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Biomedical subjects

K Moore

Publications and source records attributed to K Moore.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Children's performance on "animal tests" of oddity: implications for cognitive processes required for tests of oddity and delayed nonmatch to sample.

To investigate the ontogenesis of oddity learning, children (16 to 102 months of age) and adults were tested on two versions of the oddity task using non-verbal procedures originally developed for monkeys. On the standard, "one-part" or "simultaneous" oddity task (Experiment 1), young children (16 to 74 months of age) performed more poorly than older children (81-102 months of age) who were as proficient as adults. The delayed mastery of one-part oddity contrasts to mastery, at much younger ages (3 to 4 years of age) of a similar, but two-part task, delayed non-match to sample (DNMS) (Overman, 1990). In Experiment 2, those children from the first experiment who had difficulty in learning the one-part oddity task were tested on a two-part oddity task, and a subset of the subjects was retested on the one-part oddity task, and, finally, given verbal instructions for the one-part oddity task. The two-part oddity task was mastered significantly more rapidly than the previous one-part task; however, children's performance dropped significantly when tested on the one-part oddity task, and finally, children rapidly mastered the one-part oddity task when given verbal instructions. The data suggested that (a) children used different strategies to solve the different versions of the oddity task, (b) the solution for the two-part-task appeared earlier in life than the solution for the one-part task and did not involve the use of the concept of "oddity relations", and (c) in tasks in which stimuli are shown twice, behavior may come under control of the absolute properties of the exemplar stimulus via a simple "win-shift" pattern of behavior. In contrast, in tasks in which all stimuli are presented simultaneously, behavior may be controlled by stimulus relations, the analysis of which has a protracted ontogenetic development.

Adult↗

Variability of post-void residual urine volume in the elderly.

Residual urine volume, though clinically important as a diagnostic tool, is reported to be variable and unreliable. Variability was examined among 14 geriatric patients, mean age 77 years. Residual urine was measured by ultrasound at three different times of day on each of two visits separated by 2-4 weeks. Results were examined by analysis of variance. Mean residual urine was 154 ml. Between-patient variability was large [standard deviation (SD) 246 ml]. There was no significant difference between values in men and women, nor between visits. Within-patient variability was large because of a large systematic variation with time of day (SD 128 ml), with greatest volumes in the early morning. The inherent, random variability of the measurement was much smaller than this (SD 44 ml). If the physiological factors causing the temporal variation could be controlled, more reproducible measurements would be possible.

Aged↗

The hepatorenal syndrome.

Hepatorenal syndrome may occur in any form of severe liver disease. It appears less common in children than adults, but still carries a poor prognosis. There are several factors involved in its aetiology, including a decreased renal perfusion pressure, activation of the renal sympathetic nervous system and increased synthesis of several vasoactive mediators, which may modulate glomerular filtration by acting as both renal vasoconstrictors and dynamic regulators of the glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient, through their action on mesangial cells. This review will discuss the pathophysiology of the hepatorenal syndrome and some of the principles of management of patients with renal failure and severe liver disease. The role of renal support and liver transplantation will also be covered.

Adult↗

Ontogeny of place learning in children as measured in the radial arm maze, Morris search task, and open field task.

Children and adults were tested on 3 place learning tasks. Children under the age of 7 were inferior to older subjects in solving the tasks by using spatial relational solutions, but subjects of all ages were equally proficient in solving the task by using simple stimulus-reward associations (cued solutions). Accurate performance on the cued versions suggests that neither the general response demands nor the large size of testing environments rendered the tasks differentially inappropriate for young children. Instead, the nature of the cognitive demands were responsible for different levels of performance across the age groups. Because, in animal studies, spatial relational solutions but not cued solutions of these tests require mature and undamaged medial temporal lobe structures, the results suggest that these systems are not fully developed in humans before approximately 7 years of age.

Adolescent↗

Determining the maximal length of a vein conduit used as an interposition graft for nerve regeneration.

Although autogenous veins have been used as nerve conduits (AVNCs) both experimentally and clinically for short nerve gaps up to 3 cm, investigators have not as yet determined the maximal effective length for functional nerve regeneration. In addition, the role of the distal nerve stump on subsequent nerve growth remains unclear. A rabbit peroneal nerve AVNC model was used to study axonal regeneration through nerve gaps of 1 to 6 cm. After allowing ample time for nerve regeneration, clinical, electophysiologic and neurohistologic studies were performed to evaluate nerve growth and functional muscle reinnervation. Comparisons were made with 6-cm conventional nerve grafts. Excellent growth and function were found with AVNCs up to 3 cm in length, with increasing incapacity for regeneration at lengths greater than 3 cm. The distal nerve stump is believed to play a vital role in nerve regrowth.

Animals↗

Organizing integrity: American science and the creation of public interest organizations, 1955-1975.

The power and prestige of science is typically thought to be grounded in the ability of scientists to draw strong distinctions between scientific and nonscientific interests. This article shows that it is also grounded in a contradictory act: the demonstration of the compatibility between scientific and nonscientific interests. Between 1955 and 1975, American political protest forced scientists to find ways to reconcile these contradictions. One way in which this reconciliation was accomplished was through the formation of public interest science organizations, which permitted the preservation of organizational representations of pure, unified science, while simultaneously assuming responsibilities to serve the public good.

History, 20th Century↗

Biomechanical testing of titanium self-tapping versus pretapped lag screw fixation of spiral metacarpal fractures.

Biomechanical tests of torsional loading and cantilevered bending were used to study the effects of varying screw size design of five different titanium miniscrews and microscrews in a metacarpal spiral oblique fracture model. Sixty-six fresh frozen human cadaveric metacarpal bones were subjected to torsional loading until failure, producing a spiral oblique fracture. The randomized fractured metacarpal bones were then repaired utilizing two 1.2-mm, 1.7-mm, or 2.3-mm self-tapping Leibinger lag screws; and 1.5-mm or 2.0-mm pretapped Synthes lag screws. Following repair, the specimens were then subjected to cantilevered bending or torsional loading. Failure torque and bending loads were then used to calculate failure stresses at the midshaft for torsional loading or at the proximal screw for cantilevered bending. Analysis of variance statistical analysis revealed that within the cortical thickness of bone studied, no significant difference in shear stress or axial stress was observed with increasing screw diameter and screw design.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

A biomechanical analysis of the stability of titanium bone fixation systems in proximal phalangeal fractures.

Apex bending and torsional loading were utilized to study the effects of different plate design and thickness, and screw size and design on the rigidity and strength of seven different titanium mini- and microplates placed onto osteotomized proximal phalanges. One hundred forty-four fresh frozen human cadaveric proximal phalangeal bones underwent a mid shaft osteotomy followed by application of one of the following plates: (1) Synthes linear 1.5-mm five-hole plates, (2) Leibinger linear 1.2-mm five-hole or (3) 1.7-mm four-hole plates, or (4) Leibinger three-dimensional 1.2-mm four-hole, (5) 1.2-mm eight-hole, (6) 1.7-mm four-hole, or (7) 1.7-mm eight-hole plates. Three-point bending (apex dorsal or apex volar) and torsional loading were utilized for each plating configuration. Analysis of variance models of bone specimen width, depth, cortical thickness, and length revealed that increasing plate thickness was associated with increasing rigidity, but that the three-dimensional design yielded a higher relative rigidity except under apex volar loading.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Delay times in the administration of thrombolytic therapy: the Brighton experience.

We reviewed the effectiveness of a strategy involving paramedic ambulances and community education to reduce the delay to thrombolytic therapy in patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction, by analysing delay times recorded during routine treatment. Rapid identification and treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction who were eligible for thrombolysis was carried out in the Accident and Emergency and Cardiac Care Units. Two hundred seventy-four patients were admitted with acute myocardial infarction over an 18-month period and treated with anistreplase (168) or streptokinase (106). The following median times were recorded: symptom onset to administration of thrombolytic therapy, 142 min (range 43-980 min); symptom onset to ambulance arrival, 60 min; ambulance with patient to arrival in hospital, 35 min; time to treatment in hospital ('door to needle time'), 25 min; in-hospital delays were notably shorter for patients given anistreplase as opposed to streptokinase. Shortened delays for the delivery of thrombolytic therapy can be achieved by a strategy involving public education, the availability of resuscitation ambulances, and close liaison with the Accident and Emergency Department.

Ambulances↗

Mini and micro plating of phalangeal and metacarpal fractures: a biomechanical study.

Biomechanical testing was performed in a cadaver model to evaluate the effects of plate size and position on fracture stability using Leibinger mini and microplates applied on the proximal phalanx and metacarpal. Fresh frozen cadaveric metacarpal and proximal phalanges were subjected to a midshaft transverse osteotomy followed by application of titanium mini (1.7 mm screw diameter) and micro (1.2 mm screw diameter) plates/screws. For the metacarpal, a dorsal miniplate, a dorsal microplate, and bilateral microplates were used. For the proximal phalanx, similar plate configurations and sizes were used with the addition of a unilateral microplate. A three point bending model with both dorsal and palmar apex loading was used for all configurations. This study confirms that a dorsally applied miniplate provides the greatest rigidity to a dorsal apex load.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Comparative biomechanical stability of titanium bone fixation systems in metacarpal fractures.

The biomechanical properties of apex bending and torsional rigidity of 11 different titanium mini- and microplates (Leibinger and Synthes) were examined to evaluate the effects of plate design and thickness and screw size and design. Two hundred sixteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric metacarpal bones underwent a midshaft transverse osteotomy followed by application of one of the following plates: Synthes 1.5-mm and 2.0-mm five-hole linear plates; Leibinger linear 1.2-mm 5-hole, 1.7-mm 4-hole, 2.3-mm 4-hole plates; or Leibinger three-dimensional 1.2-mm 4-hole, 1.2-mm 8-hole, 1.7-mm 4-hole, 1.7-mm 8-hole, 2.3-mm 4-hole, and 2.3-mm 8-hole plates. The specimens were subjected to a three-point bending test with apex dorsal or apex volar loading or torsional loading. Analysis of variance statistical analysis revealed that increasing plate thickness and, more significantly, three-dimensional design were associated with increased rigidity.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Nurses' retirement preparation.

Nurses expect that professional achievement and dedication to society will reward them with economic security in their later years. Such rewards may not be theirs without deliberate and careful attention to early preparation. This study showed that although nurses expect an adequate income during retirement, their current pension, benefit, and savings status suggests otherwise. Nurses who do not actively manage personal finances or attend to details of employment benefit packages place themselves at distinct risk for economic crisis during their decades of retirement.

Aged↗

Costs and management of urinary incontinence in long-term care.

The three aims of the study were (1) to assess the impact and cost of urinary incontinence in long-term care, (2) to determine whether 24-hour incontinence monitoring provides information that improves management, and (3) to ascertain whether costs (nursing time and laundry) could be reduced. The setting was two 24-bed long-term care units in an urban hospital. The research was conducted in three stages. During the initial stage, the impact of incontinence was measured on each unit. Impact was defined as total number of incontinent episodes, nursing time spent changing these patients, and laundry costs, measured during a 7-day period on each unit. After this phase of the investigation, individualized 24-hour incontinence monitoring, followed by recommendations and implementation of care plan, was carried out on one unit. No monitoring or recommendations for care were completed on the other unit, which served as a control. During the third phase of the study, the number of incontinent episodes, nursing time, and laundry costs were again measured on both units. Initially (58%) of residents (24/48) were incontinent, representing 859 episodes of urinary leakage each week that required 45 hours of nursing time to change clothing, containment devices, and bed linens. The direct costs of the nursing time and laundry, expressed in Canadian dollars were $8.60/day per incontinent resident. After 24-hour monitoring of 10 residents one on unit, suggestions were made for various incontinence management programs. An unexpected but simple recommendation was a change to a better containment system for urinary leakage. When impact was measured, a 13% reduction in the number of incontinent episodes was found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

Expression and localization of inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the rat ovary. Effects of gonadotropin stimulation in vivo.

Nitric oxide is reportedly involved in the regulation of several ovarian processes, yet the isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expressed in the ovary are unknown. Our purpose was to identify and localize NOS isoenzymes in the rat ovary and to examine++ if mRNA expression of NOS isoenzymes change after gonadotropin stimulation. Using reverse transcriptase-PCR, we demonstrated that inducible (iNOS) and endothelial (eNOS), but not neuronal, NOS mRNAs are expressed in the ovary. In a gonadotropin-stimulated rat model, unstimulated ovaries had the highest levels of iNOS mRNA as quantified by ribonuclease protection assay. After gonadotropin injection, iNOS mRNA declined to undetectable levels in ovaries containing ovulatory follicles before increasing slighty in ovaries containing copora lutea. In situ hybridization studies localized iNOS to granulosa cells of secondary follicles and small antral follicles. Western blots of unstimulated ovaries demonstrated iNOS protein. In contrast to iNOS, eNOS mRNA levels, determined by quantitative PCR, increased after gonadotropin stimulation and peaked in ovaries containing ovulatory follicles before declining in the luteal phase. eNOS protein was localized to blood vessels in the ovary by immunohistochemistry. We conclude that two isoforms of NOS are expressed in the ovary and the mRNA levels for these isozymes are differentially regulated.

Animals↗

Breastfeeding outcomes for women with insulin dependent diabetes.

The incidence of breastfeeding among women with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) has received little attention. During a 17-month period, 19 pregnant women with IDDM attending the prenatal clinic of the Royal Women's Hospital (Brisbane) were recruited into a prospective study to compare their breastfeeding outcomes with a control group of 18 women who were not diabetic (non-IDDM). The incidence of breastfeeding was monitored. At discharge, 63 percent of IDDM and 78 percent of non-IDDM mothers were breastfeeding. At eight weeks, the proportion of each were nearly identical (58 percent and 56 percent respectively), and at three months of age, 47 percent of IDDM mothers and 33 percent of non-IDDM women continued to breastfeed. We conclude that women with IDDM breastfeed at least as commonly and for as long as women without diabetes, despite the fact that infants of the IDDM women were artificially fed more often and began breastfeeding later than infants in the control group. In addition, the IDDM women were more likely to be delivered by Caesarean section (p < 0.0005), to be delivered earlier (p < 0.0002), and their babies more likely to be admitted to the special care nursery (p < 0.0005).

Adult↗