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Biomedical subjects

S Burns

Publications and source records attributed to S Burns.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

The spectrum of chest infections in HIV positive patients in Edinburgh.

In a retrospective analysis of all known HIV-positive patients admitted to the City Hospital before November 1989, 208 patients accounted for 612 admissions, 72% being injection drug users (IDUs). One hundred and eighty admissions (29%) were for chest-related disorders, and this was the commonest reason for admission. Unlike other U.K. centres where more than 50% chest problems are due to Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), only 27% of our chest admissions were for PCP. Fifty-four percent of chest admissions were for bacterial chest infections (BCIs), the commonest organism isolated being Haemophilus influenzae. Despite the fact that most (50/97) of these admissions were in patients with 'asymptomatic' HIV disease (CDC classification 2 and 3), 50% had radiological pneumonia, 43% were hypoxic, 28% were hypercapnic and the average duration of hospitalisation was 10 days. BCIs were more common in HIV-positive IDUs when compared with HIV-negative IDUs, other HIV-positive patients and the general age-matched population. Medical provision for IDU-related HIV disease should take into account the high rate of BCIs and of hospital admissions in patients who do not yet have CDC stage 4 disease.

Female

Cloning and sequence of a beta-tubulin cDNA from Pneumocystis carinii: possible implications for drug therapy.

This work describes the isolation and characterization of a full-length cDNA clone encoding beta-tubulin from the pathogen Pneumocystis carinii. P. carinii contains a single gene encoding beta-tubulin. The complete sequence of this cDNA has been determined and its inferred amino acid sequence compared with the beta-tubulins from other organisms. This analysis augments the data indicating that P. carinii should be classified as a fungal organism. Further comparisons between the P. carinii beta-tubulin and those of fungal beta-tubulins resistant to benomyl, a beta-tubulin-binding drug, indicate a difference which may be exploited in the development of a new drug therapy for P. carinii pneumonitis. These results suggest that, theoretically, a drug presently administered for treatment of nematode worm infections may be an effective agent against P. carinii, without being toxic to the mammalian host. This possibility is currently being investigated.

Amino Acid Sequence

HIV-1 associated cognitive/motor complex in an injecting drug user.

The clinical and social consequences of AIDS dementia complex/HIV-1 associated cognitive/motor complex (ADC/HACC) in drug users have not been well documented. The value of prospective serial neuropsychological, neuroradiological and neurophysiological measurements to assist diagnosis of ADC/HACC in patients with premorbid personality disorder and intercurrent drug use is demonstrated. The psychosocial problems resulting from ADC/HACC with respect to community care and the location of hospitalization is considered. The relevance of the 1984 Mental Health Act (Scotland) with regard to drug users with ADC/HACC is discussed.

AIDS Dementia Complex

Podiatric manifestations of AIDS.

Dermatologic, vascular, neurologic, and musculoskeletal complications are common among persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These manifestations frequently involve the lower extremities and may be the initial presenting symptoms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It is important that practitioners of podiatric medicine be aware of these syndromes to facilitate early diagnosis of AIDS and to provide the best possible care for immunodeficient patients. The author provides a review of the manifestations of AIDS frequently encountered in podiatric practice, along with guidelines for treatment.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Comparison between the counter-rotational toothbrush and multi-action toothbrush.

Previous studies have demonstrated that two types of powered toothbrushes (Interplak and Braun) are more effective than a manual toothbrush in the removal of bacterial plaque from tooth surfaces. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the Interplak Home Plaque Removal Instrument (A) and the Braun Electric Toothbrush (B) on supragingival plaque removal and gingival bleeding following (1) one time instruction; (2) reinstruction and one week of home use; (3) a third instruction and three weeks of home use. The sample population for this study consisted of twelve subjects: six (6) were randomly assigned to use the Interplak, and the remaining six (6) were assigned to use the Braun. Subjects met specific qualification criteria to participate in this examiner-blind study. The Turesky Modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index and an Objective-Subjective Gingival Abrasion Index were scored before and after brushing at the initial appointment, one week later, and at the final appointment in three weeks. A timed bleeding index (Barnett-Muhleman) and probing depths were recorded at the beginning of all three appointments. Subjects received instructions on the use of the assigned toothbrush in a clinical demonstration and in a printed format to take home. Subjects were then supervised in their brushing technique. Data was analyzed using a Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Analysis of Variance with Repeated Measures where appropriate. Although the number of patients was small, a statistically significant difference (p less than .05) in plaque scores between the groups was obtained in favor of the Interplak.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Pressure pain threshold evaluation of the effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of chronic neck pain: a pilot study.

Nine subjects with chronic mechanical neck pain syndromes were evaluated for pressure pain threshold (PPT) over standardized tender points in the paraspinal area surrounding a manipulable spinal lesion. The subjects were then allocated randomly to an intervention consisting of either an oscillatory mobilization of the cervical spine (n = 4), which was designated as the control procedure, or a rotational manipulation of the cervical spine (n = 5). An assessor-blinded re-evaluation of the pressure pain threshold levels was conducted after 5 min. In the group receiving a manipulation the mean increases in pressure pain threshold ranged from 40-56% with an average of 45%. In the control group no change in any of the pressure pain thresholds was found. These results were analyzed using ANOVA and were found to be statistically significant (p less than 0.0001). This study confirms that manipulation can increase local paraspinal pain threshold levels. The use of the pressure pain threshold meter allows for the determination of such a beneficial effect in the deeper tissues.

Adult

Contusion angle deformity in prizefighters.

Ophthalmic examinations of 55 retired boxers showed nine eyes with contusion angle deformities and no cases of secondary glaucoma due to the trauma, despite an average duration of 33 years since injury. The subjects with chamber angle recessions had more proptotic eyes (average, 19.7 mm) than those without recessions (average, 17.9 mm). The difference between the means was not significant (P less than .05).

Adult

Grading practice.

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Clinical Competence

Comparative study: the effects of latex and vinyl gloves on the tactile discrimination of first year dental hygiene students.

The purposes of this study were to determine 1) if there was a significant difference in the tactile discrimination of first year dental hygiene students wearing a vinyl glove as compared to a latex glove; 2) if the subjects' perceptions of their ability to accurately discriminate between surface textures differed when wearing either one of the two gloves; and 3) the individual characteristics of the gloves preferred by the subjects. Twenty-nine first year dental students were randomly assigned to one of the two glove treatment groups. The tactile discrimination ability of each subject was assessed at baseline and three weeks after using the Roughness Discrimination Test (RDT). The subjects wore their assigned gloves when performing laboratory and clinical procedures during the 3-week period. Following this period the RDT was again administered. Subjects then switched gloves for an additional 3-week period, at which time data were collected regarding perceived discrimination ability and glove preference. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results revealed no significant difference (p less than 0.05) in subject's tactile discrimination ability while 29% indicated that the latex glove had an inhibitory effect. The subjects most frequently preferred the latex glove, citing specific favorable characteristics such as size, fit, comfort and durability while performing clinical procedures. However, the vinyl glove was favored for durability after washing.

Gloves, Surgical

Study of the sympathetic effects of polocaine in a regional hallux block.

This study was performed on 40 healthy volunteers, and examines the onset, duration, subjective pain on injection, and sympathetic effects of two strengths of Polocaine, a brand of mepivacaine hydrochloride. The study demonstrated that Polocaine is a safe and useful, short-acting, local anesthetic. Polocaine is also a useful agent in causing local vasodilation for periods of time as long as 24 hr.

Adult