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Biomedical subjects

R Charlton

Publications and source records attributed to R Charlton.

78 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

The detection of microsatellite instability in blind endometrial samples--a potential novel screening tool for endometrial cancer in women from hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer families?

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is the phenotypic molecular characteristic of the majority of tumors associated with the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome (HNPCC). Women in this group have an increased risk of endometrial cancer (EC). This study aimed to determine whether MSI could be demonstrated in blind endometrial samples from women with EC, HNPCC kindreds undergoing screening for EC, and women with normal endometrium. Twenty-four women with EC, 20 women from HNPCC kindreds, and 20 women undergoing gynecological surgery for benign indications underwent blind sampling. MSI analysis was performed by conventional polymerase chain reaction using fluorescent-labeled primers and automated analysis. Twelve microsatellites were studied with MSI defined as evident when novel alleles were seen in endometrial biopsy samples compared to genomic DNA. Of the 24 EC samples obtained, sufficient DNA for analysis was extracted in 17 cases. Three cases had evidence of MSI in at least 7/12 loci. None of the endometrium from the two other study groups revealed evidence of MSI. This is the first demonstration of MSI in blind endometrial biopsies. The ability to demonstrate MSI in heterogeneous endometrial samples suggests potential for the development of a novel EC screening tool for women in HNPCC kindreds.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The dilemma of truth disclosure: Stoke-on-Trent, England.

Two case studies are used to demonstrate the continuing dilemma experienced by some doctors in the United Kingdom--whether or not to disclose to cancer patients their diagnosis. The two schools of thought concerning truth disclosure are discussed, together with the ethical implications and differences in views as a result of culture. Truth disclosure and associated communications skills are seen as an important area of medical education.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Research: is an 'ideal' questionnaire possible?

Writing a research protocol and designing a questionnaire are not as easy as might be thought. Producing the 'ideal' questionnaire can be fraught with difficulties, and the guidelines provided are intended to avoid potential pitfalls. Designing a questionnaire takes time and patience. The importance of a pre-test and pilot study cannot be overemphasized and resultant modifications to the questions will increase the validity, reliability and responsiveness of a questionnaire and lend support to any findings following appropriate statistical interpretation of the data. The advantages of the questionnaire research method, together with the disadvantages and the problems associated with poor response rates, are discussed.

Health Services Research↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Collaborating with the consortium: the development of a foundation in critical care skills programme.

This paper outlines the role and function of NHS education and training consortia and how one consortium is addressing the issues of supporting practitioner-led, practice-based training initiatives in critical care. In late 1997 the consortium sought to identify current problems with recruitment and retention of competent critical care nurses, access to training and development and to examine the quality and appropriateness of current pre- and postregistration training related to the critical care areas. A number of issues were identified, with the need for a Foundation in Critical Care Skills Programme' for junior nurses as the principle short term priority. A programme supported by the local consortium, in collaboration with seven NHS trusts' critical care areas (totalling 27 different departments/units), has been developed, incorporating skills workshops, completion of open learning materials, assessments of core competencies and the submission of a portfolio of evidence in support of a professional award (ENB Certificate). The importance and value of collaboration in the development of this practitioner-led consortium-supported venture is highlighted.

Cooperative Behavior↗