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Biomedical subjects

E Walsh

Publications and source records attributed to E Walsh.

50 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Release of malignancy-related fucopeptides from ascites tumour cells in association with membrane vesicles.

Membrane vesicles were found to be released from Landschütz ascites cells in vivo and in vitro. Vesicle fractions were highly enriched in the large fucopeptides which are a known feature of malignant cell membranes. Incubation with trypsin in vitro is commonly used to release these fucopeptides from tumour cells. The present results show that the enzyme acts by increasing the release of lipid vesicles enriched in these components, rather than by liberating soluble tryptic products. Thus, the parent molecules in the cell would appear to be integral membrane proteins which are insensitive to direct cleavage by trypsin.

Animals↗

Prevalence of abnormal thyroid function tests in a Down's syndrome population.

As thyroid function has been documented to be of a higher prevalence in individuals with Down's syndrome, a study was set up to assess the thyroid status of these individuals. Thyroid function tests (T.F.T.s) were initially reviewed on 100 individuals with Down's syndrome in the community and on 36 individuals who were residentially based. Abnormal T.F.T.s were then reviewed 3 yr later. In total sample of 136, initially 13 percent [n = 18] of individuals with Down's syndrome had abnormal T.F.T.s, 5 percent [n = 7] were established cases of thyroid disease and 8 percent [n = 11] were newly identified cases who had abnormal T.F.T.s. Three yr later 6.5 percent [n = 9] of the group who had had abnormal T.F.T.s continued to have abnormal T.F.T.s, 5 percent [n = 7] had thyroid disease and 1.5 percent [n = 2] still had biochemical evidence of thyroid dysfunction. There was a statistically significant increase in abnormal T.F.T.s in the residential sample compared to the community sample on both occasions. The incidence of thyroid dysfunction has been found to increase with age, particularly over the age of 40, however in this study the majority were under the age of 40 with an age range between 28.3 yr and 33.8 yr. The results in this study, coupled with the variability of T.F.T.s over time, highlights the need for regular monitoring of the thyroid status of individuals with Down's syndrome.

Adolescent↗

Exploration of the acute scrotum: a retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Acute scrotal pain is a common urological emergency. Urgent exploration is the standard means of management, as no investigation can confidently exclude torsion of testis from the differential diagnoses. In our department, all patients up to the age of 40 years, presenting with acute scrotal pain undergo emergency scrotal exploration. AIM: This study assesses the outcome of such a policy in one unit. METHODS: The notes of 100 consecutive males who underwent exploration of scrotum have been reviewed. RESULTS: Testicular torsion was diagnosed in 33% of patients, with torsion of the appendix testis being the next most common entity. In the group with testicular torsion 12% required orchidectomy, and all had presented at least 24 hours after the onset of pain. The perioperative morbidity of scrotal exploration was very low. CONCLUSION: These data justify the policy of emergency exploration for all cases of acute scrotal pain up to the age of 40 years.

Acute Disease↗

Low-risk mothers. Oral intake and emesis in labor.

This study examined the pattern of oral intake and its impact on emesis and other complications in low-risk gravidas during labor. It is common clinical practice to restrict oral intake in most institutions. The historical bases for this restrictive practice are explored. Findings from this study indicate that when given a choice, all 106 women chose a variety of types and amounts of oral intake throughout all stages of labor. Over 80% of women who ate or drank during labor had no emesis. Of the 20 who did have any emesis, 40% (eight) vomited more than once. None of the women who vomited experienced poor outcomes. These data suggest that women who choose oral intake during labor are at relatively low risk for complications related to this intake. Based on a comprehensive review of the literature and these study results, practitioners should allow as much choice as is consistent with empirical knowledge and safe practice.

Choice Behavior↗

Rotifers ingest oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum.

Six genera of rotifers including Philodina, Monostyla, Epiphanes, Euchlanis, Brachionus, and Asplanchna were exposed to oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum cleaned of fecal debris. Unstained oocysts and those stained with fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibody were added to suspensions of viable rotifers and were examined by phase-contrast, differential interference contrast, and fluorescence microscopy. Rotifers of all six genera were observed ingesting oocysts. A maximum of 25 oocysts was observed in the stomachs of Eauchlanis and Brachionus. Euchlanis and Epiphanes were observed excreting boluses containing up to eight oocysts. It was not determined whether rotifers digested or otherwise rendered oocysts nonviable.

Animals↗

Seclusion and restraint: what we need to know.

Seclusion and restraint are controversial, restrictive interventions employed by psychiatric nurses in response to patient violence. While these interventions are used widely, relatively little is known about them. There is little support in the literature for the efficacy of seclusion and restraint. Although it seems impractical to suggest that seclusion and restraint be eliminated, many questions about these processes are unanswered. Nurses are in an ideal position to conduct studies related to patients' behavior and the use of seclusion and restraint. This article presents a review of the literature related to seclusion and restraint and suggests areas for future research.

Clinical Nursing Research↗

Psychological functioning in children and adolescents undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation.

This study examined 38 patients (age 6-18 years) with recurrent cardiac arrhythmias who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation of ectopic myocardial foci. Psychological functioning was assessed by the Pediatric Symptom Checklist, Short Mood and Feeling Questionnaire, Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, and Arrhythmia Anxiety Queries prior to ablation and at 3-month follow-up. The patients resembled a normal population without elevations in anxiety or depression. After ablation, the patients showed reductions in the "fear of their heart problem" and increases in "the things that they enjoy." The patients who underwent a curative ablation had better functioning than those who did not show improvement. Children appear to have the opportunity for an improved quality of life after ablation.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Complementary therapies in long-stay neurology in-patient settings.

Complementary therapies have been embraced by many nurses, but the effectiveness of such regimes on the wellbeing of patients has never been researched successfully. This article describes a pilot study which evaluated their effects on long-stay neurology patients.

Aged↗

Fractures of the proximal third of femur.

Requests for '? fractured neck of femur' form a major part of the work in the accident and emergency X-ray department today. Good quality radiographs are essential for the correct diagnosis to be made. The type of fracture shown, together with age and health of the patient, will determine the repair undertaken. Regular radiography of the fracture site will demonstrate any subsequent local complications.

Aged↗

Impact of dietary supplement of Crassostrea gigas extract (JCOE) on glutathione levels and glutathione S-transferase activity in rat tissues.

Male Sprague Dawley rats received various amounts of extract of Crassostrea gigas by gavage every day for 2 weeks or one month. At these times, groups of animals were sacrificed and samples of major organs analyzed for levels of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. Following the two week protocol, GSH levels were significantly increased in the mucosa of the large intestine; at one month the small intestine and spleen were elevated. GST activity increased in liver under both schedules and at one month, activity was also elevated in kidney and small intestine. Since the Crassostrea gigas extract contains high levels of a variety of important amino acids, it is concluded that biologically available peptides are taken up in target organs and stimulate GSH metabolism. Enhanced levels of GSH and associated enzymes may contribute to a more effective detoxification phenotype, thus providing enhanced chemoprotective capacity.

Animals↗