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Biomedical subjects

D M Simpson

Publications and source records attributed to D M Simpson.

151 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

The greater susceptibility of North Ronaldsay sheep compared with Cambridge sheep to copper-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and hepatic stellate cell activation.

Sheep of the semi-feral North Ronaldsay (copper-sensitive) and domesticated Cambridge (copper-tolerant) breeds were compared in respect of pathological changes and protein expression in the liver as a result of excessive dietary copper. Acute mitochondrial damage and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation with collagen synthesis occurred in response to moderate copper overload in North Ronaldsay but not in Cambridge sheep. Mitochondrial degradative changes occurred either as ballooning degeneration and rupture with subsequent autophagic degradation or as mitochondrial matrical condensation (pyknosis). In North Ronaldsay sheep prolonged exposure to copper produced mitochondrial hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and nuclear damage with necrosis. Cytosolic isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), an enzyme responsive to oxidative stress, was induced in the liver of Cambridge sheep receiving a Cu-supplemented diet but was undetectable in the non-supplemented control sheep. Conversely, IDH was detected at similar levels in both control and copper-supplemented North Ronaldsay sheep, indicating a lower threshold response, and an enhanced susceptibility, to oxidative stress. "Upregulation" of mitochondrial thioredoxin-dependent peroxidase reductase (antioxidant protein-1) in the hepatic cytosol of the North Ronaldsay (but not Cambridge) sheep affirmed the increased susceptibility of the mitochondria to Cu-induced oxidative stress in this breed. Likewise the upregulation of cathepsin-D indicated increased lysosomal activity and HSC activation. The findings may be relevant to copper toxicosis in human infants.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Non-institutional sources of assistance following a disaster: potential triage and treatment capabilities of neighborhood-based preparedness organizations.

The following paper presents an argument for enhancing and encouraging the development of neighborhood-based disaster preparedness organizations, particularly as a potential medical triage and treatment resource following a disaster. First, the research context for the utility of non-institutional sources of post-diaster assistance is outlined, followed by the more specific instance of medical triage and treatment. An emerging model of community disaster preparedness training is described, noting the modules that address disaster medicine. Positive contributions and limitations are addressed looking to disaster and non-disaster experiences. While the potential for non-traditional resources to aid immediate post-disaster response is becoming both more common and more accepted, there are a number of recommendations that would improve the usefulness and value, including: 1) integration with existing emergency care infrastructure; 2) standardization of training; 3) use of coordinated drills between public safety organizations, hospitals, and voluntary sectors; and 4) dedication of more funding to assist in the creation and maintenance of programs. Because of the relative infancy of these community-based programs, and the infrequency of large-scale disasters, there is little, if any, pre-post research that can demonstrate a measured impact on response. More pre-disaster baseline data-gathering efforts are needed, combined with post-disaster evaluative research to understand the utility of these non-traditional resources in terms of overall response, and in particular the ability to assist in areas of disaster medicine practice. One also expects that under these kinds of [disaster] conditions, family members, fellow employees, and neighbors will spontaneously try to help each other. This was the case following the Mexico City earthquake where untrained, spontaneous volunteers saved 800 people. However, 100 people lost their lives while attempting to save others. This is a high price to pay and is preventable through training.

Community Participation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Immunization rates among young children in the public and private health care sectors.

INTRODUCTION: To meet the national goal of 90% immunization levels in 2 year olds, both the public and private sectors must achieve optimal standards for immunization delivery. This study investigated differences in characteristics of children receiving immunizations from public and private providers and assessed parental attitudes about prevention, perception of barriers, and attitudes about vaccines. METHODS: Data are from a 1994 statewide household survey of 3,813 parents of children between the ages of 3 and 24 months. Information on the percentage of children up-to-date for recommended diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, pertussis, oral polio, measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines was based on parent-held immunization records (72%) and parental recall. RESULTS: The percentage of children up-to-date for their immunizations was higher for those attending public clinics (59.8%) than those at private offices (53.8%). Users of the public system were more likely to be Hispanic, not to have graduated from high school, to be < or = 100% of poverty, never married, and unemployed. These parents also were significantly more likely to wonder about the safety and efficacy of vaccines and to have their child's immunization record. Multiple logistic regression showed that possession of an immunization record accounted for differences in immunization levels. CONCLUSIONS: Public clinics can achieve immunization levels in their pediatric clients comparable to those for children in the private health sector. Levels in both public and private sectors are well below 90% and need to be improved.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Knowledge, behavior, and fears concerning breast and cervical cancer among older low-income Mexican-American women.

INTRODUCTION: Although recent studies have documented the low participation level of Hispanic women in cancer screening, few have examined their predisposing knowledge and attitudes concerning cancer. We documented the knowledge and fears concerning cancer of an older population of Mexican-American women and how these factors relate to screening behavior and sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS: The data are from baseline surveys conducted before the start of a community cancer awareness and prevention program. Nine hundred twenty-three Mexican-American women were interviewed in-person about their knowledge, attitudes, and Pap smear and mammogram screening practices. RESULTS: Knowledge and attitude about cancer varied with age, education, type of health insurance, ability to speak English, and place of birth. Women 65 years of age and older were least knowledgeable of cancer-detection methods and screening guidelines. Those with only Medicare or Medicaid knew far less even compared to uninsured women. Women who did not speak English well were more likely not to know the cancer signs and symptoms, risk factors, and screening guidelines. Women who had knowledge of guidelines and detection methods were more likely to have had a recent screening. Older Mexican-American women with more fatalistic and fearful attitudes toward cancer were less likely to have had a recent Pap smear. CONCLUSIONS: The low screening participation among Mexican-American women may be due to their limited awareness and knowledge about breast and cervical cancer screening examinations. Our study highlights the need for wide-scale cancer screening interventions consistent with Mexican-American beliefs.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Why a peer intervention program for Mexican-American women failed to modify the secular trend in cancer screening.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated an intervention program for Mexican-American women to increase Pap smear and mammography screening. METHODS: The three-year intervention included the presentation of role models in the media and reinforcement by peer volunteers. We used a two-community (intervention and comparison) pre-post test design. Activities were targeted to a mainly Spanish-speaking, poverty-level, immigrant population. Pre- and postintervention screening rates were based on independent random samples of Mexican-American women 40 years and older. RESULTS: Women reported a 6% absolute increase in Pap smear use similar to the 7% increase in the comparison community. Both communities experienced large but similar increases in recent mammography use (17% and 19%). Adjusting for differences in demographic factors, intervention and comparison changes remained identical. CONCLUSIONS: Our peer intervention failed to accelerate the secular trend in cancer screening low-income Mexican-American women. Likely, promotional activities were too diffuse and the comparison community was contaminated with similar interventions. Strong social and market forces make it difficult to measure the effect of a specialized intervention on cancer screening rates.

Adult↗