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Biomedical subjects

S Woods

Publications and source records attributed to S Woods.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Immunomodulation in choroidal melanoma: reversal of inverted CD4/CD8 ratios following treatment with ultrasonic hyperthermia.

It has long been suggested that malignant melanomas, cutaneous as well as uveal, are responsive to human immune-mediated host defenses. We report here 5 consecutive cases of posterior choroidal melanomas which were treated with hyperthermia generated by high-intensity focused ultrasound. Patient immune function was monitored by determination of T-cell helper/suppressor (CD4/CD8) ratios immediately before and approximately 1 week following hyperthermia treatment. All 5 patients had normal total T-cell counts as measured by the pan-T-cell marker CD3. Two patients were noted to have inverted CD4/CD8 ratios (< 1:1) before hyperthermia. In both these cases, the ratio reverted to normal (> 1:1) 1 week following treatment. One patient whose CD4/CD8 ratio was not inverted was noted to have a further increase in his CD4 T cells relative to his CD8 (37% increase). Two patients with initially normal CD4/CD8 demonstrated no significant change following hyperthermia. It appears that ultrasonic hyperthermia may induce a systemic immunomodulatory effect in patients with posterior choroidal melanoma and inverted T-cell helper/suppressor resulting in a normalization of T-cell subset ratios.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

A comprehensive assessment plan for professional preparation programs in health education at Eastern Illinois University.

Federal- and state-mandated criteria for accountability have promoted an "assessment movement" in higher education. The federal focus caused higher education's regional accrediting bodies to place greater emphasis on assessment for institutional accountability. Numerous approaches have been identified for the assessment process including comprehensive examinations, evaluation by alumni and internship preceptors, and self-report data by students. The Role Delineation Project Curriculum Framework also has been useful in assessing curricula. Strategies used in a comprehensive assessment plan for the Health Studies Dept. at Eastern Illinois University include focus group interviews, Departmental Advisory Council review, and assessment by internship preceptors. Data indicate the professional preparation program adequately prepares students in Responsibilities I, II, III, IV, and VII. Further consideration will be given to revising the curriculum to include material to prepare students in competencies required for Responsibilities V and VI.

Accreditation↗
PubMed1992

Storage of vaccines in the community: weak link in the cold chain?

OBJECTIVE: To assess quality of storage of vaccines in the community. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey of general practices and child health clinics, and monitoring of storage temperatures of selected refrigerators. SETTING: Central Manchester and Bradford health districts. SUBJECTS: 45 general practices and five child health clinics, of which 40 (80%) responded. Eight practices were selected for refrigeration monitoring. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adherence to Department of Health guidelines for vaccine storage, temperature range to which vaccines were exposed over two weeks. RESULTS: Of the 40 respondents, only 16 were aware of the appropriate storage conditions for the vaccines; eight had minimum and maximum thermometers but only one of these was monitored daily. In six of the eight practices selected for monitoring of refrigeration temperatures the vaccines were exposed to either subzero temperatures (three fridges) or temperatures up to 16 degrees C (three). Two of these were specialised drug storage refrigerators with an incorporated thermostat and external temperature gauges. CONCLUSION: Vaccines were exposed to temperatures that may reduce their potency. Safe storage of vaccines in the clinics cannot be ensured without adhering to the recommended guidelines. Provision of adequate equipment and training for staff in maintaining the "cold chain" and the use and care of equipment are important components of a successful immunisation programme.

Child↗
PubMed1992

Mobilization of malignant ascites with diuretics is dependent on ascitic fluid characteristics.

Serial ascites and plasma volumes were measured during diuresis in nine patients with ascites caused by peritoneal carcinomatosis, four patients with chylous malignant ascites, and three patients with portal hypertension-related ascites caused by massive hepatic metastases. Oral diuretics were given to achieve an adequate natriuresis on a sodium-restricted diet. During the study period (7.8 +/- 3.2 days), patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis and chylous ascites lost 0.49 +/- 0.31 and 0.51 +/- 0.42 kg/day in weight, respectively, with negligible change in ascites volumes (-0.03 +/- 0.11 and 0.02 +/- 0.09 L/day). Patients with ascites caused by massive hepatic metastasis lost 1.06 +/- 0.15 kg/day in weight (P = 0.01 for massive hepatic metastasis vs. peritoneal carcinomatosis) and 0.23 +/- 0.13 L/day of ascites (P less than 0.05 vs. other groups). Plasma volume changes were not significantly different among the three groups. Patients with edema (9/16) had a greater natriuresis and daily weight loss. Three patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis and one with chylous ascites developed renal dysfunction or symptomatic hypotension. No patient with massive hepatic metastasis developed these complications. In patients with ascites caused by peritoneal carcinomatosis or chylous malignant ascites there is no mobilization of ascites, whereas in patients with massive hepatic metastasis, ascites may be mobilized with diuretics.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Macular degeneration.

With the "graying of America," the patient population at risk for developing ARMD will continue to grow. As researchers continue to study the cause, pathologic changes, and risk factors associated with the development of this disease, preventive measures and improved treatment options will become available. The education of ARMD patients in the recognition of signs of the disease for early treatment, treatment options, and the availability of resources is essential for the nurse caring for this population. Adjustment to visual loss will be an ongoing process, during which the nurse can be a source of support, guidance, and encouragement, as patients assimilate newly acquired behaviors and roles into their self-image.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Ophthalmic ultrasonography.

Definition and differentiation of ocular structures and abnormalities necessitates the use of high-frequency, high-resolution, and high-definition ultrasound. Frequencies of 10 to 100 MHz are being employed. Color Doppler imaging, tissue characterization, parameter image staining, and three-dimensional volume rendering are new and useful adjuncts to ocular diagnosis.

Eye↗
PubMed1991

Performance of high titre attenuated canine parvovirus vaccine in pups with maternally derived antibody.

The performance of live, attenuated, homologous, canine parvovirus vaccines was studied in 140 puppies aged from four to 11 weeks. In the presence of maternally derived antibody the ability of the vaccines to elicit a serological response, as determined by the haemagglutination inhibition test and a standardised ELISA, was found to be dose (infectious titre) related. An experimental vaccine containing 10(7.0) TCID50 of virus induced seroconversion rates of 95, 89, 82 and 44 per cent in dogs with haemagglutination inhibition antibody titres of less than or equal to 8, 16, 32 and greater than 32, respectively. The standardised ELISA appeared to be better than the haemagglutination inhibition test with respect to variability and subjectivity, especially when titres were low.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Early pregnancy assessment with transvaginal ultrasound scanning.

OBJECTIVE: To establish normal parameters in early pregnancy through transvaginal ultrasonography so that gestational age can be determined and to correlate the sonographic findings with serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels calibrated against the first international reference preparation standard. SETTING: Infertility clinic. PATIENTS: Thirty-five women with normal intrauterine pregnancy. INTERVENTIONS: Serial measurement of the serum hCG level and the diameter of the gestational sac through transvaginal ultrasonography. MAIN RESULTS: The gestational sac could not be visualized when the hCG level was less than 1100 IU/L. The average growth rate of the sac was 0.9 mm/d. The threshold values for sac diameter, serum hCG level and gestational age below which the yolk sac was not visible were 3.7 mm, 1900 IU/L and 36 days respectively; the corresponding values above which the yolk sac was always visible were 6.7 mm, 5800 IU/L and 40 days. The threshold values below which cardiac activity was not visible were 8.3 mm, 9200 IU/L and 41 days respectively, and the corresponding values above which cardiac activity was always visible were 14.0 mm, 24,000 IU/L and 46 days. The mean gestational ages and the 95% confidence and prediction intervals were tabulated so that measurement of the gestational sac diameter could be used to estimate gestational age early in normal pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal ultrasonography enables detection of an intrauterine sac and reliable estimation of gestational age on the basis of sac dimensions before an embryo can be seen.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗
PubMed1991

SPECT imaging of the benzodiazepine receptor in non-human primate brain with [123I]Ro 16-0154.

We have used SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) imaging in non-human primates to examine the time course and pharmacological specificity of 123I-labeled Ro 16-0154 as an in vivo probe of the benzodiazepine receptor. Maximal brain uptake was reached approximately 70 min post i.v. administration of the radioligand and represented approximately 10% of the injected dose. The regional distribution of radioactive densities was consistent with the known distribution of benzodiazepine receptors in primate brain, with highest uptake localized over the occipital area. Washout of radioactivity was relatively slow with a rate of 3% per hour after the time of peak radioactivity. Injection of the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15-1788 (0.2-0.3 mg/kg i.v.) caused a rapid decrease of more than 90% of radioactivity from brain. In summary, [123I]Ro 16-0154 is a promising in vivo SPECT radioligand for the benzodiazepine receptor, with high brain uptake, a stable period of peak radioactivity, appropriate regional distribution, and ability to be displaced by other benzodiazepine receptor agents.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The effects of diuresis and transfusion on pulmonary function in children with thalassemia major.

Previous pulmonary function studies in subjects with thalassemia major (TM) who were on regular transfusion programs have demonstrated results ranging from small airway obstruction to a restrictive pattern. Ten subjects with TM were studied pre- and postdiuresis, and again 24 hr after transfusion, in order to evaluate the role of possible fluid overload in altering pulmonary function. Subjects underwent spirometry and had lung volume and flow volume curves (MEFVC) measured in a volume displacement plethysmograph while breathing air and a mixture of 80% helium and 20% oxygen (HeO2). Six patients had pulmonary mechanics measured with esophageal balloons in place. Baseline function was normal and no change occurred following diuresis. Following transfusion, the volume of isoflow (VisoV) decreased, but other parameters did not change. Subsequent analysis revealed 5 subjects with an initial VisoV greater than 20 (% FVC) but, paradoxically, less evidence of flow limitation in the small airways than those with a VisoV less than 20 (% FVC). Posttransfusion, in those subjects with an initially high VisoV, the Vmax25(air) tended to fall without a change of MEFVC in HeO2, resulting in a decreased VisoV. This was interpreted as evidence of subtle abnormalities in the small airways caused by volume expansion, raising doubts about the value of the VisoV as a measure of small airway disease. As a group, our subjects did not demonstrate any abnormalities in baseline function. Some subjects had mild flow limitation in small airway while other developed comparable levels of flow limitation following the volume expansion associated with transfusion.

Blood Transfusion↗
PubMed1991

The first double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a partial benzodiazepine agonist abecarnil (ZK 112-119) in generalized anxiety disorder.

This is the first reported controlled trial of a partial benzodiazepine agonist, abecarnil, utilized in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It was a sequential dose-finding study comparing 15-30 mg/day, 7.5-15 mg/day, and 3-9 mg/day to placebo for 3 weeks of treatment followed by abrupt discontinuation through placebo substitution. Although the two higher dose groups had high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) sedative adverse effects, the 3-9 mg/day group tolerated the medication well with no dropouts. The 3-9 mg/day group, in comparison to the two higher doses and placebo, demonstrated efficacy in global improvement ratings and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) scores. At Week 3, 61 percent of the abecarnil 3-9 mg/day group was rated as at least 50 percent improved on the HAM-A, compared to 30 percent of the placebo group. With abrupt discontinuation there were mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms and loss of efficacy in the two higher dose groups. However, in the 3-9 mg/day abecarnil group, there were few withdrawal symptoms and almost no loss of efficacy following discontinuation.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Nightingale's perspective of nursing administration.

Nightingale is often thought of for her clinical nursing care, but Henry, Woods, and Nagelkerk remind us that she was first and foremost a nursing administrator. Much of Nightingale's advice, as quoted here, sounds strangely modern and applicable today.

Administrative Personnel↗
PubMed1990

Iron metabolism.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Anemia, Hypochromic↗