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Biomedical subjects

C James

Publications and source records attributed to C James.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Sudden infant death syndrome: bed sharing with mothers who smoke.

AIM: To examine the sleeping arrangements of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cases on the Wirral. In particular to determine the prevalence of bed sharing with mothers who smoke, a known risk factor for SIDS. METHODS: Retrospective study of postmortem determined cases of SIDS from 1995 to 2000 on the Wirral peninsula (population 350 000, 3500 annual births). Ambulance crew reports, case notes, health visitor reports, postmortem reports, and case discussion records were studied for each case. RESULTS: There were 25 cases of SIDS in the postneonatal age group over the six year period. In nine cases the baby was bed sharing with the mother, of whom seven were smokers. Five of these mothers reported using alcohol or illicit drugs on the night of their infant's death. In two further cases the baby slept on a sofa with a parent. CONCLUSIONS: Bed sharing and smoking remain important risk factors for SIDS. Mothers should be advised ante- and postnatally of this combination of risk factors. Such advice should also include a recommendation not to sleep with their baby if under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, and never to sleep on a sofa with their baby. All "Child Health Record" books given to parents on the Wirral now include this advice. "Reduce the Risk" advice leaflets given to parents pre- and postnatally also now carry the recommendation, and health visitors and midwives have been educated with respect to these additions.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed2003

Distribution analysis of vitamin D highlights differences in population subgroups: preliminary observations from a pilot study in UK adults.

There is no consensus between Authors on the definition of a replete or deficient vitamin D state. Our aim was to describe a suitable method that could be used to compare vitamin D data in subject groups with small or large numbers. Two hundred and forty indigenous asymptomatic, non-pregnant adult subjects recruited from a single-consultation outpatient attendance with normal biochemistry, represented a sample of our inner city district population. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25,OHD3) levels were measured to illustrate the effects of season, sex and ethnic group on vitamin D levels and subjected to distribution analysis. This method quantifies as a percentage the distribution of 25,OHD3 concentrations (observed concentration, OC) in pooled group data. The data can be expressed as distribution frequency domains or cumulative frequency ogives (0-100%) or transformed into discrete linear probits, amenable to regression analysis. An estimate of the OC50 (mid-point) and upper (either OC75 or OC95) or lower (either OC25 or OC5) range or at any other frequency between subject groups can be compared. A marked difference in 25,OHD3 levels between Asian and non-Asian asymptomatic adult subjects was seen during both seasons. 25,OHD3 deficiency was defined as at or below the OC25 for the non-Asian group (for both sexes: winter < 13.36 ng/ml, summer <13.38 ng/ml). The majority of Asians of both sexes were 25,OHD3 deficient (winter 94%, summer 82%). The distribution analysis provides an easy technique to compare 25,OHD3 status of different subject groups, allowing the description of populations using either longitudinal or cross-sectional data. This method may offer a way of describing 25,OHD3 deficiency between observers worldwide.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Dalitz plot analysis of the decay D(+)-->K(-)pi(+)pi(+) and indication of a low-mass scalar Kpi resonance.

We study the Dalitz plot of the decay D(+)-->K(-)pi(+)pi(+) with a sample of 15090 events from Fermilab experiment E791. Modeling the decay amplitude as the coherent sum of known Kpi resonances and a uniform nonresonant term, we do not obtain an acceptable fit. If we allow the mass and width of the K(*)(0)(1430) to float, we obtain values consistent with those from PDG but the chi(2) per degree of freedom of the fit is still unsatisfactory. A good fit is found when we allow for the presence of an additional scalar resonance, with mass 797+/-19+/-43 MeV/c(2) and width 410+/-43+/-87 MeV/c(2). The mass and width of the K(*)(0)(1430) become 1459+/-7+/-5 MeV/c(2) and 175+/-12+/-12 MeV/c(2), respectively. Our results provide new information on the scalar sector in hadron spectroscopy.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Observation of the decay K- --> pi(-)mu(+)mu(-) and measurements of the branching ratios for K+/- --> pi(+/-)mu(+)mu(-).

Using data collected with the HyperCP (E871) spectrometer during the 1997 fixed-target run at Fermilab, we report the first observation of the decay K--->pi(-)mu(+)mu(-) and new measurements of the branching ratios for K+/--->pi(+/-)mu(+)mu(-). By combining the branching ratios for the decays K+-->pi(+)mu(+)mu(-) and K--->pi(-)mu(+)mu(-), we measure Gamma(K+/--->pi(+/-)mu(+)mu(-))/Gamma(K+/--->all) = (9.8+/-1.0+/-0.5)x10(-8). The CP asymmetry between the rates of the two decay modes is [Gamma(K+-->pi(+)mu(+)mu(-))-Gamma(K--->pi(-)mu(+)mu(-))]/[Gamma(K+-->pi(+)mu(+)mu(-))+Gamma(K--->pi(-)mu(+)mu(-))] = -0.02+/-0.11+/-0.04.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Direct measurement of the pion valence-quark momentum distribution, the pion light-cone wave function squared.

We present the first direct measurements of the pion valence-quark momentum distribution which is related to the square of the pion light-cone wave function. The measurements were carried out using data on diffractive dissociation of 500 GeV/c pi(-) into dijets from a platinum target at Fermilab experiment E791. The results show that the /q&q> light-cone asymptotic wave function describes the data well for Q2 approximately 10 (GeV/c)(2) or more. We also measured the transverse momentum distribution of the diffractive dijets.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Observation of color-transparency in diffractive dissociation of pions.

We have studied the diffractive dissociation into dijets of 500 GeV/c pions scattering coherently from carbon and platinum targets. Extrapolating to asymptotically high energies (where t(min)-->0), we find that when the per-nucleus cross section for this process is parametrized as sigma = sigma0Aalpha, alpha has values near 1.6, the exact result depending on jet transverse momentum. These values are in agreement with those predicted by theoretical calculations of color-transparency.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Search for rare and forbidden Charm Meson decays D0 --> Vl+l- and hhll.

We report results of a search for flavor-changing neutral current (FCNC), lepton flavor, and lepton-number violating decays of the D0 (and its antiparticle) into three and four bodies. Using data from Fermilab charm hadroproduction experiment E791, we examine modes with two leptons (muons or electrons) and a rho(0), K( *0), or straight phi vector meson or a nonresonant pi(pi), Kpi, or KK pair of pseudoscalar mesons. No evidence for any of these decays is found. Therefore, we present branching-fraction upper limits at 90% confidence level for the 27 decay modes examined (18 new).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Study of the D(+)(s)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decay and measurement of f(0) masses and widths.

From a sample of 848+/-44 D(+)(s)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decays, we find gamma(D(+)(s)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+))/gamma(D(+)(s)-->straight phipi(+)) = 0.245+/-0.028(+0.019)(-0.012). Using a Dalitz plot analysis of this three body decay, we find significant contributions from the channels rho(0)(770)pi(+), rho(0)(1450)pi(+), f(0)(980)pi(+), f(2)(1270)pi(+), and f(0)(1370)pi(+). We also present the values obtained for masses and widths of the resonances f(0)(980) and f(0)(1370).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Experimental evidence for a light and broad scalar resonance in D(+) --> pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decay.

From a sample of 1172 +/- 61 D(+)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decays, we find gamma(D(+)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+))/gamma(D(+)-->K-pi(+)pi(+)) = 0.0311 +/- 0.0018(+0.0016)(-0.0026). Using a coherent amplitude analysis to fit the Dalitz plot of these decays, we find strong evidence that a scalar resonance of mass 478(+24)(-23) +/- 17 MeV/c(2) and width 324(+42)(-40) +/- 21 MeV/c(2) accounts for approximately half of all decays.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Trace elements in king eiders and common eiders in the Canadian arctic.

We determined concentrations of selected trace elements in tissues of king and common eiders at three locations in the Canadian arctic. Renal and hepatic cadmium concentrations in king eiders at a location in the eastern arctic were among the highest ever recorded in eider ducks: there, they were higher in king eiders than in common eiders. Cadmium concentrations were lower in king eiders from the western arctic than in those from the east. In the western arctic, cadmium concentrations did not differ between species. Hepatic mercury and zinc were higher in king eiders than in common eiders. Zinc and selenium were higher in eiders from the western arctic than in those from the eastern arctic. Trace element concentrations in these two duck species were below published toxicity thresholds. Positive correlations in trace element concentrations in both species were found between total and organic hepatic mercury, renal and hepatic cadmium as well as hepatic zinc, copper, mercury, and cadmium. Body mass of common but not king eiders and spleen mass of both species were negatively correlated with mercury concentrations. In common eiders, the number of nematode parasites was positively correlated with total and organic mercury. Histopathological evidence of kidney or liver lesions that are typical of trace metal poisoning was not found. We did not find evidence to support the hypothesis that trace metal exposure may be contributing to adverse effects on the health of individuals of these species.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Patterns of recreational drug use at dance events in Edinburgh, Scotland.

AIMS: To describe the patterns of drug use at dance (rave) events in terms of prevalence, frequency, type of drugs used, patterns of use, access and risk-associated behaviours. DESIGN: Self-selecting participant-completed survey. SETTING: Three dance events in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and twenty-two drug users (57% males, 43% females), 90% of whom were in employment or education, with an age range of 16-47, 80% between 18 and 23 years. MEASUREMENTS: Participants who answered 'yes' to the question 'Have you used drugs for dance events in the past year' reported (i) the prevalence, types and frequency of drugs used; (ii) prevalence and contents of mixing drugs; (iii) accessing drugs; and (iv) engagement with drug-associated risk behaviours. FINDINGS: Over 80% of the participants had used ecstasy and amphetamine, over 30% cocaine and LSD; over 10% nitrites, psilocybin and ketamine and less than 5% had used crack or tranquillizers. Participants reported regular consumption of ecstasy and amphetamine (e.g. 35% used ecstasy and 25% amphetamine on a weekly basis) often taken in combination, with the occasional use of cocaine, LSD, ketamine and psilocybin. Poly- and mixing-drug behaviours were significantly more likely than monodrug usage. Drugs were accessed through friends than from any other source. Eighty-five per cent reported mixing drugs and/or alcohol, 35% driving on drugs, 36% having a bad experience on drugs; 30% unprotected sex; and 0.9% injecting drugs. Women in the sample reported higher consumption than men. CONCLUSIONS: Dance-drug use has a characteristic pattern that has implications for health promotion and criminal policy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Usefulness of cardiac troponin I in patients undergoing open heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Significant myocardial injury during cardiac surgery is associated with a 10-fold increase in 2-year complication rates, yet there remains no clinical gold standard for diagnosis. Troponin I has complete cardiospecificity and is clinically used for diagnosis of myocardial infarction in other settings. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred consecutive patients undergoing open heart surgery (71 coronary artery bypass grafts and 29 aortic valve replacements) were enrolled and blood samples were drawn preoperatively, at 5 AM and 5 PM on days 1 and 2 after surgery, and at 5 AM for 3 more days. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms were performed daily and echocardiographic studies were performed on patients with either; electrocardiographic changes signifying likely myocardial damage, intraoperative complications, or elevated creatine kinase subfraction MB or troponin values. Seventeen patients had either new wall motion abnormalities or new Q waves all with peak cardiac troponin I >40 ng/mL. Stratification of patients by peak troponin values <40 and >60 ng/mL was highly predictive (P <.001) of days in intensive care unit, days on ventilator, development of new arrhythmia, and especially cardiac events. These postoperative variables also showed a stronger correlation with peak cardiac troponin I than did peak creatine kinase subfraction MB. CONCLUSION: Peak troponin I values detect myocardial infarction the day after heart surgery and predicts patient outcome.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Queensland public sector nurse executives: job satisfaction and career opportunities.

During the past decade, economic and political forces have caused radical transformations in health care systems resulting in changed circumstances within which nursing executives must function. This paper provides an understanding of nursing executives' roles and responsibilities and the impact changes in the health industry have had on their careers. One hundred and forty-seven (52%) of the 281 nursing executives employed in the Queensland Public Health Sector completed a postal self-administered survey. The findings of this study demonstrate their role has expanded to include not only nursing administration, but also responsibility for financial, human resources, strategic and resource management, staff development and quality improvement. The impact of these role changes has affected the health and well-being of nursing executives, with nearly half reporting increased stress, frustration and irritation. Their workload has increased and some reported deterioration in their health, specifically, exhaustion, fatigue and insomnia. Respondents reported they now have less time to spend with families and friends, which has had a negative impact on family relationships. Overall, nursing executives were satisfied with their current position, the work itself and their relationships with their co-workers, but dissatisfied with organisational aspects, especially the quality of mentorship and opportunities for promotion.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Implementation of Web-based interaction technology to improve the quality of a city's health care.

In the clinic, one method for improving the interaction is to ask patients to systematically report their health status, give them standard advice based on their responses, and ask them to discuss this advice with a health practitioner. In the school system, this approach provides aggregate information for targeting programs to meet student needs. In the workplace, this health assessment and personal feedback approach may be offered to employees to improve health care and lower health care costs. But why stop at the door of the clinic, school, or workplace when Internet technology can extend to an entire community the benefits of health assessment and feedback?

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Adjusting for patient characteristics when analyzing reports from patients about hospital care.

OBJECTIVES: To determine which patient characteristics are associated with reports and ratings of hospital care, and to evaluate how adjusting reports and ratings for hospital differences in such variables affects comparisons among hospitals. DESIGN: A telephone survey of a sample of patients hospitalized in 22 hospitals in a single city and a statewide mail survey of hospitalized patients. MEASURES: The surveys assessed: respect for patients' preferences, coordination of care, information exchange between patient and providers, physical care, emotional support, involvement of family and friends, and transition and continuity. The surveys also asked patients to rate their doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff. RESULTS: The variables with the strongest and most consistent associations with patient-reported problems were age and reported health status. Patient gender and education level also sometimes predicted reports and/or ratings. Models including these variables explained only between 3% and 8% of the variation in reports and ratings. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of adjusting for patient characteristics on hospital rankings was small, although a larger impact would be expected when comparing hospitals with more variability in types of patients. Nevertheless, we recommend adjusting at least for the most important predictors, such as age and health status. Such adjustment helps alleviate concerns about bias. It also may be useful to present data for certain groups of patients (ie, medical, surgical, obstetric) separately to facilitate interpretation and quality improvement efforts.

Age Factors↗