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Biomedical subjects

C Ward

Publications and source records attributed to C Ward.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Normally suppressing CD40 coregulatory signals delivered by airway macrophages to TH2 lymphocytes are defective in patients with atopic asthma.

BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that airway macrophages (AMs) from atopic nonasthmatic subjects, but not atopic asthmatic subjects, inhibit T-cell IL-5 production during an allergen-dependent interaction. However, the mechanisms responsible for the IL-5-modulating effect of the AMs are less clear. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to define the roles of B7 and CD40 costimulatory signals delivered by AMs in regulating T-cell IL-5 responses in an allergen-stimulated coculture system. METHODS: Peripheral blood CD4(+) T cells and AMs were cocultured under different conditions. RESULTS: Compared with those from well-matched atopic nonasthmatic subjects, AMs from atopic asthmatic subjects demonstrated a significantly lower expression of B7-1 and CD40, but not B7-2 and HLA-DR, after either fresh isolation or coculture with allergen-reactive CD4(+) T cells. Lower IL-12 production by the AMs from asthmatic subjects was also observed under the same conditions. Allergen-related T-cell IFN-gamma and IL-5 production was inhibited by the addition of either neutralizing B7-1 or B7-2 antibody to the cocultures in both atopic groups. In contrast, IL-5 production was significantly increased by the addition of blocking CD40 antibody, whereas IL-12 production by the AMs was inhibited. Anti-IL-12 mAb enhanced IL-5 production in the cocultures from atopic nonasthmatic subjects, whereas a dose-dependent suppressive effect of recombinant human IL-12 on IL-5 production was seen in atopic asthmatic subjects. CONCLUSION: In this coculture model system, lower IL-12 production by AMs and higher IL-5 production by CD4(+) T cells in atopic asthmatic subjects compared with that found in atopic nonasthmatic subjects are related to the lower expression of CD40 rather than B7-1 signals on the AMs from these patients.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2001

Pharmacokinetics and absolute bioavailability of sitafloxacin, a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic, in healthy male and female Caucasian subjects.

1. The aim was to compare the pharmacokinetics of sitafloxacin from a capsule formulation (dose of 500 mg sitafloxacin) and an intravenous (i.v.) formulation infused over 1 h (dose of 400 mg sitafloxacin) in healthy male and female subjects and to estimate the absolute bioavailability of sitafloxacin from the capsule formulation. 2. Following oral administration, sitafloxacin was rapidly absorbed, with a mean maximum concentration in plasma of 4.65 microgml(-1) occuring at median tmax = 1.25 h giving a mean AUC(0-infinity) = 28.1 microg h ml(-1). For the i.v. administration, a mean Cmax = 5.53 microm(-1) occurred at the end of the 1-h infusion with a mean AUC(0-infinity) = 25.4 microg h ml(-1). The mean terminal elimination half-life was 7.0 h (oral) and 6.6 h (i.v.). For the oral and i.v. formulations, the mean total plasma clearance was 296 and 263 mlmin(-1), respectively and the mean volume of distribution was 180 and 150 litres, respectively. 3. Within 48 h post-dose, approximately 61% (range 22-86%) of the administered dose was excreted unchanged in urine following capsule administration, compared with approximately 75% (range 42-101%) following the i.v. formulation. For both formulations, the renal clearance of sitafloxacin (means of 181 and 198 ml min(-1) for the capsule and i.v. doses, respectively) implies active tubular secretion of the drug. 4. The absolute bioavailability of sitafloxacin from the capsule formulation was high at 89%, with a 95% CI of 84-94%. The intersubject variability (CV%) in the sitafloxacin AUC(0-infinity) for the capsule was low at 18.6%. 5. Gender differences in the pharmacokinetics of sitafloxacin were small and would not warrant dose adjustment. 6. The findings show that the capsule formulation offers good oral bioavailability and merits further clinical evaluation of sitafloxacin as an orally effective fluoroquinolone antibacterial.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

Multiple-dose pharmacokinetics and tolerability of gemifloxacin administered orally to healthy volunteers.

Gemifloxacin mesylate (SB-265805-S, LB-20304a) is a potent, novel fluoroquinolone agent with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. The pharmacokinetics and tolerability of oral gemifloxacin were characterized in two parallel group studies in healthy male volunteers after doses of 160, 320, 480, and 640 mg once daily for 7 days. Multiple serum or plasma and urine samples were collected on days 1 and 7 and were analyzed for gemifloxacin by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-fluorescence (study 1) or HPLC-mass spectrometry (study 2). Safety assessments included vital signs, 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, and adverse experience monitoring. Gemifloxacin was rapidly absorbed, with a time to maximum concentration of approximately 1 h after dosing followed by a biexponential decline in concentration. Generally, maximum concentration and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) increased linearly with dose after either single or repeat doses. Mean +/- standard deviation values of AUC(0-tau) on day 7 were 4.92 +/- 1.08, 9.06 +/- 2.20, 12.2 +/- 3.69, and 20.1 +/- 3.67 microg x h/ml following 160-, 320-, 480-, and 640-mg doses, respectively. The terminal-phase half-life was approximately 7 to 8 h, independent of dose, and was similar following single and repeated administrations. There was minimal accumulation of gemifloxacin after multiple dosing. Approximately 20 to 30% of the administered dose was excreted unchanged in the urine. The renal clearance was 160 ml/min on average after single and multiple doses, which was slightly greater than the accepted glomerular filtration rate (approximately 120 ml/min). These data show that the pharmacokinetics of gemifloxacin are linear and independent of dose. Gemifloxacin was generally well tolerated, although one subject was withdrawn from the study after 6 days at 640 mg for mild, transient elevations of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase not associated with any clinical signs or symptoms. There were no other significant changes in clinical chemistry, hematology or urinalysis parameters, vital signs, or ECG readings. In conclusion, the results of these studies, combined with the antibacterial spectrum and potency, support the further investigation of once-daily administration of gemifloxacin for indications such as respiratory tract and urinary tract infections.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Intravenous safety and pharmacokinetics of a novel dimerizer drug, AP1903, in healthy volunteers.

AP1903 is a novel gene-targeted drug that is being developed for use in drug-regulated cell therapies. An intravenous, single-blind, placebo- and saline-controlled, ascending-dose study was performed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of AP1903. Twenty-eight normal healthy male volunteers were randomized into five dosage groups of AP1903 (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg). Within each group, 4 volunteers received a single dose of AP1903, 1 volunteer received an equal volume of placebo, and 1 received an equal volume of normal saline. The only exception was in the 0.5 mg/kg group, in which 4 volunteers were dosed: 3 received AP1903 and 1 received normal saline. All dosages were administered as intravenous infusions over 2 hours. Clinical safety parameters were monitored, and serial blood and urine samples were collected for analysis of AP1903. No drug-related adverse events were observed at any of the dose levels with the possible exception of facial flushing in 1 volunteer at the 1.0 mg/kg dose level. AP1903 plasma levels were directly proportional to the administered dose, with mean Cmax values ranging from approximately 10 to 1,275 ng/mL over the 0.01 to 1.0 mg/kg dose range. Following the infusion period, blood concentrations revealed a rapid distribution phase, with plasma levels being reduced to approximately 18%, 7%, and 1% of the maximal concentration at 0.5, 2, and 10 hours postdose, respectively. AP1903 was shown to be safe and well tolerated at all dose levels and demonstrated a favorable pharmacokinetic profile at doses well above the anticipated therapeutic dose.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The concerns of patients under palliative care and a heart failure clinic are not being met.

Patients with a terminal illness, identified by palliative care teams working in Manchester, and patients attending a heart failure clinic, were asked to participate in a prospective survey to determine their main concerns. Data were collected from 213 palliative care (PC) patients (mostly with cancer) and 66 patients with heart failure (HF). The median ages of the two patient groups were similar, but the HF patients were more likely to be male and living with a partner; 13% of PC and 7% of HF patients reported that they had no carer. The PC patients had more district nurse, hospice, social work and physiotherapy input. The most frequently reported troublesome problems for PC patients were pain (49%), loss of independence (30%) and difficulty walking (27%). HF patients reported dyspnoea (55%), angina (32%) and tiredness (27%) as the most troublesome problems. From a checklist of symptoms, the frequency of tiredness (PC = 77%, HF = 82%) and difficulty getting about (PC = 71%, HF = 65%) were high in each group. Psychological problems were reported by 61% of PC and 41% of HF patients. Cardiac patients reported more breathlessness and cough than PC patients (83% vs 49% and 44% vs 26%, respectively). Reduced libido was more common in cardiac patients (42% vs 21%). Patient disclosure of troublesome problems to professional carers was high (>87% in both PC and HF patients). Documented action was greater for physical than social or psychological problems. For PC patients, documented action was recorded for 83% physical, 43% social/functional and 52% psychological problems. For HF patients documented action was recorded for 74% cardiac, 60% physical - non-cardiac, 30% social/functional and 28% psychological problems. Clearly many patients' troublesome problems were not being addressed. As a result of this study, specific action by health care professionals was taken in 50% of PC patients and 71% of HF patients. We plan to target specific educational events on the treatment of physical problems, psychological assessment and social service provision.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2001

Hormone replacement therapy. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of women attending a gynaecology outpatient clinic in Trinidad.

A questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of a sample of 218 outpatients attending the Port of Spain General Hospital Gynaecology Outpatient Clinic. The questionnaire investigated women's knowledge of menopause, risks and benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), their attitudes concerning HRT and menopause as well as practices of postmenopausal women with respect to HRT. Comparisons were made between women of differing menopausal status, educational background and ethnicity. The results showed that overall knowledge was lacking regardless of menopausal status, ethnicity or educational background. Less educated women were more inclined to believe that HRT was inappropriate principally because they regarded the menopause as a natural process (p = 0.023). Only 24% of postmenopausal women were practicing some form of HRT. A minority (7%) had previously been undergoing the therapy but had stopped. Most postmenopausal women (69%) simply never considered treatment because the majority had never heard about HRT. The main source of patient information was from the clinic they were attending. This study reveals low awareness of menopausal information and therapeutic options in a Trinidadian population. A targeted education programme may substantially fill this void.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Self-body split: issues of identity in physical recovery following a stroke.

PURPOSE: To explore the perceived life and identity changes described by individuals following a single stroke using a life narrative approach. METHOD: Individuals admitted to hospital with a stroke, no previous disability, returning home; took part in life narrative interviews in hospital, and six months and one year post-discharge. The Gross Motor subscale of the Rivermead Motor Assessment and Nottingham 10 point Activities of Daily Living Scale were completed. RESULTS: Eight stroke respondents (five male, three female; mean age 67 years (range 56-82). The one year mean motor score was 9 (range 7-11) and self-care score was 9 (range 7-10). All respondents described a fundamental change in their lives and identity. The main issue was a split between themselves and their body. In hospital their body appeared to become separate, precarious and perplexing. By one year the majority still found their body unreliable, and their physical ability influenced by the social setting. CONCLUSION: The new experience of a split between self and body appears to be the focus of life for at least a year. This study suggests that rehabilitation professionals should consider longer-term (although not necessarily intensive) physical activity programmes that address these psychological as well as neuromuscular changes.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2000

TLE patients with postictal psychosis: mesial dysplasia and anterior hippocampal preservation.

The authors studied six patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy and postictal psychosis using quantitative MRI and histopathology, and compared the results with 45 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy without postictal psychosis. Total hippocampal volumes were not different between the two groups. However, patients with postictal psychosis had a relatively preserved anterior hippocampus, and temporal lobe dysplasia was more frequent (p = 0.006, chi-square test). These findings may be associated with the clinical symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Pharmacological implications of lengthened in-utero exposure to nevirapine.

Given as a single dose to the mother during labour, nevirapine can protect the neonate from HIV-1 infection for up to 7 days. However, after maternal nevirapine therapy during pregnancy, neonatal plasma concentrations of nevirapine decline more rapidly, suggesting in-utero liver enzyme induction.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed2000

Regenesis

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Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Induction of human neutrophil apoptosis by nitric oxide donors: evidence for a caspase-dependent, cyclic-GMP-independent, mechanism.

This study investigated the regulatory effects of the major inflammatory mediator, nitric oxide (NO), on human neutrophil apoptosis in vitro. Co-culture of human neutrophils with the NO donors GEA 3162 (1,2,3,4-oxatriazolium,5-amino-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-chloride) (10-100 microM) and 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1) (0.3-3 mM) caused a dramatic and concentration-dependent induction of apoptosis. However, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP)-induced neutrophil activation (actin reorganization and chemotaxis) was inhibited by GEA 3162 treatment. The pro-apoptotic effects of the NO donors were (i) unaffected by the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY-83583 (6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione; 100 microM), (ii) antagonized by superoxide dismutase (6 microg/mL), (iii) mimicked by exogenous peroxynitrite (at concentrations >100 microM), and (iv) inhibited by the caspase inhibitor Z-Val-Ala-DL-Asp-fluoromethylketone (100 microM). The pro-apoptotic effect of the NO donors was not mimicked by the cell-permeable cyclic nucleotide analogue, N6,2-O-dibutyrylguanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (dibutyryl-cGMP) at concentrations < or =0.2 mM. Indeed, at high concentrations (> or =2 mM), dibutyryl-cGMP caused an inhibition of apoptosis. These results suggest that NO-mediated apoptosis, although caspase-dependent, is mediated by a cGMP-independent mechanism and involves the concurrent generation of oxygen free radicals and, potentially, peroxynitrite. Our data reveal a unique role for NO in inflammatory responses with differential effects upon neutrophil activation and survival, with important implications for the successful resolution of inflammation.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid urea as a measure of pulmonary permeability in healthy smokers.

The effects of cigarette smoking on blood to airway pulmonary permeability to the low-molecular-weight solute urea were investigated, in an attempt to evaluate its use as a dilution marker for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) studies. Five healthy normal smokers who smoked a cigarette 10 min prior to undergoing a 3 x 60 mL bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and five nonsmokers who also underwent BAL but without cigarette smoke exposure were studied. Five minutes before bronchoscopy, 4 MBq 3H-water and 1 MBq 14C-urea were injected intravenously and biochemical urea assays and an indirect radiotracer method were used to evaluate permeability. It was shown that the smoking group had less urea in their BAL supernatants compared to nonsmokers the results using the radiotracer method being significant (p<0.005). Using both methods, it was shown that levels of urea increased in sequentially aspirated aliquots in both groups. The median directly assayed levels of urea in the smokers rose as follows: aliquot 1 0.05 micromol x mL(-1), (range 0.03-0.14), aliquot 2 0.10 micromol x mL(-1) (0.07-0.17), aliquot 3 0.12 micromol x mL(-1) (0.06-0.23) (p<0.05). This led to significantly increased calculated levels of epithelial lining fluid in the sequential aliquots (p<0.05). In addition, there were large but variable amounts of labelled water detected in both subject groups indicating a complex interaction between the BAL procedure and the circulation. Changing urea measurements during the bronchoalveolar lavage procedure confound the use of the urea (epithelial lining fluid) method for normalizing dilution factors. The use of epithelial lining fluid determinations in smokers ignores the additional and probably complex permeability changes. The present data suggest that acute exposure to cigarette smoke in smokers may decrease blood to airway permeability.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Creating an adult learning culture through practice development.

The development of a learning culture is becoming a dominant theme in the strategic plans of health care organisations. This is arising through a drive to improve standards of practice, bridge the perceived theory-practice gap and create means of integrating learning with practice. There have been many initiatives to create such a change, including continuous professional development, reflective practice, clinical supervision and work based learning. This paper presents an account of a practice development strategy that aimed to create a learning culture as a sub-element of the overall programme of work. Working with individual project leaders, the intention was to shift the emphasis away from classroom based education, to learning at and from work. This was achieved through a combination of action research, the application of adult learning theory and facilitation. The paper describes the context of the development strategy, the facilitation processes adopted including the theoretical underpinnings and some 'tentative' outcomes achieved.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Effect of oral sodium loading on high-intensity arm ergometry in college wrestlers.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of 0.3 g x kg(-1) of NaHCO3, 0.21 g x kg(-1) of NaCl, and a low-calorie placebo control (PC) on high-intensity arm ergometry in eight college wrestlers (aged 20.6 +/- 0.8 yr, body mass 70.4 +/- 2.1 kg). METHODS: Subjects performed eight 15-s intervals of maximal effort arm ergometry separated by 20 s of recovery cranking. Treatments were administered in a randomized, double-blind manner in two equal doses at 90 and 60 min before testing. Venous blood samples were withdrawn at baseline, preexercise, and postexercise intervals. RESULTS: Preexercise pH (7.33 +/- 0.01, 7.31 +/- 0.01, and 7.40 +/- 0.01) and base excess (2.41 +/- 0.35, 0.93 +/- 0.39, and 8.45 +/- 0.51) after PC and NaCl ingestion, respectively, were similar, whereas ingestion of NaHCO3 resulted in significantly higher values (P < or = 0.05). Postexercise pH (7.02 +/- 0.01, 7.02 +/- 0.03, and 7.09 +/- 0.03) and base excess (-13.29 +/- 0.96, -14.49 +/- 1.01, and -8.83 +/- 1.38) were significantly lower after both PC and NaCl ingestion compared with NaHCO3 ingestion. Postexercise plasma [lactate] was also greater in both PC and NaHCO3 trials (21.42 +/- 1.52, 20.07 +/- 1.39, and 22.65 +/- 1.77 mmol x L(-1)). However, peak power (370.7 +/- 26.0, 346.3 +/- 13.6, and 354.3 +/- 18.9 W) and total work accomplished in eight intervals (30.2 +/- 1.5, 29.6 +/- 1.1, and 29.9 +/- 1.1 kJ), and percent fatigue (31.0 +/- 2.7, 29.0 +/- 3.2, and 29.2 +/- 4.0%) were similar. CONCLUSIONS: These data contradict previous reports of ergogenic benefits NaHCO3 and NaCl administration before exercise and further suggest that performance in this type of activity may not be enhanced by exogenously induced metabolic alkalosis or sodium ingestion.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed2000

Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of gemifloxacin (SB-265805) after administration of single oral doses to healthy volunteers.

Gemifloxacin (known as SB-265805 or LB-20304) is a potent, novel fluoroquinolone compound with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. The pharmacokinetics and tolerability of oral gemifloxacin were characterized in healthy male volunteers after a single dose of 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 600, or 800 mg. Multiple serum and urine samples were collected and analyzed for gemifloxacin using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Safety assessments included vital signs, 12-lead electrocardiogram readings, hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, and adverse-experience monitoring. Gemifloxacin was rapidly absorbed after all doses. Maximum concentrations of gemifloxacin in serum (C(max)) were achieved approximately 1 h after dosing, after which concentrations in serum declined in a biexponential manner. Values of C(max) and the area under the concentration-time curve in serum from 0 h to infinity (serum AUC(0-infinity)) increased linearly with dose. Serum AUC(0-infinity) values (mean +/- standard deviation) were 0.65+/-0.01, 1.28+/-0.22, 2.54+/-0.31, 5.48+/-1.24, 9.82+/-2.70, 24.4+/-7.1, and 31.4+/-7.6 microg. h/ml following 20-, 40-, 80-, 160-, 320-, 600-, and 800-mg doses, respectively. The terminal phase elimination half-life was independent of dose, with an overall mean of 7.4+/-2.0 h. The profiles indicated that the pharmacokinetic profile is suitable for a once-daily dosing regimen. Approximately 25 to 40% of the administered dose was excreted unchanged in the urine, and renal clearance (ca. 150 ml/min) was independent of dose. There were no significant changes in clinical chemistry, hematology, or urinalysis parameters, vital signs, or 12-lead electrocardiogram readings in subjects, irrespective of dose. The results of these studies support the further investigation of once-daily administration of gemifloxacin.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2000

Prevalence of hepatitis C among pregnant women attending an inner London obstetric department: uptake and acceptability of named antenatal testing.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the value of universal antenatal screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among an inner London population, with regard to prevalence, uptake, and acceptability of testing, and identification of new cases. DESIGN: Serum analysis for antibodies against HCV in pregnant women following informed consent ("opt out" policy). Samples positive for HCV antibodies were tested for the presence of HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction. Information on hepatitis C was provided for all women. Acceptability of antenatal HCV testing and identification of risk factors for infection were assessed through the use of questionnaires randomly distributed among a cohort of 300 pregnant women. SETTING: Antenatal clinics at St Mary's Hospital, London, serving a multiethnic population. SUBJECTS: A total of 4825 pregnant women booking for antenatal care between November 1997 and April 1999. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.8% and HCV viraemia was 0.6%. Ninety eight per cent of samples (n=4729) were tested; 0.2% of women had a false positive result. In 207 women who completed a questionnaire regarding our testing policy, 84% made a positive decision to be tested for anti-HCV and 92% said that HCV testing should be offered to all pregnant women. The majority (22/32-69%) of HCV infected women were newly diagnosed and although HCV positive women were significantly more likely to have a history of drug abuse, most (16/22-73%) new cases had no identified risk factors for HCV infection at booking. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anti-HCV in an inner London multiethnic antenatal population is high (0.8%). Routine screening for HCV is acceptable to pregnant women. The majority of women diagnosed during their current pregnancy would not have been identified as HCV infected by epidemiological risk factors at the time of booking.

False Positive Reactions↗