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Biomedical subjects

W J Byrne

Publications and source records attributed to W J Byrne.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Isolation of Mycoplasma bovis from bovine clinical samples in the Republic of Ireland.

Mycoplasma bovis was detected in 134 (18 per cent) of 736 samples of bovine lung tissue collected from fatal pneumonia cases in the Republic of Ireland between April 1995 and December 1998. The cases occurred in 95 herds and recurred in four of them. Other respiratory pathogens were identified in 66 per cent of the M bovis-positive cases, with Pasteurella species, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and parainfluenza 3 virus being most frequently detected. Mastitis and arthritis were less common clinical signs associated with M bovis infection; 22 cases of M bovis mastitis and five cases of M bovis arthritis were diagnosed in five herds.

Animals↗

Application of an indirect ELISA to milk samples to identify cows with Mycoplasma bovis mastitis.

An indirect ELISA was used to detect antibodies to Mycoplasma bovis in milk samples collected from a herd with M bovis mastitis. Antibodies were detected in samples from nine cows which had developed clinical M bovis mastitis. Milk from only three consistently antigen-negative cows tested positive for M bovis antibodies. These results indicate the potential value of the indirect ELISA for the detection of cows which have recently developed M bovis mastitis during the early stages of an outbreak.

Animals↗

Thoracoscopic obliteration of the left atrial appendage: potential for stroke reduction?

BACKGROUND: In a review of all relevant articles describing the site of left atrial thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation, the thrombus was localized to the left atrial appendage in 43% of patients with rheumatic heart disease and in 91% of patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. This study was designed to test the feasibility of thoracoscopic obliteration of the left atrial appendage as a means of reducing thromboembolic stroke. METHODS: Thoracoscopic obliteration of the left atrial appendage was undertaken in 10 dogs, 5 with staples and 5 with an endoloop. Obliteration also was attempted in 8 fresh human cadavers. RESULTS: In all dogs, the appendage was rapidly obliterated (21.3 +/- 7.6 minutes) and confirmed at euthanasia at 11 weeks. In 3 cadavers, anatomic and disease factors prevented visualization of the left atrial appendage; in 1 the appendage tore, and in the remainder the appendage was obliterated. CONCLUSIONS: Obliteration of the left atrial appendage is feasible and may be considered as an additional surgical procedure to reduce stroke. The group of patients in whom it offers the greatest potential are those with atrial fibrillation deemed ineligible for warfarin, those without atrial thrombus and with a free pericardial and pleural space.

Animals↗

Foreign bodies, bezoars, and caustic ingestion.

Children, particularly infants, frequently put objects into their mouths, and occasionally these objects are swallowed. Fortunately, most foreign bodies are harmless and will pass spontaneously through the gastrointestinal tract. Some foreign bodies such as the rare bezoar or caustic substances, provide unique clinical challenges. This article provides guidelines for the management of such problems.

Bezoars↗

Gastrointestinal hemangiomatosis in children: demonstration with CT.

The presence of gastrointestinal (GI) tract hemangiomatosis was demonstrated by computed tomography in two children who presented with lower GI tract bleeding. Marked vascular enhancement of the bowel during rapid intravenous administration of contrast material and dynamic scanning is characteristic, similar to that seen with hemangiomas elsewhere in the body. Barium examinations demonstrate submucosal lesions within the bowel and are useful to approximate the length of bowel involvement.

Digestive System↗

Carotenemia.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Carotenoids↗

Case of congenital short small intestine: survival with use of long-term parenteral feeding.

Isolated congenital short small intestine is a rare anomaly. Of six (one male, five females) previously reported cases, four died in infancy from intractable diarrhea. We report the case of 7-year-old boy with this syndrome in whom a 2-year period of parenteral feeding at home allowed normal weight gain, growth, and development while intestinal adaptation occurred. Parenteral feeding was discontinued at age 2 1/3 years, and for the past 5 years his weight has remained between the tenth and 25th percentiles and his stature between the 25th and 50th percentiles. His development has been normal and he functions at or above grade level at school. Coefficient of fat absorption has increased from 54% to 81%. Vitamin B12 absorption has improved but has not normalized. He remains lactose intolerant. We believe his survival, growth, and development would have been compromised if he had not received a prolonged period of parenteral feeding.

Child Development↗

Achalasia in children: treatment by anterior esophageal myotomy (modified Heller operation).

Although rare in children, achalasia can be the cause of debilitating symptoms and growth retardation. During a 4-year period, six patients (mean age 9.9 years) underwent a modified Heller operation (anterior esophageal myotomy) without complication. A concomitant modified Belsey fundoplication was performed in three patients who were judged at the time of operation to be at high risk for postoperative gastroesophageal reflux. Preoperative symptoms of dysphagia, postprandial vomiting, retrosternal pain, and pulmonary complications were eliminated in all patients. Follow-up interviews seven to 48 months (mean 23 months) following operation revealed normal diet and normal growth in all six children, with no recurrence of preoperative symptoms or evidence of gastroesophageal reflux. Technical details which we believe contribute to success in the operative management of pediatric achalasia include the transthoracic approach and the selective performance of complementary anti-reflux procedures.

Adolescent↗

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction presenting with recurrent abdominal pain: diagnosis by ultrasound.

Three cases of ureteropelvic junction obstruction are presented in which the only symptom was recurrent abdominal pain. Results of physical examination and urinalysis were normal. Ultrasound established the correct diagnosis in the two patients in whom it was performed. Because it is safe, involves no radiation exposure, and is useful in evaluating the gallbladder, pancrease, and liver, as well as both kidneys, abdominal ultrasound should be performed prior to contrast radiography in the evaluation of children with recurrent abdominal pain.

Abdomen↗

A diagnostic approach to vomiting in severely retarded patients.

Vomiting is a considerable problem among severely retarded individuals. The majority have gastroesophageal reflux (GER). The incidence is increased in those who are nonambulatory or have scoliosis and/or spastic quadriplegia. In the absence of other symptoms, these persons should be kept in the upright position as much as possible. Persistent vomiting warrants a roentgenographic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract. If GER is the only finding, upright positioning should be continued. The occurrence of complications attributable to GER is an indication for further diagnostic evaluation.

Adolescent↗