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Biomedical subjects

H J Jenkins

Publications and source records attributed to H J Jenkins.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

The impact of work-related trauma on the well-being of perioperative nurses.

Perioperative nurses are confronted daily with the reality of trauma, of experiencing abuse and conflict in the workplace, dealing with practice issues such as gruesome motor vehicle accidents, as well as the heartbreaking tragedy of death (Michael 1999, Michael & Jenkins 2000). This study explored the reported impact of traumatic events upon the well-being of perioperative nurses, using both qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry. Of the 233 respondents in this study, 161 (69%) reported being exposed to traumatic events. The types of described reactions following trauma were predominantly negative and included negative feelings, negative team member relationship issues, negative behaviour from others, physical concerns and negative working conditions. Intrusion and avoidance behaviour was reported to a significant degree. Performance distress, somatic distress, general feelings of distress and self-related health were significantly poorer in perioperative nurses who had experienced trauma, than their colleagues without such experiences. Conversely, some respondents were able to construe positive outcomes from trauma and grow from the experience. Positive outcomes included gains from the experience, team building, positive feelings and action taken. The current study contributes to understanding of the role of environmental factors, associated work-related trauma and recovery following such events. The outcomes have implications for effective trauma stress management interventions and continuing education of nurses.

Conflict, Psychological↗
PubMed2001

Recovery from work-related trauma by perioperative nurses: the effects of social and personal resources.

The complexities of the recovery process following a traumatic event suggest a need to provide support resources that sustain or promote positive perceptions of the events. The availability and effectiveness of social support is a function of both its content and its capability of responding appropriately to the influence of the recovery dynamics in a contingent manner. Further, the quality of recovery from work-related trauma is suggested to be a function of the interactive processes of the individuals, the organisational environment they work in, and the social support provided. Using methodological triangulaton, 213 nurses working in rural and metropolitan operating suites were surveyed to assess the types, amount and effectiveness of social and personal resources that were used following exposure to traumatic work experiences. The findings demonstrate the significance of personal and social support resources in assisting perioperative nurses to recover from traumatic experiences. A personal sense of coherence and emotional support received through disclosure to work colleagues and supervisors were the most salutary aspects of support following trauma. The results suggest that opportunities should be made available through peer support programs, educational programs and professional meetings to better prepare nurses for traumatic situations and their aftermath. Furthermore, the work organisation needs to be educated in the need for and process of creating sanctuary and providing a holistic approach to management. This will then allow individuals, such as perioperative nurses, to continue to function at an acceptable level during the mitigation of the traumatic incident.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2001

Work-related trauma: the experiences of perioperative nurses.

Traumatic experiences in the workplace are an integral part of the role of the perioperative nurse. The atypical nature and characteristics of these experiences is such that perioperative nurses may suddenly encounter reactions and feelings that are very different and more intense than anything they will have encountered previously. Furthermore, these events may increase the risk of them experiencing subsequent trauma stress reactions and place them at risk of profound distress and significantly impaired functioning. A survey of 233 nurses working in rural and metropolitan operating theatres assessed the range and types of traumatic work experiences. Results showed that exposure to traumatic events was reported by 161 (69%) of all respondents and a wide range of traumatic experiences were reported to have affected their well-being. The findings have implications for the formulation of trauma management strategies, both at individual and organisational levels and suggest new directions for education and research in promoting a recovery environment in which perioperative nurses can work.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Disposition of ivermectin and cyclosporin A in CF-1 mice deficient in mdr1a P-glycoprotein.

The pharmacokinetics and hepatic metabolism of [3H] ivermectin (IVM) and [3H]cyclosporin A (CSA) were investigated in a subpopulation of the CF-1 mouse stock naturally deficient in mdr1a p-glycoprotein (PGP). A survey of key drug-metabolizing activities in liver fractions from PGP-deficient (-/-) or wild-type (+/+) animals indicated the two subpopulations are not different in hepatic metabolic activity and capacity. Intravenous pharmacokinetics of CSA were identical between the two groups, and results from microsomal incubations indicated similar biotransformation of IVM and CSA in liver. Intestinal excretion of [3H]IVM and [3H]CSA was enhanced in PGP (+/+) animals. Absence of PGP resulted in higher blood concentrations of IVM after oral dosing, suggesting enhanced absorption of IVM in (-/-) mice. Concentrations of [3H]IVM and [3H]CSA were always greater in the brains of (-/-) mice compared with (+/+) mice after either i.v. or oral administration. In contrast, liver concentrations of either compound were not different between (+/+) and (-/-) animals after an i.v. dose. These results show the PGP (-/-) and (+/+) subpopulations of CF-1 mice are useful for studying the role of mdr1a PGP in systemic exposure and tissue disposition of PGP substrates in the absence of metabolism differences.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B↗
PubMed1997

The effect of body mass index and oestrogen receptor level on survival of breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that obesity and low oestrogen receptor level adversely affect survival from breast cancer. Few studies have examined the joint effects of these variables. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in which 1169 breast cancer patients from the Northern Alberta Breast Cancer Registry were followed for an average of 4.4 years. A number of variables related to breast cancer incidence and prognosis were studied. Body mass index (BMI) was used as a proxy measure of obesity. RESULTS: A Cox regression analysis resulted in a final model with terms for size of tumour, number of positive axillary nodes, oestrogen receptor level, BMI, and age at diagnosis, plus an interaction term for node status and BMI. Having relatively less oestrogen receptor increased the hazard ratio by 1.8 (95% CI: 1.4-2.3); for woman with no positive nodes, being in the highest quartile of BMI increased the hazard ratio by 2.5 (95% CI: 1.2-5.2) compared to the lowest quartile. CONCLUSIONS: BMI and oestrogen receptor level independently influence survival from breast cancer, but BMI affects survival only in patients with no positive axillary nodes.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Risk factors and 10-year breast cancer survival in northern Alberta.

1,121 women in northern Alberta diagnosed as having breast cancer between 1971-74 were followed for 10 years. Risk factors for breast cancer were studied with respect to their possible influence on survival by comparing survival curves, using both Logrank and Cox's regression model, and controlling for intercurrent death, stage and axillary node status. A complex interaction was found between age and menopausal status and survival rates. Premenopausal women aged 45-55 had a better survival rate than postmenopausal women of the same age. However, one subgroup of premenopausal women aged 35-39 had a significantly worse prognosis than those aged 40-44 as did a group of post menopausal women aged 70-74. No cause was found other than the effect of age. There was a significant trend to worsening survival with heavier weight at time of diagnosis and with breast feeding. Parity of five or more and family history of breast cancer were less consistently associated with worse survival. Oral contraceptive use was only associated with worsened prognosis significantly when stage was controlled for; there was no overall effect. Age at menarche and age at first birth did not influence prognosis. Theories to explain the findings are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Drug-induced esophageal injury: a case report of percogesic.

This is the first case report of esophageal injury caused by Percogesic. A 31-year-old healthy white woman presented with dysphagia and retrosternal pain following the ingestion of a Percogesic tablet. The patient felt the tablet lodge in her mid-esophagus even though she ingested it with a cupful of water and in the upright position. Additional fluid was taken to dislodge the tablet with no success. Past medical history was unremarkable for heartburn, regurgitation, or dysphagia. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a well-circumscribed deep ulceration in the mid-esophagus. Hospitalization was required due to persistent dysphagia. Treatment consisted of a three-day regimen of liquid antacid, intravenous ranitidine hydrochloride, and metoclopramide. This case emphasizes that pill entrapment can occur in the esophagus in healthy individuals, even when taken in the upright position with plenty of fluid; and mucosal injury can be produced by drugs not generally reported to cause gastrointestinal adverse effects or mucosal injury.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1988

The functional conversion hypothesis: a contributor to exercise-induced asthma?

Studies on receptor stability suggest that functional conversion of adrenoceptors between alpha and beta can occur in mammalian myocardium due to variations in the environment such as temperature changes, pH or hormonal changes. If adrenoceptors of the respiratory system behave similarly, heat and water loss of airways noted during hyperventilation could lead to functional loss of inhibitory beta and expression of excitatory alpha adrenoceptors. This would have the effect of counter-action of adrenergic homeostatic mechanisms which may be of particular importance in asthmatic subjects. The hypothesis of adrenoceptor interconversion could contribute to the airway obstruction observed during exercise in asthmatics. This concept is supported by scattered reports of the efficacy of alpha adrenergic antagonists in preventing exercise-induced asthma.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Giant bulla in pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis.

In pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis the air sacs are generally small and the mesentery is rarely involved. We describe a 23-year-old woman with mixed connective tissue disease and known esophageal ulcer who developed hematemesis and abdominal distention. Colonoscopy showed pneumatosis coli. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a 23 cm gas-filled mass, presumably a mesenteric bulla. A conservative approach was elected and the patient's gastrointestinal symptoms improved though there was no change in the size of the bulla 3 weeks later.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Effect of temperature on beta receptor responsiveness in guinea pig pulmonary tissues.

Cumulative concentration-effect relationships of isoproterenol (isoprenaline) on guinea pig tracheal spirals and lung parenchymal strips were determined in organ baths kept at 37 degrees C or at 18 degrees C. The IC50's for isoproterenol at 18 degrees C were significantly (p less than .01) higher than those for isoproterenol at 37 degrees C in both the tissues; although the parenchymal response was affected more than that of the trachea by cooling. pA2 values for propranolol were determined on both tracheal spirals and parenchymal strips at 37 degrees C and 18 degrees C. The pA2 values were decreased in both the tissues by cooling. The decrease was more prominent in the parenchyma than in the trachea, a finding consistent with the concentration-effect relationships studies mentioned above.

Airway Resistance↗
PubMed1985

Cardiovascular effects of two potential beta-hydroxylase inhibitors.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of two potential beta-hydroxylase inhibitors, a dithiocarbamate and a thiourea derivative of d-amphetamine, 1 and 2, respectively. These compounds when given intravenously elicited a significant dose-dependent depressor effect in normotensive rats and dogs anesthetized with chloralose-urethane. The hypotensive effect of these compounds appears to be the result of a combination of two action components: (a) the major component, which can be blocked by atropine, exerted through the parasympathetic division and (b) a decreased availability of sympathetic neurotransmitter at the synaptic cleft. A CNS-stimulant effect of these compounds is suggested by their ability to reduce hexobarbital sleeping time in mice and their analeptic effect in all anesthetized animals employed.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed1984

Bilateral breast cancer in northern Alberta: risk factors and survival patterns.

Of 2231 women with stage I, II or III breast cancer who were registered and seen between 1971 and 1979 and followed to the end of 1981, 48 (2.2%) had synchronous and 58 (2.6%) asynchronous bilateral breast cancer. The unadjusted incidence rate for a second breast cancer was 6.4/1000 breast-years at risk, compared with a rate of 0.70 for the risk of a first breast cancer in women. When calculated from the date of diagnosis of the first breast cancer the survival rate was better for the group with asynchronous disease than for the group with synchronous disease or for a group with unilateral disease, but when calculated from the date of diagnosis of the second cancer the rate was the same in all three groups. Comparison of known risk factors showed a significant association between the development of bilateral cancer and a later age at the birth of the first child and a longer interval between menarche and that birth. There was a trend towards greater age and more stage III cancer in the group with synchronous disease. There was no correlation between receiving radiotherapy for the first breast cancer and development of the second cancer. Annual mammography and clinical examination of asymptomatic women at a cancer centre resulted in the detection of a significantly higher proportion of minimal breast cancers in the second breast compared with the first. Such screening practices should be even more valuable in the earlier detection of unilateral breast cancer in asymptomatic women who have not had breast cancer.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1984

Myositis and death in bobwhites, Colinus virginianus (L.), due to hemorrhagic cysts of a haemosporozoan of undetermined taxonomic status.

An epizootic of myositis and death in pen-reared bobwhites occurred at a hunting club in California. The myositis was caused by myriads of elongate protozoan cysts. The cysts were in various stages of development and when mature, contained spherical zoites 1 micron in diameter. Sinuous compartments were present in all cysts. The walls of the compartments were composed of a material similar to the cyst walls. Mature cysts were filled with blood. The histologic and ultrastructural morphology of the parasite revealed the parasite to be a haemosporozoan. The parasite has numerous similarities to both Akiba caulleryi (Mathis and Leger, 1909) and organisms that cause aberrant leucocytozoonosis in other species of birds. Further studies are needed to determine if the parasite is a part of the normal parasite fauna of quail or if it represents a parasite in an aberrant host.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Oophorectomy versus radiation ablation of ovarian function in patients with metastatic carcinoma of the breast.

A retrospective study of two methods of ovarian ablation as primary therapy for metastatic carcinoma of the breast was carried out using records from this cancer institute. Sixty-one radiation and 97 surgical ovarian ablations, performed from 1972 to 1977, were assessed. Rigid criteria were used to classify response. Over-all response was similar for the surgical and irradiation groups. Survival from the time of ovarian ablation was greater in both groups in those who responded positively than in those who did not. Factors other than estrogen receptor status can determine the response of patients with metastatic carcinoma of the breast to ovarian ablation. These include the disease-free interval, menopausal status, weight and the presence of skeletal or ovarian metastases. The results indicate that clinical determinates and not the efficiency of one method over the other should be the main criteria for choosing between ovarian ablation by irradiation or by oophorectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Mechanism of methacholine-induced rise in intraocular pressure in the dog.

The mechanism of the methacholine-induced rise in intraocular pressure in the dog was studied to determine the basis of the relationship, if any, between lens thickness and intraocular pressure. The results rule out a vasodilator component in methacholine intraocular pressure elevation, and the tonometric recording of the elevation makes unlikely the involvement of methacholine stimulation of the rectus muscles of the eye. Thus, indirect evidence points to methacholine stimulation of ciliary muscle contraction with consequent thickening of the lens as responsible for its intraocular pressure-elevating effect and, hence, the ability of the response under investigation to specify the cycloplegic liability of a neurotropic antispasmodic agent.

Animals↗