Bioengng, 37, 661-672). Within the context of this experimental assay, effects of attractant diffusion and consumption, random motility, and chemotactic sensitivity on the shape of the profiles are explored to enhance our understanding of this complex phenomenon. We have applied this model to various other types of gradients with successful interpretation of data reported by Dalquist et al. (1972, Nature New Biol. 236, 120-123) for Salmonella typhimurium validating the mathematical model and supporting the involvement of high and low affinity receptors for serine chemotaxis by these cells.

Bacterial Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed1990

Automated polymerase chain reaction for papillomavirus screening of cervicovaginal lavages: comparison with dot-blot hybridization in a sexually transmitted diseases clinic population.

The aim of the present study was to compare the recently developed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique with conventional dot-blot DNA hybridization for human papillomavirus (HPV) detection. Cells were collected by cervicovaginal lavage from a study group of 109 women attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic. Using a machine that we developed for alternation of temperature cycles, HPV was detected in 51% of patients by PCR. By dot-blot hybridization, 44% of the patients were positive. Concordance of combined positive and negative results between PCR and dot blot was 69%. The greater sensitivity of PCR may have accounted for 19% of specimens that were PCR positive but dot-blot negative. Unexpectedly, however, 12% of specimens were dot-blot positive but negative by PCR, and several specimens were discordant for type of HPV. Both HPV DNA tests agreed with cytology in 41% of women, and in 33% cytology was negative in the face of positive PCR and dot blot. Concordance of cytology with just PCR was 59%, and only with dot blot was 56%. Cervicography agreed with both HPV DNA tests in 41% of patients, with PCR alone in 55%, and with dot blot alone in 58%. Biopsy results did not reveal a strong correlation between histopathological criteria of HPV infection and detection of HPV DNA by either PCR or dot-blot hybridization. Thus the present study has shown that PCR is a slightly more sensitive indicator of HPV infection than dot-blot hybridization. Agreement of HPV DNA results with conventional screening tests was not strong, an observation consistent with many comparative studies by others. In conclusion, PCR is slightly more sensitive than DNA hybridization for detection of HPV, it can be used in conjunction with specimen collection by gentle lavage of the cervicovaginal epithelium, and the possibility remains that it may prove suitable as a screening test.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Fetal head injury following motor vehicle accident; an unusual case of intrauterine death.

This case report documents fetal death in utero at 30 weeks' gestation due to subdural and subarachnoid haemorrhages, resulting from a motor vehicle accident in which the mother sustained 'seat belt' and facial injuries. There was no evidence of placental abruption. The causes of fetal deaths in utero following maternal involvement in motor vehicle accidents are discussed.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1988

Vaginally administered 16,16-dimethyl-PGE1-methyl ester (Gemeprost) to induce termination of pregnancy after the first trimester.

The results of the first 40 patients, whose pregnancies were terminated using Gemeprost vaginal suppositories are presented. The indication for termination of pregnancy was either fetal abnormality, or fetal death in utero. The mean gestational age was 20.9 +/- 4.4 weeks. 82.5% of patients were delivered within 24 hours, following a mean number of 3.9 +/- 1.3 pessaries. Side-effects were uncommon, and the procedure was well tolerated, with 30% of patients requiring no analgesia, and 60% receiving narcotic analgesia only. The results obtained compare favourably with the overseas experience with this method. Augmentation with oxytocic agents is of questionable value, and routine evacuation of the uterine cavity, under general anaesthesia seems unnecessary. Administration is simple and well tolerated by patients, and this method of pregnancy interruption appears safe, efficient and superior to extra-amniotic infusion of PGF2 alpha.

Abortifacient Agents↗
PubMed1985

Comparative autoradiographic distribution of calcium channel antagonist binding sites for 1,4-dihydropyridine and phenylalkylamine in rat, guinea pig and human brain.

The in vitro autoradiographic distribution of calcium channel antagonist binding sites for 1,4-dihydropyridine and phenylalkylamine has been investigated in rat, guinea pig and human brain. 1,4-dihydropyridine ([3H] (+) PN200-110) and phenylalkylamine ([3H] (-) D-888) binding sites are identically distributed in the brain of the three mammalian species studied. High densities of calcium antagonist binding sites are present in brain areas enriched in synaptic contacts such as the hippocampus, cortex and striatum. Low to moderate densities of sites are found in other regions such as the thalamus, hypothalamus and brain stem. These data demonstrate the existence of specific calcium antagonist binding sites in mammalian brain including man. These sites are discretely distributed with highest concentrations present in the hippocampus and cortex. Moreover, the similar distribution of binding sites for [3H] (+) PN200-110 and [3H] (-) D-188 suggests that 1,4-dihydropyridine and phenylalkylamine bind to the same receptor site complex in mammalian brain.

Amines↗