Biomedical subjects

Jeffrey Edwards

Publications and source records attributed to Jeffrey Edwards.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Improved classification of recent HIV-1 infection by employing a two-stage sensitive/less-sensitive test strategy.

Current serologic techniques for the classification of recent HIV-1 infection produce some misclassifications, and, together with the loss to follow-up of individuals, results in decreased enrollment of HIV-infected persons into appropriate intervention programs. We report on the development of a sensitive/less sensitive (S/LS) test strategy that includes a rapid assay to quickly identify persons most likely to have recent infection, followed by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with exquisite specificity. The Uni-Gold Recombigen HIV rapid assay (UG; Trinity Biotech, Dublin, Ireland) was procedurally-modified and calibrated as an LS test to differentiate recent (<133 days) from established HIV infections using 178 samples from persons with known dates of infection. This method correctly classified 83.0% of recent infections, but with a high misclassification rate of persons with established infection. By performing the rapid test followed by a modified S/LS EIA, the positive predictive value of the combined results for recent infections was increased to 100%. This two-stage testing algorithm can result in an increased efficiency for the enrollment of recent infection cases over a standard EIA S/LS method alone due to provisional enrollment during an initial testing visit, and because of an increased accuracy for identifying truly recent infections. We conclude that the rapid S/LS assay provides a tool for capturing recent infection cases quickly and is particularly valuable in resource-limited settings, and that the two-stage strategy provides a more accurate identification of persons with recent HIV infection.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2003

Do-not-resuscitate order after 25 years.

BACKGROUND: In 1976, the first hospital policies on orders not to resuscitate were published in the medical literature. Since that time, the concept has continued to evolve and evoke much debate. Indeed, few initials in medicine today evoke as much symbolism or controversy as the Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order. OBJECTIVE: To review the development, implementation, and present standing of the DNR order. DESIGN: Review article. MAIN RESULTS: The DNR order concept brought an open decision-making framework to the resuscitation decision and did much to put appropriate restraint on the universal application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for the dying patient. Yet, even today, many of the early concerns remain. CONCLUSIONS: After 25 yrs of DNR orders, it remains reasonable to presume consent and attempt resuscitation for people who suffer an unexpected cardiopulmonary arrest or for whom resuscitation may have physiologic effect and for whom no information is available at the time as to their wishes (or those of their surrogate). However, it is not reasonable to continue to rely on such a presumption without promptly and actively seeking to clarify the patient's (or surrogate's) wishes. The DNR order, then, remains an inducement to seek the informed patient's directive.

Advance Directives↗

PubMed2002

Cryotherapy and Transcutaneous Electric Neuromuscular Stimulation Decrease Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition of the Vastus Medialis After Knee Joint Effusion.

OBJECTIVE: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is a presynaptic, ongoing reflex inhibition of joint musculature after distension or damage to the joint. The extent to which therapeutic interventions affect AMI is unknown. The purpose of this study was to verify that the vastus medialis (VM) is inhibited using the knee joint effusion model and to investigate the effects of cryotherapy and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) on AMI using this model. DESIGN AND SETTING: A 3 x 6 analysis of variance was used to compare Hoffmann-reflex data for treatment groups (cryotherapy, TENS, and control) across time (preinjection, postinjection, and 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after injection). SUBJECTS: Thirty neurologically sound volunteers (age = 21.8 +/- 2.4 years; height = 175.6 +/- 9.6 cm; mass = 71.5 +/- 13.3 kg) participated in this study. MEASUREMENTS: Hoffmann-reflex measurements were collected using a percutaneous stimulus to the femoral nerve and surface electromyography of the VM. RESULTS: Hoffmann-reflex measurements from the cryotherapy and TENS groups were greater than measurements from the control group at 15 and 30 minutes after injection. Measurements from the cryotherapy group were greater than for the TENS group, and measurements for the TENS group were greater than those for the control group at 45 minutes. At 60 minutes, the cryotherapy group measurements were greater than the TENS and control group measures. Measurements at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after injection were reduced compared with the preinjection and postinjection measurements in the control group. Measurements in the cryotherapy group at 30, 45, and 60 minutes were greater than the preinjection, postinjection, and 15-minute data. No differences between time intervals existed in the TENS group. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial knee joint effusion results in VM inhibition. Cryotherapy and TENS both disinhibit the quadriceps after knee joint effusion, and cryotherapy further facilitates the quadriceps motoneuron pool. Cryotherapy treatment resulted in facilitation of the VM motoneuron pool during the post-treatment phase. The TENS treatment failed to disinhibit the VM motoneuron pool by 30 minutes postinjection.

Journal Article↗