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Biomedical subjects

F Ross

Publications and source records attributed to F Ross.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Primary care-based evaluation of patient education for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Primary healthcare research in the UK has expanded in conjunction with the wider agenda of a primary care led National Health Service (NHS). This reflects international reconsideration of the place of primary healthcare within national healthcare systems. However the role and standing of research in primary care tends to be marginal and less influential than that originating in research establishments or medical schools pursuing biomedical investigations. There are many reasons for this, some of which this paper attempts to elucidate. We address the perspectives and relationships between 'stakeholder' groups in the field of primary care and highlight the ways in which such relationships affect research in this area. The development of a primary care research project concerned with osteoarthritis of the knee (the OAK project) is used as an exemplar of these stresses and we suggest ways in which the difficulties encountered may be overcome.

Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMed2000

The burden of cancer in Kentucky. The 1998 Kentucky cancer incidence report.

The purpose of collecting this important disease burden information is just for reports like this. The real value lies in use of data for cancer control research, program planning, resource allocation, program design, and evaluation. Data in the annual KCR report and on the website should be a valuable resource for health agencies, clinicians, policymakers, voluntary organizations, etc in their assessment of health problems in their area and as critical decisions are made about how to utilize limited intervention resources. The Kentucky Cancer Registry will continue to work very closely with the Kentucky Cancer Program, Kentucky Medical Association, and programs and research efforts at the University of Kentucky Cancer Control Program (Mid South Cancer Information Service, Appalachia Cancer Network, Kentucky Prevention Research Center) and the Brown Cancer Center at the University of Louisville to make these data available to partners throughout the Commonwealth to help guide their assessment and planning processes. If you have questions about this data you are encouraged to contact Regional Coordinators for the Kentucky Cancer Program in your Area Development District. The contact information is shown in Appendix I.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of masked (8;21)(q22;q22) translocations.

The translocation (8;21)(q22;q22) is associated with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML M2). The accurate detection of this chromosomal rearrangement is vital due to its association with a favorable prognosis. Variant translocations exist; these may be hidden within an unusual or complex karyotype. In such cases, it is often difficult to confirm the presence of t(8;21)(q22;q22) by conventional cytogenetic analysis alone. The molecular detection of the AML1/ETO fusion gene is possible by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using probes specific for AML1 and ETO. Four cases of AML M2, with unusual or complex structural chromosomal abnormalities, without cytogenetic evidence of the classical t(8;21)(q22;q22), were studied by FISH. Two were AML1/ETO positive by RT-PCR, one showed a rearrangement by AML1 by Southern analysis, and the fourth had morphological features characteristic of t(8;21). The FISH results showed a co-localization of one AML1 and one ETO signal in interphase and metaphase nuclei in all four cases, demonstrating the presence of variant t(8;21)(q22;q22) rearrangements. Therefore, FISH analysis with the AML1 and ETO probes is extremely valuable, in cases of AML M2, because of its ability to reveal masked t(8;21)(q22;q22) translocations and thus quickly confirm the diagnosis, allowing patients to be assigned to the correct risk group in terms of treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Practice nurses and the care of patients receiving depot neuroleptic treatment: views on training, confidence and use of structured assessment.

The movement of care into the community for the mentally ill with severe and enduring problems has important implications for primary care services. This paper reports the findings from an interview with practice nurses working in south-west London, United Kingdom, who had participated in a randomised control trial to investigate the effectiveness of training and structured assessment on clinical and social outcomes of patients receiving maintenance medication of depot antipsychotics. The aim of the interview was to explore current practice, attitudes, confidence and priorities for training in relation to these patients. Thirty-nine nurses were interviewed. The majority of practice nurses received scant referral information and worked without protocols. Even though these nurses had received the training, and as a result of the study had increased awareness of the problems of the severely mentally ill, there was a significant relationship between inadequate knowledge of schizophrenia to carry out the task of medication management and lack of confidence. Although the small size of the sample does not permit generalization, important questions are raised for further practice development and research, including the future training needs of practice nurses and partnership relationships with mental health professionals for supervision and support.

Antipsychotic Agents↗
PubMed1998

Trisomy 15 associated with loss of the Y chromosome in bone marrow: a possible new aging effect.

Trisomy 15 as a single autosomal abnormality is a rare finding in hematological disorders and has not as yet been associated with any specific disease type. We report 20 cases of trisomy 15 observed in the bone marrow of patients referred for a suspected hematological malignancy. Most patients were elderly, and a marked male predominance was evident. Aneuploidy for the Y chromosome was observed in addition to +15 in 11 out of 15 male patients. A myelodysplastic disorder (MDS) was confirmed in six cases, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in one. There was no evidence of malignant hematological diseases in the remaining 13 patients. We propose that there may be an association between loss of the Y chromosome and trisomy 15 and that trisomy 15, like missing Y, may not always be a marker of malignancy, but may reflect an underlying age effect. The possibility that its presence may herald the development of a malignant condition cannot, however, be excluded.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Client preferences for HIV inpatient care delivery.

This study was concerned with preferences for inpatient models of care by the HIV/AIDS client group, in particular the difference between gay white men (European) and black heterosexuals of African/Caribbean origin. Satisfaction with the care currently provided was also an area of interest. Thirteen per cent (n = 79) of the were surveyed. Seventy per cent (n = 56) of the HIV/AIDS client group indicated a preference for a dedicated care model. Significant results were obtained demonstrating differences in the care model preferred by gay white men and black heterosexuals (p < 0.01). Gay white men were much more likely to state they would leave the trust to receive dedicated care (p < 0.01). Black heterosexuals were more likely to state that they would change treatment areas to avoid dedicated care (p < 0.01) Differences in concern about confidentiality were noted between the two groups. Confidentiality may be one of a number of factors influencing preference of care for African/Caribbeans and this needs to be studied further. The clients surveyed were not universally satisfied with the care they had been receiving. Following the results of the survey radical changes in the management of HIV inpatient care were made.

Africa↗
PubMed1998

An outbreak of equine leukoencephalomalacia at Oaxaca, Mexico, associated with fumonisin B1.

Equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM), swine pulmonary oedema and human oesophageal cancer have been associated with fumonisine B1 (FB1) ingestion. For the first time in this study it is reported that FB1 was identified as being associated with an outbreak of ELEM at Oaxaca, Mexico. Symptoms of ELEM and Equine Venezuelan Encephalitis (EVE) are similar and a different diagnosis is obligatory. In the geographical area (Oaxaca, Mexico) where donkeys died showing a neurological syndrome, 14 corn samples were collected. With the use of TLC (Thin layer chromatography) and HPLC (High performance liquid chromatography) all collected samples resulted positive to FB1. In the area of study, this syndrome was reported to be the cause of death of 100 donkeys, after 3 postmortem examinations in which macroscopic and microscopic cerebral white manner liquefactive necrosis were observed, when FB1 concentration was determined in the samples collected, using HPLC and TLC. It was concluded that HPLC is a highly sensitive method for the detection of FB1 through the formation of an OPA derivative. However, the reverse phase TLC plate and the visualisation of the coloured reaction with the vanillin acidic solution is more objective. FB1 concentration in the studied samples ranged from 0.67 to 13.3 ppm. It was concluded that FB1 was the cause of leukoencephalomalacia reported in donkeys in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1998

Emergency nurse practitioner services in major accident and emergency departments: a United Kingdom postal survey.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the current and predicted distribution of formal emergency nurse practitioner services in major accident and emergency departments in the United Kingdom; to determine organisational variations in service provision, with specific reference to funding, role configuration, training, and scope of clinical activity. METHODS: Postal survey of senior nurses of all major accident and emergency departments in the United Kingdom (n = 293) in May/June 1996. RESULTS: There were 274 replies (94% response rate): 98 departments (36%) provided a formal service; a further 91 departments (33%) reported definite plans to introduce a service by the end of 1996; smaller departments, under 40000 new patient attendances annually, were less likely to provide a service than busier units (p < 0.001, chi2 for trend). Three different methods of making the role operational were identified: dedicated, integrated, and rotational. Only 16 (18%) were able to provide a 24 hour service; 91 departments (93%) employed emergency nurse practitioners who had received specific training, but wide variations in length, content, and academic level were noted; 82 departments (84%) authorised nurse practitioners to order x rays independently, but only 35 (36%) allowed them to interpret radiographs; 67 (68%) permitted "over the counter" drug supplying under local protocol, and 52 (54%), "prescription only" drug supplying from an agreed list. CONCLUSIONS: Formal emergency nurse practitioner services are provided in all parts of the United Kingdom, with predicted figures suggesting a rapidly accelerating upward trend. Wide variations in service organisation, training, and scope of activity are evident.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed1998

Randomized controlled trial of teaching practice nurses to carry out structured assessments of patients receiving depot antipsychotic injections.

BACKGROUND: A third of patients with schizophrenia are out of contact with secondary services. Many of these patients receive maintenance medication as depot antipsychotics from practice nurses, most of whom have negligible training in mental health. AIM: To examine the impact of a structured assessment on the process of care and clinical status of schizophrenia patients by practice nurses who received a one-day training course. METHOD: All identified patients were randomly allocated to structured assessments and outcome, measured by the number of assessments and the changes in care recorded in primary care notes. A comprehensive assessment of clinical and social functioning and level of unmet need in intervention and control patients was carried out after one year by an independent researcher. RESULTS: A high rate of consultation and clinical need in this patient group was demonstrated. Practice nurses were more diligent in carrying out assessments than general practitioners (GPs), but there was no impact on treatment patterns or clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Structured assessments by practice nurses are feasible with this patient group, but training, targeted at both nurses and GPs, is needed if this intervention is to translate into health gain.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

A library for the twenty-first century: the Galter Health Sciences Library's renovation and expansion project.

A renovation and expansion project at the Galter Health Sciences Library of Northwestern University strikes a balance between traditional and future libraries, library ambiance and high technology, old and new. When guided by a vision of future building use, renovation projects can succeed in meeting many institutional goals as a viable alternative to new library buildings. Issues addressed include planning considerations, architectural history, library design, building features, information technology considerations, and ideal library space design when new construction is not possible.

Chicago↗
PubMed1997

End-user searching: impetus for an expanding information management and technology role for the hospital librarian.

Using the results of the 1993 Medical Library Association (MLA) Hospital Libraries Section survey of hospital-based end-user search services, this article describes how end-user search services can become an impetus for an expanded information management and technology role for the hospital librarian. An end-user services implementation plan is presented that focuses on software, hardware, finances, policies, staff allocations and responsibilities, educational program design, and program evaluation. Possibilities for extending end-user search services into information technology and informatics, specialized end-user search systems, and Internet access are described. Future opportunities are identified for expanding the hospital librarian's role in the face of changing health care management, advances in information technology, and increasing end-user expectations.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed1996

School bus related deaths and injuries in New South Wales.

OBJECTIVE: To report the circumstances of paediatric bus related deaths and injuries in New South Wales (NSW) to identify preventable factors. DESIGN: Retrospective survey using two surveillance systems-the NSW Paediatric Death Review Database and the Childsafe Injury Surveillance System. PATIENTS: Children (0-14 years of age) who died or were injured as a result of a school bus related incident. RESULTS: Twenty-two deaths and 58 injuries were recorded. Three of the children who died were passengers (two deaths were due to errant behaviour), two were alighting from the bus (bus door entrapment) and 17 (77%) were pedestrians crossing the road before or as the bus departed. The major causes of death were head injury and blood loss. Seventeen of the injured children were pedestrians and most (82%) of these sustained serious injury requiring admission to hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest risk to schoolchildren from bus related injuries was as pedestrians after alighting from a bus, especially when moving behind the bus. Preventable factors include slowing of traffic (40 kph) near stationary school buses, and parents waiting on the side of the road where the child alights from the bus. Continuing road safety education remains important for schoolchildren and parents as well as for drivers.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1996

Building the electronic health sciences library for the twenty-first century: the Galter Library experience.

Constructing home pages for World-Wide Web access has become a major activity in academic health sciences libraries. At the Northwestern University, Galter Health Sciences Library staff are creating the library's new health information system using Web resources and integrating them with existing library systems-NUmed (OVID MEDLINE) and LUIS/NUcat (NOTIS). Development of Web pages, including selection and organization of electronic information, has become the building process for the electronic library. Selection, organization, design, and construction are important factors in the creation of an efficient and useful information system. Using resources like the World-Wide Web and tools like Netscape, library staff are designing an interface, defining policies and guidelines, and creating the tools that will give users easy access to local and international electronic, scholarly information resources. In this paper, the process used at Northwestern is shown as a model of an electronic health sciences library for the twenty-first century.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed1995

Outbreak of vesicular dermatitis among horses at a midwestern horse show.

Dermatitis consisting of blisters on the nose and other parts of the body was reported among horses at a Midwestern horse show. Some horses also had jaundice, hematuria and anorexia. An outbreak investigation was initiated, and of 239 horses for which information could be obtained, 58 (24%) were found to have been affected. Median duration of illness was 5 days, and all horses recovered. Age, sex, water source, grain source, and stabling location were not associated with illness. The use of wood shavings bedding obtained at the show grounds was the factor most strongly associated with the development of vesicular lesions. Horses that became ill were 43 times more likely to have been bedded on wood shavings obtained from the show grounds than were horses that did not become ill. Among horses bedded on shavings from the show grounds, the risk was further increased by a factor of 5 if the shavings had been wetted. Neither organic nor heavy metal toxicants were identified in the samples of the wood shavings. However, samples did contain plant tissues originating from a tree belonging to the family Simaroubaceae, some species of which are known to cause vesicular eruptions in people.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Hematological features of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes associated with a chromosome 5q deletion.

The hematological and clinical features of 26 patients with myelodysplasia and a chromosome 5q deletion in the bone marrow are presented. We have examined the relationship of French-American-British Co-operative Group (FAB) 1982 classification and bone marrow karyotype at diagnosis with patient outcome and the presence or absence of the classical features of the 5q-syndrome. Those patients classified as refractory anemia (RA) with no additional karyotypic abnormalities have the typical features of the 5q-syndrome and a good prognosis. None of the patients in this group transformed to acute leukemia during the period of follow-up. Patients with either refractory anemia and excess blasts (RAEB) or additional karyotypic abnormalities show many of the hematologic features of the 5q-syndrome but do not share the good prognosis. We conclude that the 5q-syndrome may be best defined as primary MDS of the FAB type RA with a 5q deletion as the sole karyotypic abnormality. This simple definition will distinguish patients with a good prognosis and all the classical features of the 5q-syndrome.

Acute Disease↗