Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J A Ritchie

Publications and source records attributed to J A Ritchie.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

The effect of long-term use of a dentifrice containing zinc citrate and a non-ionic agent on the oral flora.

The effect on the oral ecology of daily use, for seven months, of a dentifrice containing 0.5% (w/w) zinc citrate and a non-ionic agent, i.e., 0.2% (w/w) Triclosan (2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether), has been monitored on 13 adult volunteers. Plaque and saliva were sampled monthly and the bacterial flora analyzed. Twenty-six volunteers used a placebo dentifrice as part of their normal oral hygiene for four months to establish the baseline microbial flora. The volunteers were then split into two equal groups: One group continued to use the placebo dentifrice; the other used the dentifrice containing zinc citrate and Triclosan. There was no evidence that seven months' use of a dentifrice containing 0.5% zinc citrate and 0.2% Triclosan caused shifts in the oral microbial ecology, nor was there any evidence of developing bacterial resistance to Triclosan.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Coping behaviors of hospitalized preschool children.

This study examined the coping behaviors of 208 hospitalized preschoolers during high stress and low stress events. The children were observed during 722 events and their behaviors were recorded on the Children's Coping Strategies Checklist (CCSC). The group included acutely and chronically ill children. While the preschoolers used more coping behaviors in low-stress events than they did in high-stress events, there were very few differences between the number of coping behaviors used by chronically ill and acutely ill children. The tendency to use fewer coping behaviors in high-stress events was more marked in the acutely ill children. There were larger differences in the specific coping behaviors used in high-stress and low-stress events. The types of coping behaviors used most frequently were Information Seeking (watching and visual examination) and Direct Action (tension reducing involving self, control by active participation, and control by preventing or delaying an event). The children used very few Independence/Growth and Intrapsychic coping behaviors. The research and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1986

Towards better nutrition: lip service or a realistic fight?

Progress towards the objective of the World Food Conference of 1974 that "no child should go to bed hungry" is reviewed. The low market price of primary products keeps developing countries poor. Yet in these countries industry rather than agriculture has been supported by governments. All regions are increasing total food production but population growth threatens to offset this increase. In some areas there is decrease in food production per head of population. In many countries the social situation of women affects the nutrition of families. Other causes of malnutrition are discussed and future policies are recommended.

Africa↗
PubMed1984

Concerns of acutely ill, chronically ill, and healthy preschool children.

The study was designed to determine if the concerns of 2- to 5-year-old children hospitalized for chronic illness differ from the concerns of other children. Interviews were conducted with 32 short-stay chronically ill, 10 long-stay chronically ill, 20 acutely ill, and 20 healthy children. Narrative recordings were analyzed using a categorical system of 10 developmental and hospital-related concerns. Differences between groups in mean proportion of concerns expressed were examined for each interview using analysis of variance techniques. The major concerns expressed by each group on all interviews were Autonomy and Exploration and, in the chronically ill children, Intrusion. Increased age was associated with increased expression of Intrusion in all groups except the long-stay chronic illness group.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1980

Comparison of various treatments for irritable bowel syndrome.

A previous therapeutic trial of factorial design showed that a combination of a psychotropic drug, a smooth-muscle relaxant, and a bulk former (lorazepam, hyoscine hydrobromide, and ispaghula husk) relieved symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome more effectively than the same agents given singly. Another trial of similar design was undertaken to compare each of these three agents with another having the equivalent clinical actions--namely, Motival (fluphenazine/nortriptylene mixture), mebeverine, and bran. Ninety-six patients took part; all received three agents, one from each of the three pairs being compared, and no placebos were used. Fifty-six patients reported a sustained symptomatic improvement, which was a significantly higher incidence than in the previous trial, when placebos were used. Ispaghula was significantly more effective than bran. The combination of ispaghula, Motival, and mebeverine improved 11 out of 12 patients--significantly more than bran, Motival, and hyoscine (five improved), or bran, lorazepam, and mebeverine (four improved). Mebeverine was significantly more effective when combined with Motival (18 out of 24 improved) than with lorazepam (10 improved). These results confirm the value of a combined therapeutic approach to the relief of the irritable bowel syndrome and suggest the possibility of synergism between agents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with lorazepam, hyoscine butylbromide, and ispaghula husk.

A double-blind controlled therapeutic trial of factorial design was used to study the therapeutic effects of lorazepam, hyoscine butylbromide, and ispaghula husk in 12 randomised blocks of eight patients with the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Each of the three agents caused a sustained symptomatic improvement in some of the patients, although only with ispaghula was the difference between the real and dummy preparation statistically significant. When the eight possible combinations of treatment were analysed none of the 12 patients who received only dummy preparations of the three agents had maintained any improvement over the three months of the trial. Seven patients improved among the 12 who received potent preparations of all three agents, and between four and six patients improved in the groups receiving one or two of the potent preparations. These therapeutic results, though far from perfect, show that the types of drug commonly used to treat IBS are of some value and may be additive in their effects. Similar combinations of other therapeutic agents may be more effective, but it will be possible to determine this only by carrying out factorial therapeutic trials.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Bridging the gap - some problems of communication and empathy in nutrition education.

Among the approaches needed for improving the nutritional status of children, an important one is helping families to develop and use their present resources better. This means, however, bridging the gap in understanding so that feasible advice is given and taken, and mutual trust established between rural people and those who try to serve them. The present paper discusses some of the reasons for this gap and possible ways in which it may be bridged.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Rectosigmoidal mucosal puckering and diverticulosis.

The association of diverticulosis with a thickened muscle wall in the pelvic colon is well known. There appeared to be a possibility that this muscular thickening might give rise to the rectosigmoidal mucosal puckering often seen through a sigmoidoscope. In 278 colonic motility studies, mucosal puckering was correlated with patient age, diverticulosis, and the symptomatology of the irritable colon syndrome. The prevalence of mucosal puckering increased with age at the same rate as that of diverticulosis, but the different percentage levels were reached some 25 years earlier in life. Mucosal puckering, which persisted in all subsequent examinations, showed no correlation with the clinical characteristics of irritable colon syndrome. Resistance of the bowel wall to distention was significantly greater in association with puckered rectosigmoidal mucosa than when the mucosa appeared smooth. It is concluded that rectosigmoidal mucosal puckering is probably caused by thickening of the underlying muscle; it is a precursor of diverticulois, and patients who have it should be kept on a high-residue diet.

Adult↗