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Biomedical subjects

J Gardiner

Publications and source records attributed to J Gardiner.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Sexual selection and genital anatomy of male primates.

Correlations between mating system and various aspects of genital anatomy suggest a strong influence of sexual selection on genital morphology. We test the generality of the influence by examining whether primate taxa in which there might be enhanced sexual selection (those with multi-male mating systems) possess, as expected, relatively more spinous penises than do taxa with other mating systems. As most prosimians, but few anthropoids (monkeys and apes), possess penile spines, and because the predominant mating systems of the two taxa differ, taxonomic constraints are taken into account. Sexual selection apparently does not act on penile spines in the same manner as on other aspects of genital anatomy: spinosity is not greatest in multi-male taxa of either prosimians or anthropoids. In some taxa, spines might stimulate reproductive readiness and synchrony in situations in which the sexes live apart and do not have other means of communicating reproductive state (dispersed social systems and 'stolen' extra-pair copulations), but problems exist with the hypothesis, as they do with the idea that spines are involved with scent marking. It seems that either penile spines have several functions, or penile spinosity in primates, and other orders, remains to be explained.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Posterior column sensory impairment during ambulatory extradural analgesia in labour.

Ambulatory or "walking" extradural analgesia in labour has recently gained popularity because of preservation of motor function and subjective somatic sensation in the lower limbs, resulting in increased maternal satisfaction. This is produced by combining dilute concentrations (e.g. 0.1%) of bupivacaine with opioids. Detailed clinical neurological examination after mobile extradural analgesia has not been reported. We have investigated the effect of 0.1% bupivacaine 15 ml and fentanyl 2 micrograms ml-1 on motor and sensory function in the lower limbs in 50 primigravidae requesting extradural analgesia in labour. This was performed before and 30 min after confirming placement of a lumbar extradural catheter. While power, co-ordination and reflexes in all lower limb muscle groups remained within normal limits, 66% (n = 33) developed abnormal distal proprioception, 44% (n = 22) had a positive Romberg's sign and 38% (n = 19) had altered vibration sense. Moreover, 44% (n = 22) said that their legs felt different on standing and they did not feel confident walking unaccompanied. However, this subjective perception correlated poorly with the presence of posterior column sensory signs. Although there was a reduction in pain scores on a visual analogue scale after 30 min (mean 8.85 (SEM 0.3) vs 3.06 (0.32); P < 0.0001), pain increased within 60 min (5.77 (0.45); P < 0.001).

Analgesia, Epidural↗
PubMed1994

Reengineering: how to create radical organization-wide improvement.

Although reengineering may be considered by some as "the latest management fad," when applied broadly and boldly across the organization it can be a powerful driver to create sustainable and dramatic improvement throughout the organization. Thought-leading managers in healthcare should gain an understanding of the principles and concepts of reengineering and learn how to apply them to their individual situations when seeking improvements to quality, cost, timeliness, and customer satisfaction. Today's successful reengineers in healthcare, like Lori, will be tomorrow's leaders.

Admitting Department, Hospital↗
PubMed1994

Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on formation of gallbladder stones.

Evidence suggests prostaglandins are involved in the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones and that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be effective in the management of biliary colic. We studied the prevalence of gallstones in patients chronically treated with NSAIDs. The cohort consisted of all adult patients undergoing ultrasonographic examination of right upper quadrant. One hundred forty subjects filled out a detailed questionnaire about medication history. Twenty-two percent of subjects taking NSAIDs chronically had gallstones compared to 33% in those patients not taking NSAIDs (p > 0.05). We conclude that routine chronic NSAID use does not have significant impact on the prevalence of gallstones.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Incidence and timing of germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage in low birth weight infants.

Incidence and time of onset of germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage (GM/IVH) were prospectively ascertained in 1,105 infants weighing < or = 2,000 g at birth, a cohort comprising about 85% of all births of that weight born from September 1984 to June 1987 in the central New Jersey counties of Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex. Cranial ultrasonography was performed as nearly as possible to age 4 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days. Each scan was reviewed by two independent readers and, if necessary, a third; consensus was achieved on scan of first diagnosis of GM/IVH in 965 of the 1,079 infants with assessable scans. The cumulative incidence of GM/IVH in the first week of life was 24.6% (265/1,079). In the 965 infants with consensus diagnoses, the first scan, at 4.9 +/- 2.2 hours, yielded the highest incidence--10.6% (95/899). Incidence by the second scan (25.1 +/- 4.9 hours) was 6.0% (49/813), and by the third scan (7.2 +/- 0.8 days), 9.0% (64/715). The iterative algorithm for interval-censored data developed by Turnbull (J R Stat Soc [B] 1976;8:290-5) was used to estimate the most likely time of onset based on time of first diagnosis. From 34% to 44% of hemorrhages were present at the first opportunity to scan, which in these data was at age 1 hour. At least a third of GM/IVH in infants < or = 2,000 g appears to be of congenital or immediate postnatal onset.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1993

Distribution, molecular characterization of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide and its precursor encoding messenger RNA in human and rat tissues.

The distribution of a novel neuropeptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), was studied in the brain of the rat and man and a variety of other rat tissues using Northern blot hybridization and two radioimmunoassays for PACAP 1-38 and PACAP 1-27. The assay, using PACAP 1-38 as standard and an antibody to PACAP 21-38 and radiolabelled tracer, revealed immunoreactive PACAP in all brain regions examined, with the highest concentrations in the rat being in the hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens and substantia nigra (380 +/- 34, 310 +/- 37 and 346 +/- 30 pmol/g wet tissue, means +/- S.E.M., n = 5 respectively), whilst in man the highest concentrations were found in the pituitary gland (15.8 +/- 4.7 pmol/g). Immunoreactive PACAP 1-38 was also detected in the rat gastrointestinal tract, adrenal gland and testis. The assay using PACAP 1-27 as standard and label and an antibody to PACAP 1-27 detected immunoreactive PACAP only in the rat hypothalamus (12.6 +/- 1.8 pmol/g wet tissue, n = 5). PACAP mRNA of approximately 2.7 kb in size was detectable in all brain regions of both rat and man, and its distribution paralleled that of the immunoreactive peptide. Gel permeation chromatography of different regions of human and rat hypothalamus, and also rat spinal cord and small intestine, showed a broad immunoreactive peak corresponding to PACAP 1-38. Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) resolved this peak into two immunoreactive peaks, the majority eluting in the position of synthetic PACAP 1-38.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Transport of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate in human plasma.

Poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is an amphiphilic lipid that has been found to be a ubiquitous component of the cellular membranes of bacteria, plants and animals. The distribution of PHB in human plasma was investigated using chemical and immunological methods. PHB concentrations proved highly variable; in a random group of 24 blood donors, total plasma PHB ranged from 0.60 to 18.2 mg/l, with a mean of 3.5 mg/l. In plasma separated by density gradient ultracentrifugation, lipoproteins carried 20-30% of total plasma PHB; 6-14% in the very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), 8-16% in the low density lipoproteins (LDL), and less than 3% in the high density lipoproteins (HDL). The majority of plasma PHB (70-80%) was found in protein fractions of density greater than 1.22 g/ml. Western blot analysis of the high density fractions with anti-PHB F(ab')2 identified albumin as the major PHB-binding protein. The affinity of albumin for PHB was confirmed by in vitro studies which demonstrated transfer of 14C-PHB from chloroform into aqueous solutions of human and bovine serum albumins. PHB was less tightly bound to LDL than to other plasma components; the polymer could be isolated from LDL by extraction with chloroform, or by digestion with alkaline hypochlorite, but it could not similarly be recovered from VLDL or albumin. PHB in the LDL correlated positively with total plasma cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and negatively with HDL cholesterol. The wide concentration range of PHB in plasma, its presence in VLDL and LDL and absence in HDL, coupled with its physical properties, suggest it may have important physiological effects.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1990

Detection and measurement of simulated early rheumatoid lesions of the hand using digital subtraction radiography.

The ability of digital subtraction radiography, a new technique to detect and quantify small bone lesions, is demonstrated. Discrete lesions in the metacarpals of cadaver hands simulated erosive bone loss. Radiographs made before and after removal of bone were digitized and subtracted. Density changes on subtraction images were determined, and bone loss was estimated by an automatic procedure that compared changes in radiographic density with a calibration wedge included in the radiographs. Comparison of estimated bone loss with the weight of bone removed showed reproducible detection and measurement of bone lesions as small as 4.6 mg, a size undetectable using current radiographic methods. Subtraction radiographs of bone chips overlaid on the hand of a volunteer indicated detection limits were similar in vivo. This technique enhanced the radiographic visibility of erosive lesions and thus has the potential to improve the detection of subtle bone changes in clinical settings.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1987

Diagnostic problems of leptomeningeal lymphoma. A report of 3 cases.

Three cases are presented in which occult lymphoreticular malignant tumour spread to the spinal and cranial subarachnoid spaces inducing a problematic neurological illness characterised by poorly localised neuralgic pain, slowly progressive paresis and, in 2 patients, papilloedema with computed tomographic evidence of ventricular dilatation. Despite intensive investigations, diagnosis was only achieved at autopsy. A progressive disturbance of spinal and cranial nerve function should direct the attention of the clinician to the possibility of diffuse meningeal involvement by a malignant or inflammatory process.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Clinical dosimetry for radiotherapy to the breast based on imaging with the prototype Royal Marsden Hospital CT simulator.

The result of conservative management of breast cancer is strongly dependent on the homogeneity of the dose delivered a schedule of post-surgical radiotherapy. In addition to improvements in local control, late normal-tissue effects should be minimised by achieving a good dose homogeneity. The Royal Marsden Hospital prototype CT simulator has been used to image patients in the treatment position. With the CT data incorporated into the planning process a quantitative measure of the dose homogeneity was made. There are strong indications that unless tissue compensators are used and/or conformation therapy is performed, the dose inhomogeneity in a widely used treatment geometry is too large to be clinically acceptable.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1987

A comparative study of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), entonox, pethidine + promazine and lumbar epidural for pain relief in labor.

Analgesic effect, labor outcome, safety and consumer satisfaction were compared in 170 primigravid women; 50 using TENS initially for pain relief, 20 using entonox, 50 pethidine + promazine and 50 lumbar epidural. 88% choosing epidural related it fully effective. 90% using entonox, 96% using TENS and 54% given pethidine + promazine found partial relief. 82% of patients given TENS and 80% given pethidine + promazine required additional analgesia. This was also needed by one of the 20 patients choosing entonox. Women using entonox alone had the shortest labors and women using lumbar epidural, the longest. Operative delivery was significantly more common in women receiving lumbar epidural. No significant inter-group differences were noted in cord pH or Apgar scores. Parturients and midwives both gave high consumer satisfaction ratings to all methods--except for pethidine + promazine, whose use must therefore be questioned. The analgesic efficacy of lumbar epidural outweighs any possible side effects. Entonox appears suited to those able to cope with the earlier part of labor, drug-free. Realization of the potential of TENS requires the design of machines specifically to cope with the quality of the pain of labor.

Anesthesia, Epidural↗
PubMed1986

Information needs of practicing dentists.

Dentists, as health professionals, need access to information. As in other health sciences, the increase in the rate and volume of published information has made it more difficult for them to keep up with new developments. Five hundred randomly selected dentists in Louisiana were surveyed to determine what information dentists seek and what sources they prefer. Responses indicated that dentists need information on new techniques in dentistry and that preferred sources are professional colleagues and personal journal collections. Libraries were found to be used only infrequently as sources for information. Implications for planning libraries for applications- and technique-oriented professions are discussed.

Dentists↗
PubMed1985

Selective inhibition of pentagastrin- and cholecystokinin-stimulated exocrine secretion by proglumide.

The effectiveness and selectivity of proglumide, a putative cholecystokinin/gastrin receptor antagonist in vitro, were examined on gastric acid and pancreatic secretion in vivo. Gastric secretion was measured in conscious dogs in the basal state and during infusion of pentagastrin, histamine, or bethanechol, alone or in combination with proglumide (300 mg/kg . h). Pancreatic secretion was measured in anesthetized rats in response to cholecystokinin-octapeptide or secretin, alone or in combination with proglumide (100 mg/kg). Proglumide inhibited pentagastrin-stimulated secretion but had no effect on basal, histamine-stimulated, or bethanechol-stimulated gastric acid secretion. Inhibition of pentagastrin-stimulated secretion was of the competitive type. An apparent inhibitory constant was calculated to be 300 mg/kg . h; this dose is capable of eliciting plasma concentrations of approximately 1 mM. This estimate corresponds closely to that derived from measurements in isolated canine parietal cells. Proglumide also inhibited cholecystokinin-stimulated but not secretin-stimulated pancreatic secretion. The lack of effect of proglumide on basal, histamine-stimulated, or bethanechol-stimulated gastric acid secretion implies that background gastrin has no direct or synergistic influence on stimulation by other secretagogues. The selective effect of gastrin receptor antagonists contrasts with the effectiveness of muscarinic and histamine H2-receptor antagonists against secretion induced by all types of stimulants. Accordingly, the antisecretory potential of gastrin receptor antagonists is confined to digestive secretion when the effect of gastrin is optimal. Their potential as antitrophic agents in duodenal ulcer disease, however, has not been explored yet.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Effect of metoclopramide on gastric emptying before elective and emergency caesarean section.

The effect on gastric emptying of metoclopramide i.v. was studied in three groups of parturient women (n = 120). The groups included those undergoing elective Caesarean section, those who had been in established labour, and those who had received narcotics while in established labour, with their respective controls. Significant delay in gastric emptying occurred when labour was established. This delay was further prolonged by the administration of a narcotic. Metoclopramide i.v. produced a significant improvement in gastric emptying in all groups.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1984

Vocational adjustment patterns of alcohol and drug misusers following treatment.

Vocational adjustment following treatment was studied in 77 men patients (39 alcohol and 38 drug misusers) of a residential treatment program for substance misuse. Significantly more patients were employed at discharge from treatment, and at 1, 3 and 6 months postdischarge than at 1 month pretreatment. Patients employed at discharge experienced a significant decrease in employment level at 1, 3 and 6 months postdischarge. Patients who participated in outpatient treatment following discharge had significantly higher levels of employment at 3 months following discharge. Since there is a significant general decrease in employment level during the first 3 months postdischarge, it is suggested that counselors be aware of this as a vocational crisis period. The third through sixth months postdischarge are more stable. The first 3 months are especially important for younger drug misusers with legal problems. Alcoholics may sometimes need added incentive from vocational counselors because they tend to have fewer legal problems than drug misusers and therefore less outside pressure to gain employment.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1983

A study of productivity and participation at IADR and AADR annual meetings from 1970 to 1981.

An analysis was conducted of the scientific research productivity and participation in the International Association for Dental Research and the American Association for Dental Research annual meetings between 1970 and 1981. The study was designed to describe the overall level of participation, most productive institutions by year, and percent change in total research productivity of participating institutions and countries from 1970 to 1981. The results indicate that a total of approximately 687 different institutions representing 49 countries participated during the 12-year period. The total number of presentations increased by 77%, while the total number of participating institutions increased by 63%. The top 20 most productive institutions in any given year accounted for between 38 and 51% of all research presented. Of these top 20 participating institutions, approximately 83% were universities. An analysis by year and most productive institutions from 1980 to 1981 is presented.

Congresses as Topic↗