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Biomedical subjects

G A Harrison

Publications and source records attributed to G A Harrison.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1978

Variation in blood pressure in a New Guinea population.

The contributions of age and anthropometric, biochemical and socio-economic variables to blood pressure variation in the population of Karkar Island, Papua New Guinea are examined. Blood pressure does not change with age in males; in females there is a decline from ages 21 to 40 and an increase (in systolic pressure) thereafter. Body weight and skinfold thicknesses decline with age in females; arm circumferences decline in both sexes. There were no age effects on serum cholesterol or serum sodium. Variation in ponderal index and subcutaneous fat contribute to variation in blood pressure. The correlations of blood pressure with physique are more important in males and the particular variables concerned suggest a nutritional basis. The socio-economic variables examined showed little variation and this was not associated with variation in blood pressure.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Genetic variation in some Oxfordshire villages.

The patterns of serological polymorphic variety in a group of Oxfordshire populations are related to previously made demographic predictions that the different villages and social classes might be expected to be genetically homogeneous if movement were the main factor determining genetic structure. The predictions are largely fulfilled though there remains a residual pattern of variety which is detectable when all the systems tested are considered together by "genetic distance" examination, and in the case of the geographic variation this pattern reflects the comparative magnitude of the exchanges between the different villages.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1977

Ultrastructural changes in tracheal epithelial cells exposed to oxygen.

White albino rats were sacrificed after 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h of exposure to 100% O2 at 1 atm. Tissue was prepared for the scanning electron microscope (SEM) by Critical Point Drying and for the transmission electron microscope (TEM) by plastic embedding. Scanning microscopy showed a loss of microvilli after 48 h of exposure. Cilia appeared relatively normal with SEM, but TEM revealed changes in the outer membrane. In TEM, nonciliated cells appeared swollen and often encroached on the ciliated cells. A heavy mucous blanket remained even after processing. All the changes observed that are induced by oxygen exposure contribute to mucostasis, reducing and/or halting mucociliary clearance.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Genetic and anthropological studies in the human adaptability section of the International Biological Programme.

In the U.K. contribution to the H.A. (Human Adaptibility) section of I.B.P., genetic and anthropological studies have focused on three concerns. First, attempts have been made in a number of investigation to gain additional descriptive information about the genetic compostition of the world's populations. Concentrating on blood groups, blood enzymes, serum proteins and other polmorphic markers important gaps have been filled in our knowledge of the geographical paterns of human variation and of the affinities of populations wig and characterizing populations which were being studied for other purposes. For example, it was of critical concern in interpreting results to know in the investigations of climatic physiology and nutrition in Ethiopia and Israel whether the various groups studied in different environments were genetically the same or not. Finally, attention was focused in a number of investigations, especially those in New Guinea, Tristan da Cunha, Tanzania, and the Orkneys, on the factors which determine the genetic structure of populations. In these the effects of such phenomena as inbreeding, genetic drift, founder effects, migration and gene flow and the relation between genetic variety and health were examined and much attention was given to the interaction between demographic forces and genetics.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1976

Evidence for an association between ABO blood group and goitre.

A medical and genetic study on KarKar Island, Papua New Guinea revealed a significant association between ABO blood group status and susceptibility to goitre with O individuals more susceptible than non-O. The association is found in a number of separate villages on the island which indicates that it is not due simply to chance concordance in geographical patterns of genetic and disease variations.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed1976

Associations between polymorphic variety and disease susceptibility in two New Guinea populations.

During the Australian/British IBP studies on KarKar Island and at Lufa in the Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea, information was collected on the epidemiology and genetic constitution of the same subjects. Advantage of this special situation has been taken to determine whether any associations exist between the genetic markers and the disease states. Those found and which appear real include Rhesus D(u) with proteinuria; MN with splenomegaly and hepatomegaly; Ss with parotid enlargement; acid phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogense and haemoglobin J- Tongariki with presence of malarial parasites; phosphoglucomutase with proteinuria and parotid enlargement; haptoglobin with proteinuria and with splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. These associations are discussed in terms of the probabilities of their arising from heterogeneity in population structure, linkage disequilibrium and pleiotropy.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1976

Associations between polymorphic variety and anthropometric and biochemical variation in two New Guinea populations.

During International Biological Programme studies in Papua New Guinea, on Karkar Island and at Lufa in the Eastern Highlands, information on anthropometric, biochemical and genetic characteristics was collected from the same individuals. Use has been made of this special situation to investigate whether any associations exist between genetic markers and anthropometric and biochemical variation. Those found, and which satisfy criteria established to help in distinguishing real from chance associations, include: P with haemoglobin concentration and serum albumin and cholesterol levels; acid phosphatase with serum albumin level and haemoglobin concentration; anhaptoglobinaemia and serum globulin level; haemoglobin J-Tongariki with serum phosphorus level. The associations are discussed in terms of their arising from the direct result of environmental factors modifying gene expression, chance concordance of environmental and genetic variation, or pleiotropy.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1976

Aims and objectives for postgraduate learning in anaesthesia.

This paper describes the statement of aims and objectives of postgraduate training for the Faculty of Anaesthetists of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The objectives of the authors are that after study of this paper, the readers will: (a) Understand the importance of both "stated" and "informal" objectives in teaching and learning. (b) Understand the important terms used in the Faculty of Anaesthetists' Document on objectives. (c) Know the strategies using in writing the Faculty's Document of Objectives.

Anesthesiology↗
PubMed1976

The role of formal courses in the vocational training of anaesthetists.

Some of the factors which influence the conduct and the effectiveness of formal courses are discussed. It is considered that the needs and the aims of the trainees and teachers are especially relevant, but sometimes a difference in priorities exists. It is suggested that there should be careful definition of the needs to be satisfied by the formal course and that the educational body conducting the course and the geographical location of the course should be based on those needs. The role of the course supervisor in the organizer-teacher-trainee communication system is especially important.

Anesthesiology↗
PubMed1975

Hand preference and I.Q. in a group of Oxfordshire villages.

Verbal and performance scores in a standard intelligence test (WAIS) were considered in relation to patterns of hand preference (measured by questionnaire) in a large sample of the general population. Left-handers and mixed-handers did not obtain lower scores than right-handers. Indeed, there was a tendency for subjects who reported that they could use either hand for at least one of the questionnaire tasks to obtain higher I.Q.s. Otherwise, there were no significant differences in I.Q. with the exception of a consistent sex difference, in that men achieved higher scores on both verbal and performance scales.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Body composition changes during lactation in a New Guinea population.

Some body composition changes during lactation in women of Karkar Island, Papua New Guinea, suggest that body fat reserves, measured by changes in weight, diminish during the course of lactation and that subcutaneous fat reserves diminish with parity. The data are discussed in terms of the possible nutritional control of fertility of women in a subsistence economy.

Body Composition↗
PubMed1975

Errors in pneumotachography with intermittent positive pressure ventilation.

Instrument errors that can occur when pneumotachography is used during Intermittedt Positive Pressure Ventilation (IPPV) have been described previously (Kafer 1973). Our efforts to eliminate these errors led to the discovery of further inaccuracies, which appear to be due to the design of the differential pressure transducers used with pneumotachograph head. A system was used in which a sine-wave pump delivered a constant tidal volume to a dummy lung, the tidal volume being measured by means of a pneumotachograph. Using Grass, Statham and Devices differential pressure transducers, the volume recorded as leaving the dummy lung was consistently greater than that recorded as entering, and changing the pneumatic polarity of the differential pressure transducer produced large differences in the recorded volume. In some cases the error was greater than the volume being measured. There would seem to be several causes of such errors. The Sanborn 270 differential pressure transducer and the Greer micromanometer appeared to be free of these artifacts. The results of this study throw into doubt much previously published work using pneumotachography during IPPV.

Equipment and Supplies↗
PubMed1975

Difficulties with positioning Robertshaw double lumen tubes.

Difficulties in positioning Robertshaw tubes have been reviewed in a retrospective and a prospective series. Pre-operative cheat X-rays did not help in predicting difficulties. The performance of the Robertshaw tube was carefully recorded for each malposition in the prospective series, and the relationship of the malplaced tube to the tracheobronchial tree was reconstructed. This exercise allowed a more precise definition of the dangers of malpositions and formulation of procedure to minimize their incidence.

Australia↗