Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Ferguson

Publications and source records attributed to K Ferguson.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

The production and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies against human prolactin and the development of a two-site immunoradiometric assay.

Monoclonal antibodies against human prolactin (PRL) have been produced and characterised and used to develop a sensitive two-site immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). Nine anti-PRL monoclonal antibodies were assessed for reactivity in immunoblotting experiments with PRL, hPL, hGH and pituitary gland extract. There was no detectable crossreactivity with hPL or hGH. In liquid phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) studies using three of the antibodies there was no detectable crossreaction from hPL or hGH. Five antibodies were positive in immunocytochemical studies using sections of human pituitary gland. Using FPLC purified monoclonal antibodies, a two-site IRMA was developed that could assay PRL over the range 17.5-3500 mIU per litre and was readily adapted to assaying serum samples from patients. The two-site IRMA could be performed within one day without loss of sensitivity and has potential as a rapid and simple method for screening clinical samples.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1989

Development and operation of portable and laboratory electrical stimulation systems for walking in paraplegic subjects.

Two new stimulation systems have been designed for use in functional neuromuscular stimulation of paralyzed people; one is portable and one is a nonportable laboratory system. Compared to previous systems, these have greatly enhanced capabilities, especially in terms of memory capacity, expandability, and user interface. They are extensively operator programmable. The laboratory stimulation system was designed to provide quick turnaround time for stimulation pattern or program changes while maintaining complete compatibility with the portable system. The lab system will also accomodate external closed-loop control.

Electric Stimulation Therapy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Donor room personnel attitudes toward autologous donors.

Patients with serious illnesses who donate their blood for autologous use create anxiety for many phlebotomists. Donor room staff were surveyed at three donor centers, using confidential questionnaires, to identify their concerns and to evaluate factors associated with reduced anxiety toward autologous donors. Among respondents (n = 93), 58 percent had patient care experience within the last 5 years, which correlated with diminished concern about phlebotomizing cardiac patients (r = .21; p = 0.04). Fifty-seven percent of respondents had drawn blood from greater than 50 autologous donors. Surprisingly, the experience of drawing blood from relatively large numbers of autologous donors did not correlate with increased confidence in phlebotomizing pediatric, cardiac, and elderly patients (r = -.04; p = 0.75). Those respondents who felt that they had adequate medical support agreed with more liberal donor criteria and were more confident about phlebotomizing pediatric, cardiac, and elderly patients (r = -.32; p = 0.001). Those respondents who believed most strongly in the benefits of autologous transfusion had the least anxiety toward donors who were medically more complex (r = .39; p = 0.0001). It is concluded that, contrary to what might be expected, phlebotomizing large numbers of autologous donors does not reduce the anxiety of staff members when they encounter donors with complex medical problems. Factors that do reduce anxiety include dependable physician and other medical support services, previous experience in direct patient care, and knowledge of the benefits of autologous transfusion.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Childhood memories about food: the Successful Dieters Project.

PURPOSE: The Successful Dieters Project explored and described the characteristics of dieters. This paper reports the results of a content analysis of one question about childhood memories surrounding food. METHODS: All subjects were interviewed once with an intensive interview guide, were weighed, and were measured for height and waist-hip ratios. SUBJECTS: Subjects (N = 162) were 76 men and 86 women, who ranged in age from 21 to 84 years. FINDINGS: Gender and weight history differences were noted in the areas of food rules, the age at which dieting to control weight began, family food rules, positive versus negative memories, and the use of food as a reward or punishment. Parental experience with food deprivation was a strong force in shaping children's attitudes toward food. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood memories about food appear to contribute to differences among the obese, the always-normal-weight, and the successful dieter. Further research into this area of investigation is warranted.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Initiation of a quality assurance program for social work practice in a teaching hospital.

This first-stage paper describes the steps taken in implementing a quality assurance program. The rationale for writing social work protocols based on medical diagnosis or tasks rather than on psychosocial diagnosis is explained in detail. Protocols for adult rheumatoid arthritis, pediatric cancer, adult discharge planning, and adult nursing home placement are included to demonstrate the result of the medical diagnosis/task approach.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Tobacco-related attitudes and counseling practices of Iowa dentists.

Evidence suggests that dentists' efforts to encourage their patients to stop tobacco use can significantly decrease tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. This study identified attitudes and counseling practices of 1116 Iowa dentists and compared results of a subgroup (N = 55) surveyed in both 1983 and 1989 to note changes in their tobacco-related attitudes and practices. Although only 9% of the dentists from the statewide survey felt counseling their patients on tobacco use was inappropriate, 56% reported they did not routinely ask their new patients about tobacco use. With some frequency 90% of the dentists discussed negative health effects of tobacco, whereas only 64% advised their smokers to quit. In addition, fewer than half made special efforts with pregnant patients or those at high risk for heart disease. The vast majority reported seldom if ever using intervention tools such as pamphlets or referral to cessation programs. Data from the subgroup surveyed in 1983 and 1989 indicated few substantial changes in attitudes and counseling practices. Substantial discrepancies exist between dentists' attitudes and counseling practices. Well-designed programs are needed to help dentists select and implement appropriate interventions.

Attitude to Health↗