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Biomedical subjects

S Lynch

Publications and source records attributed to S Lynch.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Genetic susceptibility in familial multiple sclerosis not linked to the myelin basic protein gene.

The myelin basic protein (MBP) gene is a candidate locus for disease susceptibility in familial multiple sclerosis. Amplification of a polymorphic tetranucleotide repeat region immediately 5' to MBP exon 1 demonstrated the presence of eight different alleles among members of 14 multiplex multiple sclerosis families (36 affected individuals). Linkage analysis was performed with autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive models, normal individuals with abnormal magnetic resonance scans being scored as either unknown or affected. Cumulative LOD scores were negative for both models of inheritance. The results do not demonstrate linkage between the MBP gene region and multiple sclerosis.

Alleles↗

Flow cytometric analysis of surface major histocompatibility complex class II expression on human epithelial cells prepared from small intestinal biopsies.

A technique for preparing viable, single cell suspensions of the epithelial layer of small intestinal tissue obtained endoscopically is described. Constant agitation of four biopsies for 60 min in the presence of chelating and reducing agents gave yields of 1.2-6.7 x 10(6) cells, of which 11-30% were intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). Passage through a nylon wool column removed dead cells. This preparation was suitable for flow cytometric analysis. Using this technique, surface MHC class II molecule expression was studied in 14 patients with normal small intestinal mucosa. Fluorescence labelling of these cells showed strong HLA-DR expression by epithelial cells (EC), DP was expressed less strongly, while little DQ expression could be detected. This technique demonstrates that small intestinal biopsies taken during routine endoscopy can yield adequate numbers of viable epithelial cells to perform flow cytometric analysis.

Adolescent↗

The effects of prostacyclin analog OP-41483 on normothermic liver ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats.

To estimate the effects of the prostacyclin analog (OP-41483) on normothermic liver ischemia and reperfusion injury, saline (Group 1, N = 8), heparin (group 2, N = 8, 100 u/kg) or OP-41483 (group 3, N = 8, 400 ng/kg/min) was infused intravenously for 30 min before and after liver ischemia in rats. There were no significant differences in survival, or transaminase at 30 min after reperfusion among the three groups. Hepatic vessel flow and tissue flow were measured for the first 30 min after reperfusion. Hepatic tissue flow increased for the first 30 min after reperfusion in the group 3 rats, but not in the groups 2 and 3 rats. There were significant differences in hepatic tissue flow between the groups 1 and 3 rats at 20 min (p < 0.05), as well as significant differences between the groups 1 and 3 rats (p < 0.01) and the groups 1 and 2 rats (p < 0.05) at 30 min after reperfusion. There were no significant differences in total hepatic inflow among the three groups. Our data suggest that OP-41483 exerts beneficial effects by improving the microcirculation and increasing the effective hepatic blood flow in the ischemically injured liver after reperfusion.

Animals↗

Hepatitis B virus infection in liver allografts.

Liver transplantation of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients has been associated with high morbidity and mortality secondary to hepatitis B (HB) recurrence in the graft. Eight patients of the Queensland Liver Transplant Service were HBsAg positive pretransplant. Six acquired HB infection of the graft, one developed serological recurrence of HB before early death from sepsis, and one HB e antigen-negative patient permanently cleared the virus. HB-infected grafts showed early expression of viral antigen, acute hepatitis, fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis, or minimal changes associated with a carrier state. Only in the latter case was HB mild and nonprogressive. Cases of fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis progressed rapidly to liver failure; they showed fibrosis and plates of ductular epithelium extending from portal tracts into lobules, cholestasis, ballooning of hepatocytes, and prominent hepatocyte expression of viral antigens. Perioperative HB immunoglobulin proved ineffective in preventing HB recurrence. One other patient became HBsAg positive for the first time after retransplantation; he developed severe acute hepatitis, then chronic active hepatitis. Our biopsy findings support the view that, in liver allografts, the HB virus may be directly cytopathic.

Acute Disease↗

Early intervention in psychiatric emergencies: a controlled clinical trial.

In the UK, psychiatric care of patients with acute and chronic disorders has increasingly moved from hospital to the community. We have evaluated in a controlled trial patients with severe mental illness, who were assigned to early intervention by community services or to standard hospital treatment. 100 patients aged 16 to 65 years presenting as psychiatric emergencies to an inner London teaching hospital were randomly allocated to a multidisciplinary community-based team (n = 48) or conventional hospital-based psychiatric services (n = 52) and assessed over a 3-month period. Ratings of psychopathology and social functioning were made before treatment and after 2, 4, and 12 weeks by independent assessors. 85 patients completed all assessments, and all patients had evaluable data beyond 2 weeks. 3 patients died during the study, 2 from natural causes and 1 from an accident. Patients referred to the community service showed greater improvement in symptoms and were more satisfied with services than those in the hospital-based service. Patients treated in the hospital-based service spent eight times as many days as psychiatric inpatients as those treated in the community-based service. Patients both prefer and seem to benefit from community-based psychiatric care, and our early-intervention community service might be a good model for such care.

Adolescent↗

Absorption of human calcitonin across the rat colon in vivo.

1. We studied the absorption of human calcitonin across the colon of juvenile female rats in vivo. Both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were monitored to measure absorption. 2. Intracolonically administered human calcitonin at doses of 0.1-5.0 mg/kg resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in plasma calcium levels. 3. The bioavailability of intracolonically administered human calcitonin at doses of 5.0, 1.0 and 0.1 mg/kg was 0.5%, 0.9% and 0.2%, respectively. 4. Immunohistochemistry showed that human calcitonin transport across the rat colon was rapid and that a significant amount was via a transcellular pathway. 5. We conclude that human calcitonin crosses the gastrointestinal tract of rats in significant amounts and that this demonstrates the feasibility of an oral form for clinical use.

Animals↗

Piroxicam induced submassive necrosis of the liver.

Several widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been reported as causing severe hepatitis. Three cases of severe acute hepatitis have been reported in association with piroxicam. A fatal submassive necrosis that occurred in a 68 year old lady who had received piroxicam for 15 months is described. A 48 year old man who developed submassive hepatic necrosis six weeks after beginning piroxicam but was successfully treated with orthotopic liver transplantation is also reported. Piroxicam may induce submassive necrosis of the liver, probably as an idiosyncratic reaction.

Aged↗

Community integration for persons with disabilities: working together to make it happen.

In summary, the common themes for therapists working in these three areas are very evident. The content of each paper seemed relevant to all of the client populations. The current trends toward integration and increased consumer control are impacting on occupational therapy practice with all three groups. These trends have significant implications for service delivery and all health care professionals. Occupational therapy has already begun to recognize and value these trends (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, 1991; Law et al., 1991). Occupational therapists need to work together and align their efforts to promote the establishment of a comprehensive community service system that enables people to receive the support that they require in their home communities. Service approaches must be designed for empowerment and the full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of community living. Treatments that focus solely on minimizing an individual's disabilities will not be successful in achieving this stated goal. There is a need for approaches that creatively adapt environments and reallocate resources so as to enhance the formation of relationships and participation in typical community activities. Service providers must be prepared to respond with the assistance that individuals need to achieve their goals. This is only made possible by the participation of persons with disabilities in the decision making process and in the development of services to meet their needs. Such efforts are supported by government initiatives and strategic plans. The realization of full community participation of persons with disabilities is dependent on the quality of the partnerships that are formed between the community, the service providers, and (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Community Health Services↗

Liver transplantation in the 1990s.

Liver transplantation is now the therapy of choice for advanced, irreversible, progressive liver disease. The authors look at who should have a transplant and explain that the predicted outcomes of surgery depend on the pre-operative disease. A brief overview of post-operative care is given.

Clinical Protocols↗

Predicting cholangiocarcinoma in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis before transplantation.

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis are at an increased risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma, which is difficult to diagnose because the biliary tree is already distorted. Eleven patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation at this hospital were evaluated. Four patients had coincidental histologically proved cholangiocarcinoma. Patients with cholangiocarcinoma in contrast to patients without tumour presented with rapid onset of persistent jaundice, pruritus, and weight loss associated with an appreciable rise in bilirubin (8x v 2x) and alkaline phosphatase (3.5x v 1.2x) over one year. Cholangiography and computed tomography showed appreciably dilated intrahepatic bile ducts (3/4 v 0/7). The diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma could only be established before operation in one patient by fine needle aspiration cytology. Tumour was recognised at operation in one other. Histological examination of hepatectomy specimens showed that patients with cholangiocarcinoma had less advanced histological features of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Multiple areas of carcinoembryonic antigen positive epithelial atypia and carcinoma in situ were found in all patients with cholangiocarcinoma. Cholangiocarcinoma recurred in two patients at 14 and 39 months after transplantation. Superimposed cholangiocarcinoma can be predicted in most patients with cholangitis before transplantation, although a definitive diagnosis is difficult to make. Their prognosis after successful transplantation is guarded.

Adenoma, Bile Duct↗

Psychiatric illnesses in patients with HIV infection and AIDS referred to the liaison psychiatrist.

All referrals made to the liaison psychiatric service for HIV and AIDS patients over one year were reviewed. ICD-9 and CDC diagnoses were applied to each case at presentation. Sixty HIV-positive patients were assessed, of whom 35 had affective disorder, which was significantly associated with CDC group IV disease (AIDS). Adjustment reaction was seen in nine patients, paranoid states in six, dementia in four, personality changes in four and paranoid schizophrenia in two. CT scans of the brain were performed on 23 of the patients: 17 of these showed abnormalities. The proportion of registered AIDS patients who were referred was five times the proportion of HIV patients.

AIDS Dementia Complex↗

Antidepressant therapy in the chronic fatigue syndrome.

The chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition receiving increasing recognition. Symptoms of depression are not infrequent and may be persistent and severe enough to warrant treatment. The controversy over the use of antidepressant therapy in this condition may present a dilemma for the general practitioner considering possible treatments. This paper draws on the literature and on the authors' own observations of patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome to suggest guidelines for the use of antidepressant therapy.

Antidepressive Agents↗

Improvement in chronic hepatocerebral degeneration following liver transplantation.

Chronic progressive hepatocerebral degeneration with spastic paraparesis, dementia, dysarthria, ataxia, tremor, and neuropsychiatric symptoms follows long-standing portal-systemic shunting, is associated with structural changes in the central nervous system, and does not respond to conventional therapy for hepatic encephalopathy. A case of advanced chronic liver disease with severe, progressive hepatocerebral degeneration after 23 yr of portal-systemic shunting is reported in whom there was significant objective improvement in intellectual function and in the chronic neurological signs 3 mo after orthotopic liver transplantation and further improvement 12 mo after transplantation.

Adult↗