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Biomedical subjects

S Halpern

Publications and source records attributed to S Halpern.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

In vitro action of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on matrix organization and mineral distribution in rabbit growth plate.

Growth plates of 18-day-old rabbits were incubated in a protein-free synthetic medium, either without any additive, with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2D3] (10(-10) M), with 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [24,25-(OH)2D3] (10(-10) M and 10(-9) M), with both metabolites, or with the ethanol solvent alone. Cartilages, before and after 5 days of incubation, were studied by light and electron microscopy. The intracellular calcium distribution was analyzed by the potassium pyroantimonate method, and the calcium content was verified by x-ray microprobe analysis. When compared to nonincubated samples the cartilages incubated for 5 days without any additive as well as the cartilages incubated with the solvent alone showed excessive hydratation and hypertrophy of the chondrocytes, which had lost their columnar arrangement. The matrix and the cells were devoid of mineral. The ultrastructure of the cells was well preserved. These changes were largely prevented by the presence of both vitamin D3 metabolites. With regard to calcium distribution, 1,25-(OH)2D3 maintained calcium in mitochondria and crystals in matrix vesicles, whereas 24,25-(OH)2D3 only partly maintained mitochondrial mineral. In the chondrocytes incubated with this latter metabolite, small calcium granules were seen in the cytoplasm; most vesicles were devoid of crystals, and amorphous precipitates were seen in the matrix. These data demonstrate the in vitro influence of vitamin D3 metabolites on the organization and mineralization of the cartilage matrix and on the distribution of intracellular calcium in chondrocytes. Furthermore, they support the hypothesis that the in vitro action of 1,25-(OH)2D3 is different from that of 24,25-(OH)2D3 in that 1,25-(OH)2D3 may influence calcium storage in mitochondria and matrix vesicles, whereas 24,25-(OH)2D3 is likely to be involved in calcium transport and release.

24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3↗
PubMed1982

[Effect of cobalt and vitamin B 12 on growth and survival of rumen ciliates in vitro as a function of bacterial population].

The effect of inorganic cobalt or organic cobalt in the form of vitamin B12 was studied on the growth of rumen ciliates in the presence of normal bacterial population and in the presence of reduced bacterial population. It was stated that concentration from 0.1 to 1 cobalt microgram/ml and 0.12 to 0.24 vitamin B12 microgram/ml stimulated growth of rumen ciliates. At rates 10 to 20 times weaker, cobalt in the form of vitamin B12 was more active than cobalt in inorganic form. With reduced bacterial population (10(3) B/ml) protozoa died within a few days but their survival was prolonged by adding cobalt, this effect being more pronounced with vitamin B12 than with inorganic cobalt. The growth of ciliates treated with antibiotics was stimulated by addition of bacteria, and this effect was more pronounced when the bacteria had been preincubated with cobalt. Incorporation of cobalt into rumen ciliates was studied using electron microprobe analysis. Cobalt was present in all the ciliate but essentially accumulated as granules in the endoplasm inside or outside the vacuoles. With reduced bacterial population, cobalt was also incorporated into the ciliates whatever the Co concentration. Indeed, ciliates seemed to need bacteria in order to use the organic cobalt for growth.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

A short time for an old hospital in Wales.

When a hospital is continually evolving one year brings no dramatic changes but evolution goes on. Stephen Halpern visited a long established hospital in Wales.

Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499↗
PubMed1980

Black mark for health care priorities.

Social class and health are inextricably linked, so it will take more than improvements in direct health care to reduce inequalities, says the report of Sir Douglas Black's working party. Its recommendations, therefore, go beyond health and social service provision and have given the report broader political implications than had been expected. Here, Stephen Halpern looks in detail to the Black report's findings and proposals and the reactions to it.

Health Planning↗
PubMed1980

Public property--let the seller beware.

The greatest lesson to be learnt from the sale of Robroyston Hospital, Glasgow is the growing need to develop commercial awareness in the public sector. Stephen Halpern reports on how costly failure to apply this lesson may be.

Commerce↗
PubMed1980

Hospital building: sizing up the size problem.

Political dogma or an attempt to bring hospital services closer to the people? The Government's policy on hospital size as expressed in a new consultation paper is sure to be controversial; Stephen Halpern looks at the proposals and their implications for hospital staff, patients and the NHS.

Health Facility Size↗
PubMed1979

Health administration: the dustbin syndrome.

Apart from a few notable exceptions, official reports and inquiries have a habit of collecting dust sometimes for years after publication. It is feared that the Royal Commission's report is going the same way and that the Government in its consultative document will choose to ignore most of the findings. Stephen Halpern looks at the fate of several recent NHS inquiries and concludes that reports can often remain to haunt successive governments long after publication.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed1979

Joint care: a pat on the back for a unique family hospital.

Over the years Stannington Children's Hospital has evolved into an hospital with a difference offering care to sick children from socially deprived backgrounds. Author looks at this remarkable home which has made 'the impossible possible'. He explains why it is a prime candidate for closure and why all concerned with Stannington, including the Health Advisory Service, feel it should be funded as a regional specialty.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Those canny Scots, Welsh wizards and 'lucky' Irish.

Stephen Halpern concludes his three part series of articles on the impact of cash limits on the health service with a look at Scotland, which as more to spend than its counterparts in England; Wales, where Welsh wizardry has kept cuts to one per cent; and Northern Ireland which spends about one third more on health per head than England.

Health Expenditures↗
PubMed1979

League for a ball game with a difference.

The report in last week's Journal on the financial state of the Thames regions and Oxford RHA showed that many London AHAs are under severe pressure. This week Stephen Halpern looks at the rest of the English regions where cash problems are less critical. Growth money is helping to cushion much of the cash limit squeeze and most places look able to survive the year without too many cuts although at a few places severe cuts or deliberate overspending have occurred. The important thing is that the position could get worse this year. Cash shortfall estimates have been made on the assumption of an inflation rate of 17 1/2 per cent but it could end up much higher. Other problems faced by health authorities include increased fuel costs, implementing the Clegg report and the DHSS not playing ball by deciding that calculations of the cost of pay awards are too high. All these factors will combine to guarantee that life will not be too boring in the treasurer's department over the coming winter.

England↗