Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Ford

Publications and source records attributed to P Ford.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Water permeability in rat oocytes at different maturity stages: aquaporin-9 expression.

Important functional and structural modifications occur in mammalian oocytes during their arrival to maturity. In this process, oocytes switch from a high activity level, implying an important metabolic rate and a coordinated movement of water and solutes, to a lower functional state. The aim of this work was to study the mechanisms involved in water movements during oocyte arrival to maturity. Volume changes, induced by an osmotic gradient, were followed by video microscopy in rat oocytes. The water osmotic permeability (P(osm)) of immature oocytes (proestrus) was sensitive to HgCl(2) and phloretin. In contrast, mature oocytes (estrus) had a reduced P(osm) that was not sensitive to these compounds. When proestrus oocytes were incubated in vitro at 37 degrees C they spontaneously arrived at maturity and its P(osm) decreased between four and six hours of incubation. RT-PCR experiments were performed using specific primers for all rat aquaporins that had been cloned. We found that aquaporin-9 transcript (AQP9) is present in proestrus oocytes but not in estrus oocytes. AQP9 has been recently described as a "broad selective channel" responsible for solute and water transfers in highly active cells. Our experiments showed that proestrus oocytes, but not estrus, are permeable to mannitol. It is concluded that during the process of maturation, P(osm) decreases and AQP9 transcripts disappear. We report here the first study correlating water permeability and aquaporin mRNA expression in mammalian oocytes.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Mind-body innovations--an integrative care approach.

Integration of behavioral health and medicine has gained increased support recently within the new field of complementary medicine. Providers from both disciplines are acknowledging the "mind-body" connection and recognizing the value of treating the "whole" patient through working within an integrative delivery model. This paper describes two treatment programs which were developed using the principles of the mind-body connection and implemented within an integrative setting at a large HMO. The results of research studies are presented and discussed to demonstrate the efficacy of these programs.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Future directions for gerontology: a nursing perspective.

This paper discusses the contribution nursing has made to the development of person-centred services, and the influence of gerontology upon such developments. It examines traditional attitudes to medicine and nursing, when curing was all-important and caring treated as secondary and the shift away from this attitude to a more holistic approach to nursing, where the dignity of the patient is an important issue. It argues that good practice utilizes different sources of knowledge, including intuitive knowledge, and discusses the integrated programme of policy, development, research and education activities that the Royal College of Nursing is developing. The options currently available to anyone wishing to study gerontology are discussed, and the pros and cons of the current emphasis on broad-based clinical and educational experience prior to specialization analysed. The key aim of the RCN is to develop the specialism of gerontological nursing and the quality of care experienced by older people. With this end in view, this paper describes the education programme being developed by the RCN, leading to the award of Gerontological Nurse Specialist--a person able to demonstrate knowledge of rehabilitation, clinical assessment, health care assessment and a holistic knowledge of the ageing process.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Familial antiphospholipid antibody syndrome: criteria for disease and evidence for autosomal dominant inheritance.

OBJECTIVE: To develop diagnostic criteria for a familial form of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), identify families with >1 affected member, examine possible modes of inheritance, and determine linkage to potential candidate genes. METHODS: Family members of probands with primary APS were analyzed for clinical and laboratory abnormalities associated with APS. Families with > or =2 affected members were analyzed by segregation analysis and typed for candidate genetic markers. RESULTS: Seven families were identified. Thirty of 101 family members met diagnostic criteria for APS. Segregation studies rejected both environmental and autosomal recessive models, and the data were best fit by either a dominant or codominant model. Linkage analysis showed independent segregation of APS and several candidate genes. CONCLUSION: Clinical and laboratory criteria are essential to identify the spectrum of disease associated with APS. We believe a set of criteria was developed that can precisely define affected family members with APS. Modeling studies utilizing these criteria strongly support a genetic basis for disease in families with APS and suggest that a susceptibility gene is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. However, in these families, APS was not linked with HLA, Fas, or other candidate genes, including beta2-glycoprotein 1, HLA, T cell receptor beta chain, Ig heavy chain, antithrombin III, Fas ligand, factor V, complement factor H, IgK, and Fas.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Urban and rural suicide differentials in migrants and the Australian-born, New South Wales, Australia 1985--1994.

We estimated risk of suicide in adults in New South Wales (NSW) by sex, country of birth and rural/urban residence, after adjusting for age; we also examined youth suicide (age 15-24 years). The study population was the entire population of NSW, Australia, aged > or =15 years during the period 1985-1994. Poisson regression was used to examine the relationship between predictor variables and the risk of suicide, with the focus on migrant status and area of residence. A significantly higher risk of suicide was found in male migrants from Northern Europe and Eastern Europe/former USSR, compared to Australian-born males; a significantly lower suicide risk occurred in males from Southern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. In female migrants, those from UK/Eire, Northern Europe, Eastern Europe/former USSR and New Zealand exhibited a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to Australian-born females. A significantly lower risk of suicide occurred in females from the Middle East. Male migrants overall were at significantly lower risk of suicide than the Australian-born, while female migrants overall had a significantly higher risk of suicide than Australian-born females. Among migrant males overall, the rural-urban suicide risk differential was significantly higher for those living in non-metropolitan areas (RR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.7-2.1). Suicide risk was significantly higher in non-metropolitan male immigrants from the UK/Eire (RR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1-1.7), Southern Europe (RR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2-2.4), Northern/Western Europe (1.5; 95% CI: 1.2-1.9), the Middle East (RR = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.9-7.8), New Zealand (RR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.0-1.8) and 'other' (RR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.9-3.5), when compared to their urban counterparts. There was no statistically significant difference in suicide risk between rural and urban Australian-born males. For female suicide, significantly lower risk was found in female immigrants living in non-metropolitan areas who were from Northern/Western Europe (RR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.4-0.96), as well as the Australian-born (RR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6-0.8), when compared to their urban counterparts. The non-metropolitan/metropolitan relative risk for suicide in female migrants overall was not significantly different from one. Among male youth there was a significantly higher suicide risk in non-metropolitan areas, with a relative risk estimate of 1.4 for Australian-born youth (95% CI: 1.2-1.5) and 1.7 for migrant youth (95% CI: 1.2-2.4), when compared with metropolitan counterparts. We conclude that suicide among migrant males living in non-metropolitan areas accounts for most of the excess of male suicide in rural NSW, and the significantly lower risk of suicide for non-metropolitan Australian-born women does not apply to migrant women.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Determining older people's need for registered nursing in continuing healthcare: the contribution of the Royal College of Nursing's Older People Assessment Tool.

This paper presents an overview of the work of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in developing an assessment tool to determine the need for registered nursing by older people in continuing care. In the past, healthcare has been provided free and social care 'means-tested'. The erosion of the NHS's responsibility for continuing care provision through the development of eligibility criteria has resulted in the majority of older people having their care services means-tested, including their nursing care. The RCN has argued that older people have inter-related health and social care needs, that nursing care is an integral component of healthcare provision and that therefore older people should not have to pay for nursing care. This paper describes the work undertaken by the RCN to develop a tool for use in assessing older people's need for registered nursing--'The RCN Nursing Older People Assessment Tool'. The underpinning theoretical framework is outlined and the process of constructing the tool is described. In addition, the stages of assessment using the tool are outlined. A pilot study in seven nursing homes managed by three different companies was undertaken to test the reliability and acceptability of the tool. 178 paired assessments were completed (89% of the intended sample). The results of the pilot study demonstrated that the tool has a high degree of reliability and acceptability.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Evaluation of a training and diagnostic ultrasound service for general practitioners using narrowband ISDN.

We carried out a four-month pilot study of telemedicine for the delivery of training and diagnostic ultrasound services for general practitioners (GPs). Two health centres and a district general hospital were linked using ISDN (128 kbit/s) and PC-based videoconferencing units. Sixteen videoconferencing sessions were conducted, with 64 patients scanned over the ISDN link for a range of clinical conditions. Nine cases of pathology were demonstrated and confirmed by a consultant radiologist. A total of 229 images were transmitted using the store-and-forward facility, of which 194 (85%) images were of diagnostic quality and 35 (15%) were regarded as non-diagnostic. Allowing for sampling error, we would expect 79-89% of stored images to provide diagnostic information at a 95% confidence level. A total of 115 store-and-forward images (SAFI) were randomly selected and compared with hard-copy images (HCI) for technical quality. There was a significant difference in the quality of images. The results show that SAFI are far superior to HCI, traditionally used by clinicians for making primary diagnosis and that the superior quality of the SAFI improved diagnostic accuracy. This pilot study showed a high degree of confidence in videoconferencing for training GPs to carry out ultrasound clinics, enhancing their ability to make accurate diagnoses, and providing them with immediate access the second and higher opinion.

Education, Medical, Continuing↗
PubMed1998

Reconstitution of a regulated transepithelial water pathway in cells transfected with AQP2 and an AQP1/AQP2 hybrid containing the AQP2-C terminus.

Transepithelial water permeability was measured in LLC-PK1 cells stably transfected with aquaporins (AQPs): AQP1, AQP2, and a chimera of AQP1 and AQP2 containing 41 amino acids of the C-terminus of AQP2. Transepithelial water fluxes (Jw) were not previously reported in cells transfected with aquaporins. Jw were now recorded each minute using a specially developed experimental device. A significant increase in Posm after forskolin (FK) plus vasopressin (VP) was found in AQP2 transfected cells (39.9 +/- 8.2 vs. 12.5 +/- 3.3 cm.sec-1.10(-3)), but not in cells transfected with AQP1 (15.3 +/- 3.6 vs. 13.4 +/- 3.6 cm.sec-1.10(-3)). In the case of the AQP1/2 cells (chimera) the FK plus VP induced Posm was smaller than in AQP2 cells but significantly higher than in mock cells at rest (18.1 +/- 4.8 vs. 6.7 +/- 1.0 cm.sec-1.10(-3)). The increases in Posm values were not paralleled by increases in 14C-Mannitol permeability. HgCl2 inhibited the hydrosmotic response to FK plus VP in AQP2 transfected epithelia. Results were comparable to those observed, in parallel experiments, in a native ADH-sensitive water channel containing epithelial barrier (the toad urinary bladder). Electron microscopy showed confluent LLC-PK1 cells with microvilli at the mucosal border. The presence of spherical or elongated intracellular vacuoles was observed in AQP2 transfected cells, specially after FK plus VP stimulus and under an osmotic gradient. These results demonstrate regulated transepithelial water permeability in epithelial cells transfected with AQP2.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Suicide in urban New South Wales, Australia 1985-1994: socio-economic and migrant interactions.

Variation of suicide with socio-economic status (SES) in urban NSW (Australia) during 1985-1994, by sex and country or region of birth, was examined using Poisson regression analysis of vital statistics and population data (age >¿ approximately 15 yr). Quintiles of SES were defined by municipality of residence and comparisons of suicide by SES were adjusted for age and country (or region) of birth (COB), and examined by COB. Risk of suicide in females was 28% that of males for all adults and 21% for youth (age 15-24 yr). Suicide risk was lower in males from southern Europe, Middle East and Asia, and higher in northern and eastern European males, compared to the Australian-born. Risks for suicide increased significantly with decreasing SES in males, but not in females. The relationship of male suicide and SES was stronger when controlled for COB. For males, the relative risk of suicide, adjusted for age and COB, was 66% higher in the lowest SES quintile compared to the highest quintile. and 39% higher for youth (age 15-24 yr). For male suicide, the population attributable fraction for SES (less than the highest quintile) was 27%. Analysis of SES differentials in male suicide according to COB indicated a significant inverse suicide gradient in relation to SES for the Australian-born and those born in New Zealand and the United Kingdom or Eire, but not in non-English speaking COB groups, except for Asia. For Australian-born males, suicide risk was 71% higher in the lowest SES group (compared to the highest), adjusted for age. These findings indicate that SES plays an important role in male suicide rates among the Australian-born and migrants from English-speaking countries and Asia, and among youth; but not in female suicide, nor suicide in most non-English speaking migrant groups. Reduction in SES differentials through economic and social policies may reduce male suicide in lower SES groups and should be seen to be at least as important as individual level interventions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

In vitro evaluation of complex carbohydrate denture adhesive formulations.

OBJECTIVE: Acemannan, a complex mannose carbohydrate derived from the aloe vera plant, has an inherent stickiness/viscosity. Prototype Acemannan denture adhesive formulations were evaluated for pH changes, cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblasts and adhesive strength in both dry and wet conditions. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The denture adhesive formulations consisted of five combinations of Acemannan with varying concentrations of preservatives and two other formulations without preservatives. The pH of each formulation was measured over 24 hours. Assessment of cytotoxicity was accomplished using the in vitro, tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay on cultures of human gingival fibroblasts after exposure to the adhesive formulations for up to 24 hours. The adhesive strength was evaluated with a universal testing machine under initial dry conditions and after immersion in a constant-temperature water bath for up to 20 minutes. RESULTS: Formulations 1 and 2 achieved and maintained pH values above 6.0 (the critical pH for hydroxyapatite dissolution) approximately 6 hours into the study. None of the prototypes demonstrated an initial pH above the critical pH. Formulations 1, 2, 3, and 5 exhibited significant cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblasts over 24 hours. Formulations 4, 20:1, and 150:1 demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity. Formulation 1 exhibited the poorest adhesive strength, while the most viscous formulation (prototype 150:1) was by far the best performer. Generally, adhesive bond strengths for all prototypes were quite high and relatively stable over time in a wet environment. CONCLUSION: To achieve the ideal adhesive in terms of strength, pH, and cytotoxicity, Acemannan formulation 150:1 should be adjusted to contain the preservative concentration of formulation 4 and have an initial pH value of 6.0 or higher.

Adhesiveness↗
PubMed1997

The clinical value of serum ferritin tests in endurance athletes.

OBJECTIVE: It is common practice to measure serum ferritin levels in endurance athletes because of the belief that low iron stores may compromise performance. The direct relationship between endurance performance and iron deficiency anemia is well known, but there are theoretical reasons to believe that endurance performance may be adversely affected by low iron stores even in the absence of frank anemia. The purpose of this article is to provide a critical review of the scientific evidence relating low iron stores to endurance performance. DATA SOURCES: Medline was searched using MeSH for articles related to ferritin and endurance published since 1985. Additional references were reviewed from the bibliographies of the retrieved articles. STUDY SELECTION: All clinical study designs were reviewed as well as relevant animal studies. Conclusions regarding endurance performance in humans were limited to data from clinical studies. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: In reviewing the literature, the relative strengths of the study designs were examined carefully. Particular attention of the effectiveness of each study in isolating ferritin as the key independent variable. Dependent measures of endurance capacity were also evaluated. MAIN RESULTS: Eight studies isolated serum ferritin as the experimental variable. Only one study reported a significant improvement in endurance performance (time to exhaustion) in subjects with low ferritin levels treated with oral iron, but this finding may have been magnified by an unexplained decrease in time to exhaustion in the control group. Iron dosages differed in the studies reviewed. Two additional studies that reported increases in performance parameters following increases in ferritin were confounded by concomitant increases in hemoglobin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Iron supplementation can raise serum ferritin levels, but increases in ferritin concentration, unaccompanied by increases in hemoglobin concentration, have not been shown to increase endurance performance. Of concern to the clinician is that athletes with low ferritin levels but hemoglobin in the low-normal range may have iron deficiency anemia responsive to iron supplementation. Low ferritin with hemoglobin in the mid- to upper normal range is at best a relative indication for iron supplementation: low ferritin with hemoglobin in the low normal range is a stronger, yet still relative, indication for iron supplementation in athletes.

Anemia, Iron-Deficiency↗
PubMed1997

Effect of cyclosporin A on the expression of tissue kallikrein, kininogen, and bradykinin receptor in rat.

The tissue kallikrein-kinin system is involved in vasodilation and blood pressure regulation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic cyclosporin A (CsA) administration on blood pressure and the expression of tissue kallikrein, kininogen, and bradykinin receptor in normotensive Wistar rats. Chronic administration of CsA significantly increased systolic blood pressure compared with control rats (n = 6, P < 0.01), although body weight was significantly lower than control rats (n = 6, P < 0.01). The development of hypertension was accompanied by the altered expression of kallikrein-kinin system components. Immunoreactive renal kallikrein and urinary excretion of tissue kallikrein levels were increased by chronic administration of CsA (n = 5 or 6, P < 0.05). Levels of N-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone-trypsin and kallikrein-releasable kininogens in sera increased in response to chronic CsA treatment (n = 5 or 6, P < 0.05). Chronic CsA treatment significantly increased renal kallikrein, bradykinin B2 receptor, and hepatic kininogen mRNA levels. The increased levels of tissue kallikrein-kinin system components were accompanied by significant increases in 24-h urine excretion and water intake after chronic CsA treatment (n = 5, P < 0.05). These results suggest that enhanced activity of the tissue kallikrein-kinin system may compensate for the CsA-induced vasoconstriction and hypertension.

Animals↗