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Biomedical subjects

A Reynolds

Publications and source records attributed to A Reynolds.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Demographic factors and the incidence of Down's syndrome in Ireland.

Census data on Down's syndrome in Ireland reveal such a high prevalence rate that birth incidence must be undeniably higher than in most, if not all, other countries which report such findings. Furthermore, though there are some indications in the Census data that incidence at birth may be falling, it is likely to remain comparatively higher than elsewhere because of a relatively large family size and high fertility rates in the 35 years and over age-groups and also because amniocentesis and abortion are not available here. Given this situation the demand for special health and educational services for persons with this condition will not lessen greatly. In order to adequately plan for this demand it is important that attention be given to the study of live-birth incidence and infant/child mortality in this condition.

Adolescent↗

The occurrence of different levels of G gamma chain and of the A gamma T variant of fetal hemoglobin in newborn babies from several countries.

The gamma chain compositions of the fetal hemoglobins of 2453 newborn babies from East Asian countries (1350 babies), from Italy, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Georgia (417 Caucasian babies), and 686 black babies from Georgia were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. Unusual results for a limited number of babies were confirmed by chemical analyses, and were evaluated further by family studies. Statistical analyses indicated high gene frequencies for the A gamma T chain in Italian (f = 0.237), Yugoslavian and Bulgarian (f = 0.238), and white Georgia babies (f = 0.224), a lower frequency in Japan (f = 0.178), and India (f = 0.173), and particularly in mainland China (f = 0.079). The A gamma T gene frequency in normal (AA) Black babies was 0.102. When a beta S or beta C mutation was also present this frequency was greatly decreased, particularly in babies with the AC condition (f = 0.036). These results suggest the near absence of the A gamma T mutation on the chromosome also carrying the beta C determinant. Most babies had the expected G gamma values which vary between 60 and 80%, but several (mainly black) babies had higher values (between 80 and 90%), while one normal black baby had a G gamma value of (nearly) 100%. This condition may be a form of A gamma +1-thalassemia and has been discussed in detail elsewhere (Blood 58:491-500, 1981). Thirty-five clinically normal (mainly Chinese, Indian, and Japanese) babies had G gamma values of about 40%. Twenty-six babies had A gamma I values of about 60%, while the remaining nine babies had A gamma T and A gamma I chains in a ratio of either 1 to 2 or 1 to 1. Two additional newborns did not produce any G gamma chains, but had only A gamma I chains or A gamma T chains. Family studies failed to indicate a specific hematological abnormality. These unusual ratios between the G gamma and A gamma (either A gamma I or A gamma T) chains have led to speculations regarding possible genetic abnormalities present in these infants.

China↗

Minor (glycosylated) hemoglobins in cord blood of infants of normal and diabetic mothers.

The levels of minor (glycosylated) hemoglobins in maternal blood during labor and in cord blood at delivery were determined in four groups of women: 20 normal, 22 probably normal, 20 Class A diabetic, and eight overt diabetic women. Maternal HbA, was not significantly increased in the diabetic patients, thereby reflecting adequate metabolic control. In the cord blood, the percentage of the minor hemoglobin HbF1c, which has been shown to be a mixture of acetylated glycosylated HbF, and the ratios HbF1c/HbF and HbA1/hbA were significantly increased in fetuses delivered of diabetic mothers. This supports the view that these fetuses are hyperglycemic in utero. However, there was no correlation between cord blood glycosylated hemoglobins and the birth weight ratio, a sensitive indicator of relative changes in the birth weight.

Adolescent↗

Betahistine hydrochloride (Serc) in cerebrovascular disease: a placebo-controlled study.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study was performed to assess the effects of oral betahistine hydrochloride (Serc) on mental impairment and physical disability in patients with established cerebrovascular disease. Fifty-three patients were admitted to the study during 18 months. Forty-five patients completed the study. They received either betahistine 24 mg daily or placebo for eight weeks. Clinical assessments of general functional activity were done and a battery of nine mental function tests was administered pretreatment and at two-weekly intervals during therapy. The results were analysed statistically using distribution-free tests. Significant differences were demonstrated between betahistine and placebo at week 8 of treatment for associate learning, digit retention, general knowledge, orientation, sentence learning and simple arithmetic. These differences were consistently in favour of betahistine at or close to the 5% level of significance. The results of the remaining mental function tests showed no significant differences between betahistine and placebo, but trends were in favour of the former. General functional activity assessments also demonstrated that betahistine-treated patients were significantly better than those on placebo (P less than or equal to 0.05). No untoward side-effects were noted during the study.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Utilization of former military medical corpsmen in the provision of jail health services.

In an effort to improve the quality of health services within a large urban jail, former military medical corpsmen have been employed as an integral component of a jail health service. Medical corpsmen are responsible for the performance of intake medical evaluations, delivery of prescription medications, triage for physician sick call, and provision of elementary health services on the jail tiers. Utilization of medical corpsmen has been associated with improved rates of medication delivery as well as beneficial effects in relation to tuberculosis and venereal disease control, and a more appropriate utilization of physician services. Effective utilization of medical corpsmen requires cooperation from the correctional staff as well as consistent supervision and support by qualified physicians.

Allied Health Personnel↗

Cyclosporin A and its metabolites, distribution in blood and tissues.

Cyclosporin A (CsA), a non-myelotoxic immunosuppressant, and its metabolites are widely distributed in the body. Highest concentrations of CsA have been detected in the pancreas, adipose tissue and liver, lowest concentrations in brain, muscle, blood and other body fluids. Metabolites are distributed differently to CsA. In addition to lipid partition, intracellular binding to cyclophilin, a peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase, appears to play a role in its tissue distribution. The temperature dependence of such binding in erythrocytes poses difficulty in serum or plasma measurements. Tissue specific processes may also influence action and toxicity of CsA and its metabolites; thus, a better understanding of the complex distribution pattern of CsA and its metabolites would be important for establishing improved strategies and selection of appropriate specific methodologies for drug monitoring.

Animals↗

The clinical and metabolic effects of rapid weight loss in obese pet cats and the influence of supplemental oral L-carnitine.

The efficacy, safety, and metabolic consequences of rapid weight loss in privately owned obese cats by means of a canned weight-reduction diet and the influence of orally administered L-carnitine on rate of weight loss, routine clinical evaluations, hepatic ultrasonography, plasma amino acid profiles, and carnitine analytes were evaluated. A double-blinded placebo-controlled design was used with cats randomly divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n = 14) received L-carnitine (250 mg PO q24h) in aqueous solution and group 2 (n = 10) received an identical-appearing water placebo. Median obesity (body condition scores and percentage ideal body weight) in each group was 25%. Caloric intake was restricted to 60% of maintenance energy requirements (60 kcal/kg) for targeted ideal weight. The reducing formula was readily accepted by all cats. Significant weight loss was achieved by week 18 in each group without adverse effects (group 1 = 23.7%, group 2 = 19.6%). Cats receiving carnitine lost weight at a significantly faster rate (P < .05). Significant increases in carnitine values developed in each group (P < .02). However, significantly higher concentrations of all carnitine moieties and a greater percentage of acetylcarnitine developed in cats of group 1 (P < .01). The dietary formula and described reducing strategy can safely achieve a 20% weight reduction within 18 weeks in obese cats. An aqueous solution of L-carnitine (250 mg PO q12h) was at least partially absorbed, was nontoxic, and significantly increased plasma carnitine analyte concentrations as well as rate of weight loss.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗

Computer literacy: a mission for continuing education for professional nurses.

Because of the necessity for nurses to become computer literate, the continuing education program at the University of Texas at El Paso, College of Nursing and Allied Health offers basic computer workshops. This article describes the workshops, the participants, the approach to minimizing computer anxiety, and the response to the workshops.

Adolescent↗

Critical care concepts in baccalaureate nursing education.

The high response rate of 65.1 percent to this survey suggests nurse educators across the country are interested and involved with the incorporation of critical care concepts in baccalaureate nursing education. Nurse educators are conscientiously working to provide an educational basis for graduate nurses to adequately address the complex healthcare needs of our society. Cooperative efforts between nurse educators and practicing critical care nurses can make a difference in the future delivery of healthcare.

Critical Care↗