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Biomedical subjects

D Gill

Publications and source records attributed to D Gill.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Novel fluorescence-photochrome labeling method in the study of biomembrane dynamics.

A novel photochrome-fluorescence method (PFLM) based on monitoring fluorescence parameters and kinetics of photochrome photoisomerization of para-substituted stilbenes (PSS) has been proposed. It was shown that PSS exhibits fluorescence characteristics which are similar to ones of typical membrane fluorescence probes such as diphenylhexatriene (DPH). A study of kinetics of PSS trans-cis and cis-trans photoisomerization makes it possible to estimate, under certain conditions, the rotational correlation time of the stilbene fragments in the excited state of PSS for the fixed angle 180 degrees. In viscous media this process is a rate-determining stage. Taken together, the both techniques, fluorescence and photochrome, make it possible to establish a detailed mechanism and measure quantitative parameters of stilbene probe (PSS) mobility in a membrane. The PFLM was applied to the study of E. coli membrane dynamics.

Cell Membrane↗
PubMed1996

Detection of circulating donor deoxyribonucleic acid by microsatellite analysis in a liver transplant recipient.

The diagnosis of graft-versus-host disease following liver transplantation may be delayed because the clinical and pathological features are nonspecific. We report the use of microsatellites to support a diagnosis of GVHD in a patient who developed fever and a skin rash 28 days after liver transplantation. The pattern of microsatellite alleles amplified from the peripheral blood on day 51 posttransplant indicated that recipient and donor DNA were present in approximately equal proportions. Microsatellite typing is a simple and rapid method to identify high levels of circulating donor DNA to support a diagnosis of GVHD following liver transplantation.

Alleles↗
PubMed1996

Antiepithelial cell antibodies do not impair paediatric renal allograft survival but appear to be associated with acute viral infections.

There is a reported association between antiepithelial cell (AEC) antibodies and increased renal allograft loss in paediatric recipients. Our unit experienced a dramatic fall in 1-year graft survival so we undertook a study to determine if AEC antibodies could account for such losses. We also studied healthy children and adults as well as a group of individuals with serologically proven viral infection in an attempt to determine the prevalence and possible aetiology of these antibodies. Sera were screened for AEC antibodies in a microcytotoxicity test using a lung epithelial cell line (A549) as target. The prevalence of these antibodies in our paediatric recipients was similar to that reported elsewhere but we found no correlation between the presence of AEC antibody and allograft loss. Within the control populations, we found the antibody was more prevalent in children than in adults (p < 0.0001). We also found a strong age banding pattern, with antibody being present in 50% of children under 10 years and declining with increasing age, so that by the age of 16 years the seroprevalence was similar to that found in our adults. However, AEC antibody had a significantly higher prevalence in individuals with active viral infection than in our healthy control groups (p = 0.00003). A positive association was noted between rubella and respiratory syncytial virus and AEC antibody presence and a negative association with varicella zoster. We conclude that AEC antibodies do not correlate with increased paediatric renal allograft loss but appear to be linked to certain viral infections.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Two simple treatments for lower lip mucocoeles.

Mucocoeles commonly affect the lower lip of the elderly. These can be treated successfully and simply with repeated freeze-thaw cryotherapy cycles, or by punch biopsy which gives histology.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Paddock to campus: rural high school and medical undergraduate programs in South Australia.

This paper outlines the programs that support country high school students with the potential to take tertiary health training, particularly in medicine and the details of mentor support and the transition into medical undergraduate training. Also, the establishment of rural clubs in Adelaide and Flinders Universities, together with their aims, objectives and activities are highlighted together with details of the evaluation process which has confirmed the success of rural clubs. The establishment of an effective database is described, with a summary of its objectives and scope.

Career Choice↗
PubMed1996

Cancer and precancer in India.

Dental students are encouraged to undertake elective study overseas to increase their clinical experience with diseases that are uncommon in the UK. India has a high incidence of oral cancer and precancer and is an ideal destination for students interested in the study of malignant oral disease. This article reports the findings of a student on elective study to India.

Areca↗
PubMed1995

Which depressed patients respond to ECT? The Nottingham results.

The Nottingham electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) trial was designed with a simulated treatment group to test prospectively the power of delusions or agitation to predict response. The response of patients without retardation and without delusions was examined retrospectively as well because of doubts over the usefulness of ECT for this subgroup. Deluded/nondeluded and agitated/nonagitated subtypes responded significantly to real treatment. Neither delusions nor agitation predicted greater treatment response. Patients without retardation, with or without delusions responded to real ECT, supporting the continuing prescription of ECT for these patients as well.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Failure to thrive and the risk of child abuse: a prospective population survey.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the relative importance of failure to thrive during infancy as a risk factor for later abuse or neglect. DESIGN: Whole population birth cohort (1 January to 31 December 1986) studied prospectively over a four year period. SETTING: An inner city health district in London, England. SUBJECTS: 2609 births, of whom 47 were identified as having non-organic failure to thrive by first birthday. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Registration on Child Protection Register, or subject to investigation of suspected abuse or neglect without registration. RESULTS: 2.5% (64) of birth cohort had been placed on the Child Protection Register during the period 1986-1990, and a further 1.2% (32) had been a cause for concern. The relative risk attributable to non-organic failure to thrive was 4.3 (95% CI 1.65 to 11.94) and exceeded other measured risk factors, including birth weight < 2500 g, 1.96 (95% CI 1.01 to 3.82); gestation < 35 weeks, 3.26 (95% CI 1.32 to 3.75); ordinal position > or = 4, 1.53 (95% CI 0.72 to 3.23). A multiple logistic regression confirmed the independent contribution of non-organic failure to thrive to subsequent poor parenting warranting professional intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Early postnatal non-organic failure to thrive is a risk factor for later serious parenting deficiencies, but previous research has overstated its importance. Within the community studied the nature of subsequent risk was (non-nutritional) neglect, rather than non-accidental injury. More than eight out of 10 cases do not give further cause for concern.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1994

The abolishment of performance appraisals: Parkview's story.

BACKGROUND: Traditional performance appraisals, with their emphasis on individual (versus systemic or organizational) performance, are thought to undermine efforts to implement a total quality management or continuous quality improvement strategy. SEARCHING FOR A NEW PROCESS: A team charged in 1989 with the mission of improving the performance evaluation process finally determined it was simply not possible to improve a system so fundamentally flawed and recommended eliminating it. As an interim step, directors were told to dispense with scores and simply provide feedback to employees. A model for doing this was later adopted as the template for the annual feedback meeting Parkview eventually developed. A PIECE OF PAPER (APOP) IS BORN: The breakthrough, in 1992, came in realizing that an annual meeting should focus not on evaluating the employees but rather on identifying processes and systems in need of improvement. APOP IN PRACTICE: Managers and employees alike view APOP as an improvement over the old performance appraisals. One director sees APOP as a way of finding out what is going on in her department and how she can help. Another director finds that APOP not only helps him recognize the needs of good employees but also helps him to work constructively with employees having problems. HOLDING THE GAIN: Seventy-two percent of the directors have a highly favorable opinion of APOP; employees will be surveyed soon. Additional training in the APOP philosophy and process for first-line supervisors and follow-up training for leaders will be provided.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1994

Continuing medical education needs of rural GPs in South Australia.

The very extent of the information that was sought in the questionnaire may have contributed to the relatively small (33%) response rate. However, as stated, it is considered that the information received is sufficiently representative to help planners and providers of CME to ensure that their programs are fulfilling the genuine needs of rural practitioners in South Australia. It is accepted that educational needs are not static; they are always changing due to changing circumstances, changing skill requirements and constantly changing due to changing medical knowledge. The information gained from this survey will require regular updating, and this will be undertaken.

Education, Medical, Continuing↗