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Biomedical subjects

C Weston

Publications and source records attributed to C Weston.

33 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Pre-hospital thrombolysis: current status and future prospects.

The impact of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction has been such that it now constitutes standard therapy for patients who present to hospital with acute myocardial infarction. In an attempt to minimise the duration of ischaemia, and subsequent impairment of contractile function, trials of pre-hospital thrombolysis have been initiated. These reveal time gains of up to 60 minutes but convincing evidence of clinical benefit has not yet been forthcoming. This review examines the rationale for very early thrombolysis, in the context of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. It examines the impact of recent small scale studies on coronary patency, left ventricular function and infarct size and examines the potential risks. Large scale studies of pre-hospital thrombolysis are in progress and their findings will need to be interpreted in comparison with optimal 'fast-track' in-hospital treatment. The review highlights the need for co-ordinated policies for acute management of myocardial infarction involving primary care, the emergency medical systems and cardiac units. Enthusiasm for wide scale administration of thrombolytics by general practitioners, without electrocardiographic confirmation of the diagnosis, must be tempered by a clear analysis of the potential risks and benefits. Current evidence does not support such widespread clinical application, outwith the current evaluation studies. An urgent re-evaluation of hospital triage of patients with acute myocardial infarction is merited.

Emergency Medical Services↗
PubMed1990

Variations in the provision of extended-trained ambulance personnel within the Welsh ambulance services.

This paper describes the distribution of extended-trained ambulance personnel within the nine Welsh Ambulance Services. While over a quarter of all emergency ambulance crews possess some extended skills, there is a wide variation in their distribution and protocols of treatment. Increasing numbers of ambulance personnel will receive such training in the future, leading to improved standards of pre-hospital care. To justify the use of such skills in terms of clinical outcome and expenditure, the ambulance services must provide accurate data to allow subsequent audit of pre-hospital clinical practice. It is therefore essential that the medical profession becomes aware of these developments and participates in advising, assessing and training extended-trained ambulance personnel.

Ambulances↗
PubMed1987

Expanding undergraduate dietetic education through a health promotion internship program.

The Lifestyle Assistant Program is a health promotion internship offered by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Health Service. Students majoring in health-related disciplines (e.g., dietetics) gain skills in promoting the six dimensions of wellness: social, occupational, spiritual, physical, intellectual, and emotional. Thirteen competencies provide the basis for training Lifestyle Assistants, who develop, market, present, and evaluate wellness sessions for the university and residential communities. Assistants earn academic credit or a wage. Of particular benefit to assistants majoring in dietetics are studying and operating a self-testing physical assessment unit, which approximates body composition, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility; using a health hazard appraisal; assisting the University's Nutrition Task Force with its education campaign in the campus cafeterias; and presenting programs on popular nutrition topics (e.g., the athlete's diet). Program evaluation reveals that 84% of participants in programs conducted by assistants gained information of personal benefit. The Lifestyle Assistant competencies support The American Dietetic Association Plan IV minimum competencies in such areas as communication and education. The Lifestyle Assistant experience is in accordance with The American Dietetic Association's Dietetic Manpower Study recommendations: to provide student learning experiences in wellness programs and fitness settings.

Dietetics↗
PubMed1985

Myocardial depression and nephrotic syndrome in Streptococcus sanguis endocarditis.

Nephrotic syndrome is a most unusual complication of infective endocarditis. We report a case of Streptococcus sanguis endocarditis of the tricuspid valve in a patient with a small congenital ventricular septal defect who developed this complication. Severe myocardial depression also occurred and the clinical behaviour and subsequent recovery of this closely paralleled that of the nephrotic syndrome. These unusual associations, their possible interactions and pathogeneses are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sexual practices of older adults in a high HIV prevalence environment.

Based on recent epidemiologic evidence, AIDS in older persons (ages 55-79) in Maryland appears to be increasingly contracted heterosexually, particularly in women. Little is known about sexual practices or beliefs about HIV in older persons living in high HIV prevalence urban populations. The purpose of this study was to assess sexual practices, particularly high risk behavior, modifications of behavior including condom use, and perceptions of risk. A behavioral survey, containing 41 potential responses, was developed through modification of The National AIDS Behavioral Survey, focusing on heterosexual activity. The survey was administered to a convenience sample of 55 to 79 year olds attending the Union Memorial Hospital medical clinic. Sexual activity is common within the older population, especially among men. Multiple partners is not unusual in older men. Condoms are commonly used. Older individuals typically are aware of HIV heterosexual transmission risk and a proportion have modified sexual behavior because of perceived risks.

Age Factors↗