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Biomedical subjects

K Hancock

Publications and source records attributed to K Hancock.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Aesthetic surgical training in the UK independent sector--the clients' view: Results of a survey on 155 private patients.

As training opportunities in cosmetic surgery become less frequent in teaching hospitals, this survey set out to examine the attitudes of patients towards extending this training into the independent health sector. We questioned 155 private patients, 95% of who were happy for trainees to sit in during their consultations. Of these, 85% were comfortable with the presence of the trainee throughout their appointments and 92% said they saw advantages in having such trainees present. However, patients were less enthusiastic about trainees carrying out procedures, under consultant supervision and for a reduced fee. The survey found that while 49% felt it was a good idea, only 32% would consider it for themselves. Seventeen percent of patients thought this offer alone was inappropriate. This survey has shown that while the vast majority of private patients supported and were happy to participate in higher surgical training during private consultations, fewer would consider the possibility of cosmetic surgery performed by supervised trainees for reduced fees. The implications of these findings for higher surgical training in Plastic Surgery in the UK are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Closed-field titanium magnets for the retention of complex craniofacial prostheses.

Where reconstruction with autogenous tissue is contraindicated in craniofacial reconstruction, or declined by the patient, a prosthesis may be used. Originally made from latex, cellulose or acrylic resins, prostheses are now largely made of silicone. These prostheses were traditionally retained using adhesives, natural undercuts at retention sites or spectacles. However, these methods were unsatisfactory because of frequent loss of retention, skin reactions to adhesives or unnatural movements of the prosthesis. Osseointegration became a popular method of prosthesis retention, initially using a bar-and-clip device. The use of a bar attached to the implant has certain shortcomings, however, including rigidity of the prosthesis and the difficulty in maintaining hygiene at the implant site. We present our experience with the use of magnets to hold the prosthesis in place, which allows ease of use, improved hygiene and a more natural mobility of the prosthesis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Sequence variation in the cytochrome oxidase I, internal transcribed spacer 1, and Ts14 diagnostic antigen sequences of Taenia solium isolates from South and Central America, India, and Asia.

We examined the genetic variability in the pig-human tapeworm, Taenia solium, by sequencing the genes for cytochrome oxidase I, internal transcribed spacer 1, and a diagnostic antigen, Ts14, from individual cysts isolated from Peru, Colombia, Mexico, India, China, and the Philippines. For these genes, the rate of nucleotide variation was minimal. Isolates from these countries can be distinguished based on one to eight nucleotide differences in the 396 nucleotide cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequence. However, all of the 15 isolates from within Peru had identical COI sequences. The Ts14 sequences from India and China were identical and differed from the Peru sequence by three nucleotides in 333. These data indicate that there is minimal genetic variability within the species T. solium. Minimal variability was also seen in the ITS1 sequence, but this variation was observed within the individual. Twenty-two cloned sequences from six isolates sorted into 13 unique sequences. The variability observed within the sequences from individual cysts was as great as the variability between the isolates.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Histological examination of the capsules surrounding Trilucent breast implants.

Following a statement by the UK Medical Devices Agency (MDA), soya-oil-filled Trilucent implants for breast augmentation were withdrawn from sale in March 1999. The most recent report on the toxicity of the Trilucent implant suggests that one of the breakdown products of the filler is an aldehyde with an explicit risk of genotoxic and teratogenic effects. Explantation of all these prostheses was advised by the MDA in June 2000. No guidance regarding capsulectomy was put forward by any publication. The operation of capsulectomy confers an increased morbidity compared with simple prosthetic replacement. This study looks at the capsules of 18 consecutive patients who had received Trilucent implants for cosmetic breast augmentation, and who had undergone explantation and capsulectomy. The mean duration of implantation was 3 years (range: 2 years to 4 years 9 months). The capsules were examined histologically. The significant features of all the capsules included a florid foreign-body type reaction, synovial metaplasia, a villous hyperplasia and the presence of refractile material within the substance of the capsule. It is postulated that the refractile material is filler material that has bled through the wall of the intact Trilucent implant, and as such would represent a potential genotoxic hazard. Until such time as this potential hazard has been investigated fully and a conclusion reached, we recommend acceptance of the increased morbidity, and the performance of capsulectomies when explanting Trilucent implants.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Immunoassay for viable Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in turbid environmental water samples.

Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in drinking water have been implicated in outbreaks of diarrheal disease. Current methods for monitoring environmental exposures to C. parvum only account for total number of oocysts without regard for the viability of the parasite. Measurement of oocyst viability, as indicated by an oocyst's ability to excyst, is useful because over time oocysts lose the ability to excyst and become noninfective. Thus, correlating the number of viable oocysts in drinking water with incidence and risk for disease should be more reliable than using the total number of oocysts. We have developed a quantitative assay capable of detecting low numbers of excystable, sporozoite-releasing C. parvum oocysts in turbid water samples. Monoclonal (CP7) and polyclonal antibodies have been developed against a sporozoite antigen released only during excystation or when the oocyst is mechanically disrupted. CP7 is specific for C. parvum and does not react with C. baileyi, C. muris, C. serpentis, Giardia spp., Eimeria spp., or E. nieschulzi. In this assay, oocysts in the test sample are first excysted and then centrifuged. The soluble sporozoite antigen is captured by CP7 attached to a magnetic bead. The captured antigen is then detected by ruthenium-labeled polyclonal antibodies via electrochemiluminescence. The CP7 viability assay can detect as few as 50 viable oocysts in a 1-ml assay sample with a turbidity as high as 200 Nephelometric turbidity units. This sensitive, turbidity-tolerant assay for oocyst viability may permit a better assessment of the disease risk associated with the presence of environmental oocysts.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Management issues in adult asthma.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is common in the adult population and is one of the most frequently managed problems in general practice. It affects over two million Australians and costs about $600 million annually to the community in direct and indirect costs. OBJECTIVE: This article looks at the management of adult asthma including assessment, drug treatment, adherence issues and the importance of regular medical review. DISCUSSION: The burden of illness from asthma is concentrated in general practice. The general practitioner therefore, plays a crucial role in the direct management of asthma and in assisting patients to optimally self manage their asthma. General practitioners are ideally positioned to ensure that all their patients with asthma understand their disease, have written instructions about when and how to treat exacerbations (all people with asthma are at risk of exacerbations) and are prescribed optimal therapy to control symptoms.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed2001

Contributions of strength and body composition to the gender difference in anaerobic power.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the significant factors contributing to the difference between men and women in anaerobic power (AP) generation. METHODS. PARTICIPANTS: College men (n = 113) and women (n = 175) were randomly selected for evaluation from a fitness class prior to training. MEASURES: AP was determined from the Margaria-Kalamen stair run. Dynamic strength was evaluated from the 1-RM single-leg extension. Body composition was estimated from gender-specific skinfold prediction equations. RESULTS: Discriminant analysis identified %fat, fat-free mass (FFM), and leg extension strength as significant components differentiating between men and women and allowed proper gender classification in 99% of the cases. When both strength and body composition variables were held constant by covariance, there was no significant difference between men and women in AP (F = 1.25). A multiple regression equation using %fat, FFM, and leg extension strength predicted AP (R = 0.91) with an error of 150 W. When the multiple regression equations was applied to a cross-validation sample, AP could be accurately predicted (r = 0.91, t = 0.17) with an average error of 3% +/- 21%. CONCLUSIONS: Body size and dynamic strength are the major factors explaining the explosive leg power difference between men and women without a specific or unique gender quality.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Combined treatment of a proliferative peri-orbital haemangioma with a tuneable dye laser and intra-lesional steroids to prevent deprivation amblyopia.

Rapidly proliferating haemangiomas of the face may obscure vision with the development of deprivation amblyopia. Early intervention is required to prevent complications. We present a case successfully treated with a combination of pulsed dye laser and intralesional steroid injection. The current management of haemangiomas is reviewed.

Amblyopia↗
PubMed2000

Taenia solium: molecular cloning and serologic evaluation of 14- and 18-kDa related, diagnostic antigens.

We are attempting to design a simpler assay based on synthetic or recombinant antigens to replace the labor-intensive enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB-C), which is currently used to diagnose Taenia solium cysticercosis. From the lentil lectin-bound fraction of cyst glycoproteins (the LLGP fraction used in the EITB-C), we previously identified and purified 2 related polypeptides of 14- and 18-kDa that demonstrated diagnostic usefulness. Using degenerate oligonucleotide primers corresponding to amino acid sequences of these polypeptides and a cDNA library prepared from T. solium cysticerci, we amplified cDNA clones that represent the 14- and 18-kDa polypeptides. These clones share sequence homology at the nucleotide and amino acid levels. Synthetic polypeptides that represented the full-length, mature proteins (sTS14 and sTS18) were assessed for serologic potential using an ELISA. sTS14, but not sTS18, demonstrated utility as a diagnostic antigen. sTS14 was recognized by antibodies in a majority of the sera from patients with cysticercosis and none of the sera from persons with other helminth infections or uninfected human sera. Furthermore, polyclonal antibodies to sTS14 reacted with 6 discrete proteins present in the LLGP cyst fraction, suggesting that TS14 is a subunit of other previously described antigens used for diagnosing cysticercosis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Improving the long-term adjustment of spinal cord injured persons.

STUDY DESIGN: The study involved the long-term assessment of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) who previously participated in a nonrandomized longitudinal controlled trial. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to report on the effectiveness of early psychological intervention in improving some aspects of adjustment to SCI 2 years post injury. SETTING: The study was conducted in Sydney, Australia. METHODS: Twenty-eight SCI persons who had participated in group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) during hospital rehabilitation were assessed for drug usage, hospital readmissions, relationships, perceived adjustment and social discrimination 2 years after treatment. The intervention group's responses on the measures were compared with a control group of 31 SCI persons who only received traditional rehabilitation services during their hospitalization. RESULTS: Subjects in the treatment group experienced less hospital re-admissions, used less drugs and reported higher levels of adjustment compared to the control group. Relationships were stable for both groups and there were no suicides in either group up to 2 years. There were no differences in perceived social discrimination between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The study suggests the long-term adjustment for SCI persons is encouraging for the majority. However, the provision of group CBT for SCI persons appears to improve significantly some aspects of adjustment to the injury in the long-term.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Application of immunodiagnostic assays: detection of antibodies and circulating antigens in human schistosomiasis and correlation with clinical findings.

In an initial cross-sectional survey, serum, urine, and stool samples were collected from 370 participants representing about 10% of the population (n = 4,438) in Behbeet village, 50 km south of Cairo, Egypt, an area well known to be endemic solely for Schistosoma haematobium. Diagnosis was approached in two parallel ways. The first approach, which simulated actual conditions in many endemic areas in Egypt, was based on physical examination and urine and stool microscopic analysis. The second approach was based on two advanced immunodiagnostic assay systems. One system detected antibodies to species-specific microsomal antigens, the other detected circulating schistosomal antigens. Microsomal antigens from S. haematobium and S. mansoni were used to detect antibodies in the Falcon assay screening test (FAST)-ELISA and the enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB). Circulating anodic antigen (CAA) and circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) were quantified in serum and urine samples in a sandwich ELISA using monoclonal antibodies. Parasitologically, the prevalence of S. haematobium was 7.01% in females and 25.82% in males, giving an overall prevalence of 15.8%. The combination of urine CCA and serum CAA for detecting circulating antigens and the combination of the S. haematobium adult worm microsomal antigens (HAMA) FAST-ELISA and the HAMA EITB for detecting antibodies significantly improved the sensitivity of detecting S. haematobium circulating antigens and antibodies. Also, including a medical examination as an integral part of field studies and correlating immunodiagnostic results with other clinical and investigational data allowed us to calculate an accurate estimation of S. haematobium prevalence in this area of low endemicity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Immunizing against depression and anxiety after spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To further report on the effectiveness of early psychological intervention in reducing anxiety and depressive mood in persons with spinal cord injury 2 years after injury. DESIGN: A nonrandomized, longitudinal, controlled trial. SETTING, OUTCOME MEASURES, AND INTERVENTION: Twenty-eight spinal cord injured persons participated in group cognitive behavior therapy during hospital rehabilitation. They were assessed for depressive mood and anxiety before, immediately after, and 12 and 24 months after treatment. The intervention group's responses on the measures were compared with a control group of 31 spinal cord injured persons who only received traditional rehabilitation services during their hospitalization. RESULTS: Subjects in the treatment group with high depression and anxiety scores before treatment were significantly less depressed and reduced their anxiety to a greater extent 2 years after the injury in comparison with similar persons in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Group cognitive behavior therapy for spinal cord injured persons who are abnormally depressed and anxious appears to reduce depressive mood and anxiety in the short and long term.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Two- to six-year controlled-trial stuttering outcomes for children and adolescents.

This research is a long-term follow-up of a previously published, controlled trial on the effectiveness of 3 stuttering treatments (intensive smooth speech, parent-home smooth speech, and intensive electromyography feedback) for children and adolescents, aged 11 to 18 years, who stutter. The previous controlled trial showed all 3 treatments to be effective compared to nontreatment after 12 months. This paper reports on the treatment effectiveness after an average of 4 years post-treatment. Results demonstrate that treatment gains were maintained in the long term, with rates of stuttering similar to the 1-year postoutcomes. There were no significant differences among the 3 treatments in long-term effectiveness. This controlled study substantiates the claim that the treatments investigated will more than likely have substantial long-term benefits for the fluency and personality of children and adolescents who stutter.

Adolescent↗