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Biomedical subjects

K Webb

Publications and source records attributed to K Webb.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

A comparison of aztreonam and ceftazidime in the treatment of respiratory infections in adults with cystic fibrosis.

A randomised double blind 2-week trial of monotherapy with ceftazidime and aztreonam was completed in 22 adults with cystic fibrosis. 26 courses of treatment were initiated and 22 courses were completed. Within groups, both ceftazidime and aztreonam demonstrated a significant improvement in FEV1 at 2 weeks (ceftazidime p less than 0.05; aztreonam p less than 0.01) and a decline in sputum weight at 2 weeks (ceftazidime p less than 0.05; aztreonam p less than 0.05). Between groups, for spirometry and sputum weight the only change was a slower decline in FEV1 in the aztreonam group at 42 days (p less than 0.05).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Local food and nutrition policy.

Local food and nutrition policies (small-scale efforts to create food systems that respond to nutritional needs) are becoming more and more fashionable as a way of improving public health in Australia. Opportunities for local food and nutrition policies include urban planning, institutional catering, the private sector and local government. These policies are only feasible in organisational environments that are ready to receive them, although their chances of improving the population's food supply can be maximised by copying some aspects of successful policy programs of the past.

Australia↗
PubMed1989

Aberrant free radical activity in cystic fibrosis.

It has been suggested that the molar ratio of octadeca 9,11 dienoic acid to linoleic acid in biological material provides an index of activity along the non-peroxide pathway of a free radical attack on polyunsaturated fatty acids. In 17 adults with cystic fibrosis the 'molar ratio' in nasal epithelial cells--a recognised target of the disease--exceeded that in 20 controls (median 2.09%, range 1.70-3.01% versus 1.56, 0.92-2.23%, p = 0.0002). The difference was also apparent, although less stark, upon analysis of serum in a further 22 CF patients (2.48%, 1.60-5.24%) and 25 controls (1.96%, 0.81-3.90%, p = 0.0348). There was no correlation between the 'molar ratio' and blood white cell count or erythrocyte sedimentation rate, severity of lung or liver disease, indicating that the raised values are a primary feature, rather than reflecting disease severity. Aberrant free radical activity may underlie cellular dysfunction in cystic fibrosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Selective management of abdominal stab wounds. Importance of the physical examination.

The treatment of patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds remains controversial. We reserve celiotomy for patients who have clinical findings of peritonitis or hemorrhage. Repeated physical examination is the most important element of observation. Recently, 330 patients with stable abdominal stab wounds presented over a 12-month period. These patients were followed up with serial physical examinations and laboratory measurements. Of the 330 patients, 107 patients (32%) required celiotomy for the repair of a life-threatening injury (group 1); 28 patients (8%) underwent nontherapeutic celiotomies (group 2); 19 patients (6%) had negative explorations (group 3); and 176 patients (53%) were observed and discharged (group 4). There were three missed injuries in group 4. Serial physical examination can be a reliable technique in the management of abdominal stab wounds and is comparable to other approaches.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1988

Cross-sectional and longitudinal changes in pulmonary function associated with automobile pollution among bridge and tunnel officers.

This study investigated the effects of emissions from the internal combustion engine on pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in men collecting tolls and directing traffic in areas with high levels of air pollution. Bridge and tunnel officers (BTOs) were administered pulmonary function tests and respiratory questionnaires for up to 11 consecutive years (n = 944). Carboxyhemoglobin levels were also measured. Regression coefficients on year tested were calculated on 466 individuals (49% of all BTOs) tested at least 3 years. The tunnel workers had significantly lower FEV1S (forced expiratory volume at one second) and FVCs (forced vital capacity), respiratory symptoms, and higher carboxyhemoglobin levels than the bridge workers. BTOs working over 20 years had the lowest mean pulmonary function values, the steepest slopes, and the most respiratory symptoms. We believe that the data show an association between working as a bridge and tunnel officer and decreased pulmonary function and increased respiratory symptoms, but it was not readily evident whether the effects were of clinical importance.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Pilot study on health effects of environmental 2,3,7,8-TCDD in Missouri.

Waste oil contaminated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD was sprayed at various sites in the state of Missouri. Eighty-two individuals who reported living or working in TCDD-contaminated areas and 40 individuals with little or no exposure to TCDD were selected for study; 85% elected to participate in the study. Data were obtained from medical histories, general physicals, neurological and dermatological examinations, and laboratory tests. There were no cases of chloracne reported. The only hematologic comparison that was significant was a higher mean platelet count in the exposed group. This study did not produce any firm indication of increased disease prevalence related to environmental TCDD exposures. Since this was a pilot study, it is important that we continue to limit human exposure to dioxin to the lowest levels technologically feasible until definitive answers to the health consequences of exposure are determined.

Dioxins↗
PubMed1986

Ifosfamide by bolus as treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Ifosfamide at 5 g/m2 was given as a bolus to 48 patients with advanced progressing non-small cell lung cancer. Mesna (5 g/m2) was also given with the ifosfamide, both over 30 min. Further mesna was then given p.o. (3 g/m2) at 4, 8, and 12 h. If oral mesna was not acceptable then one or, if necessary, two 4-h to 6-h infusions (3 g/m2) were administered. A maximum of six courses at 3-weekly intervals was prescribed. A total of 174 courses was administered, and oral mesna was given during 64 courses: discharge was considered possible within 8-10 h after 55% of courses. Haematological toxicity was mild and no renal dysfunction was noted. Two patients became drowsy shortly after ifosfamide, but recovered 24-36 h later. The objective response rate was 29%, with one complete responder. A further 31% of patients (symptomatic responders) with stable disease symptomatically improved after the chemotherapy, by 20 or more points on the Karnofsky scale. The median survival was 5 months for the whole group, and 8 months each for the objective and symptomatic responder groups. Most patients' Karnofsky and respiratory scores improved with the chemotherapy. Ifosfamide with mesna can be given by short infusions, and the mesna given p.o. prevents any urothelial toxicity. Further exploration of short-infusion ifosfamide and mesna therapy would reduce hospitalization and allow for day-case regimens.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Development of interferon-specific monoclonal antibody for in vitro interferon assays.

In this study, monoclonal antibodies (MABs) to human interferon alpha (HuIFN alpha) were evaluated for their suitability for the quantification of different HuIFN alpha preparations by conventional immunoassay methods. The results obtained using four different MABs were compared and suggest that whilst immunoassays can be highly sensitive and reproducible to perform, calibration of antigen content in relation to units of biological activity remains a problem, particularly because of the molecular and biological heterogeneity of HuIFN alpha preparations. Nevertheless, the judicious selection of MABs specific for an individual HuIFN alpha subtype has indicated that immunoassays may be accurately calibrated in units of biological activity for potency estimations of that HuIFN alpha subtype.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗