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Biomedical subjects

D McCormack

Publications and source records attributed to D McCormack.

51 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

The tumoricidal potential of extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

A potential role of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (E.S.W.L.), in the destruction of tumours has been proposed in recent literature. To examine further this potential, we have studied the effects of E.S.W.L. on the sarcoma-derived osteoblast-like cell line MG-63. An in-situ assay of cell viability was used to establish the cellular response to high energy shock wave therapy. A significant tumoricidal effect was confirmed when the cells were grown and tested in conventional monolayer phase. However cells grown in the three-dimensional matrix of alginate beads were significantly less vulnerable to extracorporeal shock wave therapy as earlier studies have suggested.

Cell Survival↗
PubMed1993

Homeless persons communicate their meaning of health.

A qualitative study that utilized a convenience sample of 29 individuals was conducted to uncover the meaning of health as it is experienced by homeless persons. Analysis revealed that homeless persons have two distinct conceptions of health: the characteristics that describe health, and a comprehensive view of the totality of health expressed in different combinations of health dimensions. A total of 10 characteristics that described the essence of health were identified: satisfying basic human needs, having no illness-related complaints, doing the work of health, fulfilling a functional role, having a positive self-image and outlook, being fit, having a support network, eschewing the use of addictive drugs, having good hygiene, and structuring the day. Four distinct perceptions of health were revealed: physical dimensions of health exclusively, physical and mental/emotional dimensions of health considered separately, physical and mental/emotional dimensions of health coexistent, and health as a multidimensional process of well-being. Respondents also indicated that acute life events associated with feelings of loss preceded their state of homelessness. Generally, the respondents in this study considered themselves to be healthy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Endothelium-derived relaxing factors and the human pulmonary circulation.

The vasodilator effect of acetylcholine on the pulmonary circulation was first described over 30 years ago, however, the mechanism remained unknown until Furchgott described the endothelium-dependent relaxation of certain vasodilators. It was not until 1987 that endothelium-derived relaxant factor (EDRF) was demonstrated to dilate human pulmonary arteries in vitro. Despite this work, the physiologic role of EDRF in the pulmonary circulation is not known. It has been suggested that hypoxia-induced inhibition of EDRF action or release from pulmonary artery endothelial cells may have a role in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) but present evidence suggests that loss of EDRF activity is not directly involved in the phenomenon of HPV. It is more likely that EDRF is released from pulmonary artery endothelial cells during hypoxia and this released EDRF then modulates HPV. If EDRF does modulate HPV in vivo then the role of EDRF in the altered HPV found in disease merits attention. It is known that in disease states such as acute lung injury and pneumonia there is loss or attenuation of HPV which inevitably leads to increased V/Q mismatch and hypoxemia. Whether this attenuation of HPV is due to release of an endogenous vasodilator such as EDRF is presently being investigated. Additionally, there is in vitro evidence that loss of EDRF activity may be important in the genesis of pulmonary hypertension such as found in severe cystic fibrosis. During the next decade the role of EDRF in the human pulmonary circulation in both health and disease will undoubtedly be elucidated.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1987

Fansidar hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

We report a subject who had Fansidar prescribed to him for the purpose of malaria prophylaxis. This agent is a combination of pyrimethamine and sulphadoxine. He subsequently developed severe hypersensitivity pneumonia and required mechanical ventilation. We believe that sulphadoxine was responsible for his illness.

Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic↗
PubMed1982

Asthma induced by cold air and its relation to nonspecific bronchial responsiveness to methacholine.

We compared bronchial responsiveness to isocapnic hyperventilation of cold dry air at -18 degrees C and 0% humidity with bronchial responsiveness to inhaled methacholine in 24 subjects with current or previous asthma and 2 nonasthmatics. Two inhalation tests with each agent were carried out in random order on 4 consecutive days. The response to cold air was expressed as the respiratory heat exchange required to reduce the FEV1 by 10% (PD10 RHE) and the response to methacholine as the provocation concentration required to reduce the FEV1 by 20% (PC20 methacholine). There was a close positive linear correlation between PD10 RHE and PC20 (r = 0.86, p less than 0.001). The responsiveness to each agent was highly reproducible. The PD10 RHE could be measured in all 21 subjects with current symptoms of asthma and it could be obtained by extrapolation in 2 normal subjects, but it could not be measured in 3 subjects with a past history of asthma. The PC20 in the current asthmatics was 6.3 mg/ml or less, in the 2 nonasthmatic subjects, it was 14 and 16 mg/ml, and in the previous asthmatics it was between 26 and 54 mg/ml. The results indicate that nonspecific bronchial responsiveness is an important factor influencing the bronchial response to cold air, that either cold air or methacholine are suitable stimuli to measure nonspecific bronchial responsiveness, and that the differences in bronchial responsiveness observed between asthmatics and nonasthmatic subjects are in keeping with a quantitative rather than a qualitative difference in responsiveness.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

The effect of providing recreational activities on the engagement level of long-stay geriatric patients.

The relative effectiveness of providing individual and group activities, as compared to conditions of non-intervention, was studied on a long-stay female geriatric ward. Engagement levels were consistently higher during the sessions when activities were provided. Group activities raised engagement levels more than individual activities. This suggests that levels of engagement are normally low because patients are not provided and encouraged with activities, rather than through disability.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Methylprednisolone in acute spinal cord injuries.

BACKGROUND: Methylprednisolone is the only neuroprotective therapy advocated in acute non-penetrating spinal cord injury. Trials indicate improved neurological outcome following early administration of a high dose regime. The National Spinal Injuries Unit (NSIU) has promoted this regime by a simple laminated poster sent to all Irish A&E departments. AIM: To assess the use of methylprednisolone in patients with spinal cord injuries. METHODS: A retrospective audit of patient data for all patients admitted with traumatic neurological impairment over a 12-month period. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-six patients were admitted during the study period, 28 (14%) received intravenous methylprednisolone of which six had clear records documenting compliance. One patient received both dexamethasone and methylprednisolone in high doses and three had incorrect bolus dosages administered. Six patients received methylprednisolone infusion longer than the protocol, while five patients were given infusions shorter than recommended. Three patients were admitted to the unit that could have received the steroid regime at the point of transfer. CONCLUSIONS: There was poor documentation of prescription orders and timing of administration. Only six patients had clear documentation allowing confirmation of adherence to the protocol of the National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study (NASCIS) III trial.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The osteogenic potential of extracorporeal shock wave therapy. an in-vivo study.

We studied the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the healing potential of osteotomies in rabbit radii. The results of sequential low dose shock wave therapy were compared prospectively with natural healing in the radii of New Zealand white rabbits. Our results suggest that ESWT causes new bone formation locally. However such exuberant callus formation does not equate with accelerated fracture healing and in fact implies a delay in the remodelling process.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ossifying fibromyxoid tumour of soft parts.

Ossifying fibromyxoid tumour of soft parts (OFMT) is a recently described soft tissue tumour. Although rare it deserves recognition as a locally invasive but essentially benign neoplasm. Prior to its description in 1989 by Enzinger, ossifying fibromyxoid tumours of soft parts were classified as a wide variety of lesions, ranging from nodular fasciitis to osteosarcoma. We report a typical case of such a tumour and review current knowledge of this distinct neoplasm.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Trends in RTA related spinal injuries: the post penalty points era.

BACKGROUND: On October 31st 2002 a system of cumulative penalty points for road traffic offences was introduced. Early evidence suggested a reduction in road traffic accident (RTA) related morbidity. AIMS: To evaluate the persistence of the initial reduction in RTA related spinal injuries following penalty points introduction. METHODS: Retrospective review of all acute spinal trauma admissions to the NSIU between November 1st 1998 and October 31st 2004 (n = 966). Patient demographics and injury aetiology were assessed. Follow-up questionnaires evaluated RTA circumstances. RESULTS: RTA related spinal injuries accounted for 39.3% of NSIU admissions. These injuries were significantly more common in males aged 16-24, drivers (70.8%), on routine journeys (77.5%) and rural roads (48.8%). The highest proportion of accidents occurred during weekends (64.3% from Fri-Sun) and from midnight to 6am (29.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The initial reduction in RTA related spinal injuries has not been sustained. Young male drivers are the greatest at risk group.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Marketing strategies nurses can employ to promote health.

Marketing strategies are employed to ensure the success of new products, services or programs. Both profit and non-profit organizations have used social marketing strategies to inform, to motivate interest, and to engage the involvement of the consumer. A client-dependent health care system did not find it necessary to market services, but a health care system that encourages clients to choose the most appropriate health promotion service available must market services. Nurses are in the business of promoting the health of clients. Therefore, it is essential that nurses become familiar with, and involved in, the development of marketing plans and strategies. The connection between the four variables of the marketing mix (product, promotion, place, and price) and promoting the health of clients is described. A case example recapitulating the marketing strategies employed to raise public awareness of a self-help group for family caregivers is related, the marketing response is evaluated, and future recommendations are proposed.

Caregivers↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Incidental neck symptoms in high energy trauma victims.

We conducted a prospective study into the incidence of neck symptoms in victims of high energy trauma. Thirty consecutive patients were questioned regarding neck and jaw pain and stiffness initially and at six weeks. Despite suffering extensive skeletal injuries as a result of road traffic accidents, only two patients had such symptoms. We conclude that the incidence of 'whip lash' is surprisingly low in victims of high energy trauma.

Accidents, Traffic↗