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Biomedical subjects

C M Kennedy

Publications and source records attributed to C M Kennedy.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Plasma cortisol and neuropeptide Y in female victims of intimate partner violence.

BACKGROUND: The experience of intimate partner violence (physical and sexual violence) has been linked to psychiatric disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder, yet data on the neuroendocrine profile in this population is sparse. This study sought to examine baseline plasma cortisol and neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels in female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). METHODS: Morning plasma samples were collected for cortisol and NPY determination in 22 women with histories of IPV (10 with current PTSD, 12 without current or lifetime PTSD) and 16 non-abused controls. RESULTS: Mean cortisol levels were significantly lower in IPV subjects compared with controls, but did not distinguish IPV subjects with and without PTSD. There were no significant differences in mean NPY levels between the groups. Neither cortisol nor NPY levels were significantly correlated with PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that victims of IPV, like women traumatized by childhood abuse, may be characterized by alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning, however, further study is needed to identify specific stress system disturbances in this group.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Cognitive difficulties and posttraumatic stress disorder in female victims of intimate partner violence.

Subjective cognitive complaints of women exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) and nonabused women were examined using the Cognitive Difficulties Scale (CDS). Cognitive complaints were compared among victims of IPV with a lifetime diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (PTSD+; n=20), victims of IPV without lifetime PTSD (PTSD-; n=21), and a nonabused comparison group (n=22). The results indicated that both the PTSD+ and PTSD- groups had significantly higher levels of self-perceived cognitive difficulties than nonabused women. Furthermore, PTSD symptom severity was found to be positively correlated with self-perceived cognitive difficulties (r=.47). Further research is needed to determine whether cognitive complaints are associated with exposure to IPV, with the subsequent development of PTSD, or with other not yet understood factors. Furthermore, additional work is needed to resolve whether cognitive complaints are accompanied by objective evidence of cognitive dysfunction in victims of IPV.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of vitamin A supplementation on maternal morbidity during pregnancy and postpartum among HIV-infected women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether low-cost treatment of HIV using vitamin A would be beneficial, we examined the effect of vitamin A supplementation on morbidity of HIV-1 infected women. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double blind placebo-controlled trial at King Edward VIII Hospital, in Durban, South Africa. In total, 312 HIV-seropositive pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks' gestation were recruited into this trial. Patients were randomized to receive placebo or 5,000 IU retinyl palmitate and 30 mg beta-carotene daily. At delivery of their children, patients received placebo or 200,000 IU retinyl palmitate. The main outcome measures were pre- and postnatal report of HIV-related symptoms. RESULTS: Vitamin A did not confer any significant beneficial effect on the report of either HIV or pregnancy-related symptoms during the pre- or postnatal period. CONCLUSION: In this study of HIV-infected pregnant women, vitamin A supplementation given in doses designed to decrease mother-to-infant transmission did not result in significant beneficial effect on reported symptoms pre- or postnatally. Further investigation with larger number of participants, tailoring supplementation for specific clinical conditions, outside the context of pregnancy, is required to help clarify the possible clinical benefits of vitamin A.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Meta analysis: effects of interventions on premature infants feeding.

Nipple feeding of premature infants presents a challenge to neonatal nurses who are trying to prepare the infants for eventual discharge from the hospital. To determine what empirical evidence there was to support interventions that positively influence feeding performance and feeding efficiency a meta-analysis is presented. The effects of NPO, nasogastric tubes, different nipples, breast versus bottle feeding, gestational age, oral support, oral stimulation, and nonnutritive sucking on volume intake are evaluated. The results suggest that nursing care should: (a) consider the infant's gestational age; (b) maturational ability and development; (c) keep track of and attempt to minimize the length of time an infant is NPO; and (d) provide prefeeding oral stimulation and oral support.

Bottle Feeding↗
PubMed2000

Vitamin A and HIV infection: disease progression, mortality, and transmission.

Among HIV-infected individuals, many nutritional factors that influence disease progress, mortality, and transmission are not well understood. Of particular interest is the role of vitamin A. The benefits of vitamin A have been recognized since ancient times by Egyptian physicians who successfully treated night blindness with vitamin A. Contemporary scientists have since recognized the importance of vitamin A and have provided evidence that it may help in repairing damaged mucosal surfaces; what remains unclear, however, is its role during HIV infection. In this review, we examine the evidence provided in both observational studies and randomized controlled trials that assessed the effect of vitamin A during HIV infection.

CD4 Lymphocyte Count↗
PubMed1999

Risk of repetition of a severe perineal laceration.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of subsequent delivery in women with a history of a third- or fourth-degree laceration with outcomes in women without such a history. METHODS: This retrospective study used a perinatal database and chart review from 1978 to 1995. Only women whose first delivery was at our institution at more than 36 weeks' gestation, vaginal singleton, vertex presentation, and birth weight greater than 2500 g, with a subsequent delivery were included. The women were grouped by presence or absence of a third- or fourth-degree (severe) perineal laceration in their first delivery. The subsequent delivery was analyzed for maternal age, weight, birth weight, gestational age, method of delivery, use of episiotomy, and occurrence of a severe laceration. Comparison of data was by Fisher exact and t tests. RESULTS: Four thousand fifteen women met our starting criteria. In their first delivery, the average birth weight, use of instrumentation, and episiotomy rate were significantly higher in those women sustaining a severe laceration. When compared with women without a history of severe perineal laceration, women with such a history were at more than twice the risk for another in their subsequent delivery. The women at highest risk (21.4%) were those sustaining a laceration in their first delivery who underwent instrumental vaginal delivery with episiotomy in their subsequent delivery. When episiotomy or instrumental delivery was performed in the second vaginal birth, 52 (11.6%) of 449 women with a history of a severe perineal laceration sustained another, compared with 98 (6.5%) of 1509 without such a history (P < .001, odds ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.3, 2.7). CONCLUSION: Women delivering their second baby, and in whom episiotomy or instrumentation is used, are at increased risk of severe perineal laceration compared with women delivery spontaneously.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Antenatal diagnosis of vesicouterine fistula.

BACKGROUND: In pregnancy, vesicouterine fistulas usually are diagnosed postpartum after cesarean deliveries. CASE: An 18-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2, with two prior cesarean deliveries had pain and apparent rupture of membranes at 23 weeks' gestation. At 26 weeks' gestation, she developed increasing suprapubic pain and irregular contractions. Ultrasonographic findings included a small uterine defect and possible ballooning of membranes into her bladder. Cytoscopy showed ballooning of amnion into the bladder dome. A viable 900-g female infant was delivered by classic cesarean, the fistulous tract was excised, and the rupture sites were repaired. CONCLUSION: Vesicouterine fistulas might be diagnosed antenatally. With continued contractions and associated uterine rupture, cesarean delivery can be done with excision of the fistulous tract and repair of the rupture sites.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Risk-taking in preschool children.

This study was designed to characterize preschool-age children who engage in daring, risk-taking behaviors. Seventy-four children (39 males, 35 females) and their mothers from a wide range of socioeconomic strata participated. Children who described themselves as high in risk-taking were generally males, had higher accident and injury rates, and had parents whose assessments of their children's risk-taking activities were congruent with their own. Contrary to our expectations, however, risk-taking children did not appear to be more than ordinarily impulsive, which suggests that risk-taking is engaged in contemplatively (i.e., with some caution) by some youngsters and need not result in serious mishaps. Cognitive ability was found to be a codependent predictor of risk-taking for boys. Parents and clinicians will find it useful to know that risk-taking is a multidimensional phenomenon, not a unitary behavior or personality trait and that the Injury Behavior Checklist would be a valuable tool for screening selected populations.

Accident Proneness↗
PubMed1998

Childhood nutrition.

This review focuses on the research in normative nutrition for children aged 2 to 12, published from 1985 to 1996. The chapter uses a primary prevention framework and the Healthy People 2000 (Public Health Service, 1990) objectives to identify and review those areas relevant for childhood health promotion and nursing practice. Current research demonstrates that food intake in early childhood is causally linked to health-related problems later in life, therefore obesity and cardiovascular research are highlighted in this review. Environmental and societal factors affect the nutritional health of children, thus the contribution of the media, poverty, cultural, and family practices are also reviewed. The chapter concludes with a summary of strengths and weaknesses of the body of research and suggestions for a nursing agenda in the area of childhood nutrition.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed1998

Intrauterine growth restriction: identification and management.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a common diagnosis in obstetrics and carries an increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Identification of IUGR is crucial because proper evaluation and management can result in a favorable outcome. Certain pregnancies are at high risk for growth restriction, although a substantial percentage of cases occur in the general obstetric population. Accurate dating early in pregnancy is essential for a diagnosis of IUGR. Ultrasound biometry is the gold standard for assessment of fetal size and the amount of amniotic fluid. Growth restriction is classified as symmetric and asymmetric. A lag in fundal height of 4 cm or more suggests IUGR. Serial ultrasonograms are important for monitoring growth restriction, and management must be individualized. General management measures include treatment of maternal disease, good nutrition and institution of bed rest. Preterm delivery is indicated if the fetus shows evidence of abnormal function on biophysical profile testing. The fetus should be monitored continuously during labor to minimize fetal hypoxia.

Female↗
PubMed1997

Determination of zafirlukast, a selective leukotriene antagonist, human plasma by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of zafirlukast, a selective peptide leukotriene receptor antagonist, in human plasma. Zafirlukast and the internal standard, ICI 198 707, were extracted from deproteinated plasma samples using large reservoir C18 solid-phase extraction columns and analyzed by normal-phase liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The method had a lower limit of quantitation of 0.75 ng/ml and a linear calibration curve in the range of 0.75 to 200 ng/ml. The absolute recovery of zafirlukast was > 90%, and the within-day and between-day relative standard deviations were < 9%. The utility of the method in the characterization of the plasma concentration-time profiles of zafirlukast in clinical studies was demonstrated.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1992

Effects of melatonin on water metabolism and renal function in male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).

The pineal indoleamine, melatonin, has been shown to influence many physiological systems within the mammalian body. Few studies, however, have examined the influence of melatonin on renal function. This study investigated the effects of melatonin on water metabolism and renal function. Young adult male Syrian hamsters were maintained on a long photoperiod (LD 14:10) in metabolic cages. The animals received daily (1700) injections of either control vehicle or 25 micrograms of melatonin for 85 consecutive days. Melatonin administration resulted in significant increases in water consumption and urine production. Water budgets were also significantly influenced by melatonin, as were urinary osmolality, urinary sodium, and potassium concentrations, but urinary calcium concentrations were essentially unaltered. When excretion rates for sodium, potassium, and calcium were calculated, no differences were observed between the vehicle control and melatonin-treated groups. Injections of melatonin also significantly decreased plasma antidiuretic hormone (ADH). These results demonstrate that afternoon injections of melatonin can alter renal function, which may involve direct (i.e., on ADH secretion and/or thirst mechanisms) or indirect (i.e., behavioral) effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

The influence of the timing of preparation on the anxiety of preschool children experiencing surgery.

A quasi-experimental design with two groups of preschool children was used to determine if surgical preparation offered at two different time periods would result in different levels of state anxiety and posthospital behavioral upset. Twenty-three children (3 to 6 years of age) were studied. The children in one group were prepared the afternoon before surgery, and the children in the other group were prepared the morning of surgery. The same surgical preparation program was given to all the children by the principal investigator. The state anxiety level of each child was assessed at six time points during the ambulatory surgical experience. The posthospital behavioral upset of each child was also measured. The parent of each child responded to a 27-item questionnaire one week after discharge. Analysis of the observation and questionnaire data indicated that the children who were prepared the afternoon before surgery did not differ significantly in state anxiety or posthospital behavioral upset from the children who were prepared the morning of surgery. Also, the levels of anxiety of the children in the two preparation groups did not vary significantly with the type of surgery. The state anxiety mean score of the children in the morning preparation group at each time point was lower than the mean score of the children in the afternoon preparation group at each time point. Replication of the study with a larger sample size is recommended.

Affect↗
PubMed1988

Technetium carboxylate complexes--II. Structural and chemical studies.

Formate, acetate, and pivalate based complexes of technetium have been prepared by the electrochemical reduction of pertechnetate in the appropriate carboxylate buffer. Also, chemical synthetic routes to these complexes have been explored using technetium chloro compounds of known oxidation states as starting materials. The technetium carboxylate complexes were selectively examined by subtractively normalized interfacial Fourier transform infrared, electron spin resonance, and electronic spectroscopy, electrochemistry, electrophoresis, and anion exchange chromatography. These complexes have been proposed to be metal-metal bonded dioxo bridged ditechnetium(IV) species with axial and bridged carboxylate ligands.

Carboxylic Acids↗
PubMed1988

A formate based precursor for the preparation of technetium complexes.

Tc-formate complexes have been prepared by electrolytic, stannous, and borohydride reduction of pertechnetate in formate buffer. Individual Tc-formate complexes were isolated from reaction mixtures with silica bonded phase anion-exchange HPLC. The predominate air stable red Tc-formate complex has a negative charge, an absorption maximum at 536 nm, and a molecular weight between 100 and 300 dalton. The isolated major Tc-formate complex was found to react with isocyanide, diphosphonate, and various nitrogenous ligands. The relevant use of Tc-formate complexes as synthetic precursors to other technetium complexes is seen as being beneficial to the understanding of technetium ligand substitution.

Chemical Phenomena↗