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Biomedical subjects

C Fell

Publications and source records attributed to C Fell.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Barostat testing of rectal sensation and compliance in humans: comparison of results across two centres and overall reproducibility.

We assessed reproducibility of measurements of rectal compliance and sensation in health in studies conducted at two centres. We estimated samples size necessary to show clinically meaningful changes in future studies. We performed rectal barostat tests three times (day 1, day 1 after 4 h and 14-17 days later) in 34 healthy participants. We measured compliance and pressure thresholds for first sensation, urgency, discomfort and pain using ascending method of limits and symptom ratings for gas, urgency, discomfort and pain during four phasic distensions (12, 24, 36 and 48 mmHg) in random order. Results obtained at the two centres differed minimally. Reproducibility of sensory end points varies with type of sensation, pressure level and method of distension. Pressure threshold for pain and sensory ratings for non-painful sensations at 36 and 48 mmHg distension were most reproducible in the two centres. Sample size calculations suggested that crossover design is preferable in therapeutic trials: for each dose of medication tested, a sample of 21 should be sufficient to demonstrate 30% changes in all sensory thresholds and almost all sensory ratings. We conclude that reproducibility varies with sensation type, pressure level and distension method, but in a two-centre study, differences in observed results of sensation are minimal and pressure threshold for pain and sensory ratings at 36-48 mmHg of distension are reproducible.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Hand washing. Simple, cost effective, evidence based ... lip service!

Hand washing is so simple that we teach our toddlers to do it. It's so important in our every day lives that facilities for hand washing can be found in every conceivable environment. Scientists, literature and the media give evidence on the benefits and in the art of good techniques. So why, in an environment where the management of infection is a matter of health and safety for all, is hand washing so low on our ever-growing list of priorities? This article examines the legal and moral issues of hand washing in relation to health and safety, concentrating on possible reasons for non-compliance and how these can be addressed.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
PubMed1998

Structural aspects of survivors' thinking about the Holocaust.

Videotaped interviews of 30 Holocaust survivors were scored for integrative complexity, the recognition of alternate perspectives or dimensions of a topic ("differentiation") and the joint consideration of several perspectives or dimensions ("integration"). Memories showed decreased differentiation and integration as they moved from pre-war life to the shock and upheaval when organized persecution began. High complexity levels reflected survivors mustering their resources to enhance their chances of survival and successful postwar adaptation. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of quantitative, objective content analytic methods in Holocaust survivor research, add a cognitive dimension to the study of survival during and after extreme situations, and confirm theoretical propositions about decision making and information processing under stress.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1982

Blockade by phentolamine of induced inotropic responses in the canine heart in vivo.

Positive inotropic responses, measured as increases in the maximum derivative of left ventricular pressure (dP/dt), were induced by carotid artery occlusion (CAR), intravenous norepinephrine (NOR), or intravenous isoproterenol (ISO) in the canine heart in vivo. NOR and ISO also increased peak ascending flow velocity (V max). ISO increased heart rat (HR), while NOR and CAR produced comparatively little chronotropic response. Phentolamine (1 mg/kg) considerably reduced induced increases in dP/dt, Vmax and HR, while the same dose of propranolol almost completely abolished such increases. The results indicate that phentolamine, and alpha-adrenergic blocking drug, does have and ability to partially block induced positive inotropic responses in the canine heart, and perhaps chronotropic responses as well, although propranolol, a beta-blocker, is more effective. the results are in accord with the view that the principal cardiac adrenergic receptors are not adequately described either as classical beta- or alpha-adrenergic receptors.

Animals↗