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Biomedical subjects

S O'Brien

Publications and source records attributed to S O'Brien.

387 records · Page 22Linked to original sources
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Occupational health problems of bridge and tunnel officers.

Bridge and tunnel officers (BTOs) sustain potential exposure to a number of physical, chemical, and work-organizational factors. They are at risk for both fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries due to moving vehicles, workplace violence, vehicular fires, and physical hazards, such as slippery walking surfaces due to oil or ice on roadways. This chapter describes the spectrum of occupational injuries and illnesses which may be seen in BTOs, focusing on: 1) vehicular exhaust and air pollution, 2) ergonomic hazards, 3) job strain, 4) noise, 5) blood-borne pathogens, 6) chemicals used in road work and maintenance (e.g., lead-based paint), and 7) with the recent advent of electronic traffic sensors, microwave radiation. Special emphasis is given to respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease. Finally, some recommendations for focused health surveillance and preventive efforts in this population are made.

Accidents, Occupational↗
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Assessing the accuracy of femoral component placement in custom cemented hip replacement.

Leg length disparity is a frequent complication of hip arthroplasty. The most common problem is lengthening of the operative leg, which usually occurs on the femoral side. The Belfast Hip Group has designed a femoral caliper that offers an effective solution to the problem. This instrument is accurate and easy to use and could be applied by the orthopaedic surgeon to control leg length. Patients' perception of the success of their total hip replacement is influenced by their ability to walk without appliances or pain. With minimal additional effort and planning, this caliper will ensure greater control of leg length measurement in total hip replacement patients.

Anthropometry↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Phase I dose-escalation study of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and concomitant radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha enhances x-ray killing of human tumor cells in vitro and enhances tumor control when combined with radiation in animal tumor models. To determine the toxicity and maximal tolerated dose of tumor necrosis factor-alpha given daily during radiotherapy, we conducted a phase I dose-escalation study combining tumor necrosis factor-alpha and radiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients, including 14 patients with locally advanced primary tumors and 17 patients with metastatic sites, were entered into this study. Recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha was administered intravenously at doses ranging from 10 microg/m2 to 150 microg/m2 4 hours prior to each radiation therapy session, which was given on consecutive days for a minimum of 2 weeks. Radiation was prescribed to localized fields, with dose fractions ranging from 150 to 300 cGy/day for palliation or control of locally advanced tumors. RESULTS: Major toxicity requiring withdrawal from the study was independent of tumor necrosis factor-alpha dose and occurred in seven patients. Symptoms included angina in two patients, and hypotension, respiratory distress, atrial fibrillation, allergic reaction, and progressive leukopenia in one patient each. A tumor necrosis factor-alpha dose of 150 microg/m2 was the maximum dose administered. No single dose-limiting toxicity was observed and a maximal tolerated dose could not be defined. There was no obvious increase in in-field toxicity. Response to treatment was assessed in 20 patients. Complete regression within the irradiated field was achieved in four patients, partial regression in four, and a minimal response in four. A trend toward a greater response rate at higher doses of tumor necrosis factor-alpha was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The maximal tolerated dose of tumor necrosis factor-alpha when given with radiotherapy is at least 150 microg/m2 and a dose-limiting toxicity was not observed. Future studies will show whether responses to treatment are increased over those expected with radiation alone. Tumor localization of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by gene therapy combined with radiation therapy may eliminate the systemic toxicity we observed.

Adult↗