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Biomedical subjects

J Burridge

Publications and source records attributed to J Burridge.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Treadmill training for individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomised trial.

This pilot study investigated whether 4 weeks of aerobic treadmill training in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) improved mobility and reduced fatigue. Individuals with MS were recruited to this prospective, randomised controlled trial. Individuals were assessed at baseline, week 7 and 12 with a 10 metre timed walk, a 2 minute walk, the Rivermead Mobility Index, and the Fatigue Severity Scale. After a pre-assessment familiarisation session and a baseline assessment, individuals were randomly allocated to an initial intervention or delayed intervention group. Treadmill training consisted of 4 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise delivered weeks 3-6 in the immediate group and 8-11 in the delayed group. Of the initial 19 recruits, 16 individuals completed the study. There was a significant difference in walking endurance between the delayed and immediate groups at baseline (p<0.05). On reassessment in week 7, decreases in 10 metre walk time were found in both groups, which was significant in the immediate group (p<0.05). The 2 minute walk distance significantly increased in both groups (p<0.05). In the training group, reassessed at week 12 after training ceased, there was a return towards baseline scores. No significant changes in fatigue scores were found. This study showed that in individuals with MS, aerobic treadmill training is feasible and well tolerated. Walking speed and endurance increased following training with no increase in reported fatigue. Detraining occurred in the period following training. A larger randomised clinical trial is warranted.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Correlation between upper limb functional ability and structural hand impairment in an early rheumatoid population.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship in individuals with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) between self-report upper limb function, therapist-assessed upper limb function and therapist-assessed measures of structural impairment (handgrip, active hand motion and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint ulnar deviation). DESIGN: Thirty-six patients with early RA were recruited across seven outpatient occupational therapy departments. OUTCOME MEASURES: Upper limb functional activity and ability was measured using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Grip Ability Test (GAT). Upper limb impairment was assessed by bilateral power handgrip using the MIE Digital Grip Analyser, goniometry measures of bilateral metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint ulnar deviation and bilateral active motion of the wrist. RESULTS: Strong correlations (> 0.7) were seen between the self-report DASH questionnaire and the therapist-rated GAT assessment. Bilateral power handgrips were also strongly correlated with both functional assessments. Dominant ulnar deviation at the MCP joints demonstrated a weak correlation (0.3-0.4) with both self-report and therapist-rated functional ability and a weak to moderate. (0.1-0.5) correlation on the nondominant side. CONCLUSION: In this early RA population handgrip strength is an accurate indicator of upper limb ability. Ulnar deviation at the MCP joints shows only a weak to moderate association with upper limb functional activity and ability. Although the DASH and the GAT were strongly correlated, the DASH was a more discriminating measure than the GAT in assessing upper limb ability in this sample population.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1999

Clinical audit of 5 years provision of the Odstock dropped foot stimulator.

The Odstock dropped foot stimulator (ODFS) is a foot switch controlled single channel neuromuscular stimulator for correction of dropped foot. Following a randomized controlled trial, the ODFS was recommended for use in the United Kingdom's National Health Service and a clinical service established. The patient performance was assessed by measurement of walking speed over 10 m, physiological cost index (PCI), and by questionnaire. After 4.5 months stroke patients (n = 111) showed a mean increase in walking speed of 27% and reduction in PCI of 31% with stimulation and changes of 14% and 19%, respectively, unassisted. Multiple sclerosis patients (n = 21) gained similar orthotic benefit but no carry over. The principal reason cited for using the equipment was that it reduced the effort of walking. The principal reasons identified for discontinuing were an improvement in mobility, electrode positioning difficulties, and deteriorating mobility. A comprehensive clinical follow-up service is essential to achieve the maximum continuing benefit from FES based orthosis.

Cerebrovascular Disorders↗
PubMed1997

Experience of clinical use of the Odstock dropped foot stimulator.

The Odstock dropped foot stimulator (ODFS) is a simple functional electrical stimulation (FES) device for the correction of dropped foot. Improved reliability, fine control of stimulation parameters, and careful application and follow-up have let to 86% compliance. Data on 56 patients (50 patients with hemiplegia, 5 patients with multiple sclerosis, and 1 patient with spinal cord injury) who have used the system for between 6 and 18 months are presented and show a statistically significant increase in walking speed with the stimulator at 3 months of 14% (p < 0.001); decreased effort of walking, measured as physiological cost index (PCI), of 37% (p < 0.001); and statistically significant improvement in functional mobility tests and questionnaires. No statistically significant carryover was seen although 3 patients had sufficient improvement in active ankle control and gait parameters to no longer need the stimulator. Six patients who used the stimulator all day every day had a problem with skin irritation, which we have not yet been able to solve. Two patients discontinued use after experiencing increased spasticity in the calf.

Electric Stimulation Therapy↗
PubMed1993

Human basophil degranulation is not triggered by very dilute antiserum against human IgE.

We have attempted to reproduce the findings of Benveniste and co-workers, who reported in 1988 that degranulation of human basophil leukocytes is triggered by very dilute (10(2)-10(120)) antiserum against IgE. The results were contrary to conventional scientific theory and were not satisfactorily explained. Following as closely as possible the methods of the original study, we can find no evidence for any periodic or polynomial change of degranulation as a function of anti-IgE dilution. Our results contain a source of variation for which we cannot account, but no aspect of the data is consistent with the previously published claims.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1990

1-(m-chlorophenyl)-biguanide, a potent high affinity 5-HT3 receptor agonist.

1-(m-Chlorophenyl)-biguanide (mCPBG) was examined and compared with three 5-HT3 receptor agonists in three 5-HT3 receptor models. mCPBG inhibited [3H]GR67330 binding to 5-HT3 receptors with high affinity (IC50 1.5 nM). mCPBG depolarized the rat vagus nerve with an EC50 one tenth of that for 5-HT (0.05 vs. 0.46 microM); the maximum depolarization was approximately half that for 5-HT. The mCPBG depolarization was potently blocked by the selective 5-HT3 antagonist, ondansetron (pKB 8.6 +/- 0.1). In anaesthetised cats, mCPBG potently evoked the Bezold-Jarisch reflex which was blocked by low doses of ondansetron (10 micrograms/kg i.v.). It is concluded that mCPBG is a potent, high affinity 5-HT3 receptor agonist.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1990

The use of the wound scoring method 'ASEPSIS' in postoperative wound surveillance.

For the purposes of wound surveillance programmes and clinical trials, a wound scoring method, ASEPSIS, makes assessment of wound sepsis more objective and reproducible by allotting points both for the appearance of the wound in the first week and for the clinical consequences of infection. ASEPSIS was compared with other definitions of wound infection in 1029 surgical patients and its suitability for surveillance and detection of risk factors were examined. Satisfactory healing was recorded in 867 patients, disturbance of healing in 74 and minor, moderate and severe wound infection in 41, 24 and 23 patients respectively. An ASEPSIS score over 20 points was more sensitive and as specific as the presence of pus as an indicator of changes in management resulting from infection. Multiple regression analysis of ASEPSIS scores indicated that operation type, ward, degree of contamination, age, body mass index, and preoperative stay in hospital were significant risk factors. In matching 52 infected patients with uninfected controls, any wound score over 10 points was associated with a significant delay in discharge from hospital (median 3 days, P less than 0.0005).

Cross Infection↗
PubMed1990

The pharmacological characterization of 5-HT3 receptors in three isolated preparations derived from guinea-pig tissues.

1. The pharmacological characterization of the 5-HT3 receptors in guinea-pig isolated tissues is described. The tissues used were ileum (longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus), colon and vagus nerve. The guinea-pig isolated colon is a novel preparation. 2. In the guinea-pig isolated ileum, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 1 x 10(-8)-3 x 10(-5) M) and the selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist 2-methyl-5-HT (3 x 10(-7)-1 x 10(-4) M) caused concentration-related contractions. The 5-HT concentration-response curve was biphasic whilst the 2-methyl-5-HT curve was monophasic. The EC50 value for the low potency portion of the 5-HT curve was 4.1 x 10(-6) M. The EC50 for 2-methyl-5-HT was 1.23 x 10(-5) M. Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists caused rightward shifts of the 2-methyl-5-HT curve and the lower potency portion of the 5-HT curve. Neither ketanserin (1 x 10(-6) M) nor methysergide (1 x 10(-5) M) antagonized the responses to 5-HT or 2-methyl-5-HT. 3. In the guinea-pig isolated colon, 5-HT (3 x 10(-7)-3 x 10(-5) M; EC50 2.4 x 10(-6) M) caused contractions which were mimicked by 2-methyl-5-HT (1 x 10(-6)-1 x 10(-4) M; EC50 7.2 x 10(-6) M). Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists caused rightward displacements of the 5-HT concentration-response curves. Neither ketanserin (1 x 10-6 M) nor methysergide (1 x 10- 5M) had any effect on responses to 5-HT or 2-methyl- 5-HT. 4. In the guinea-pig isolated vagus nerve, 5-HT (1 x 10-6-3 x 1O-4M) and 2-methyl-5-HT (1 x i0-S- 1 X 10-3m; EC50 7.6 x 10- M) caused depolarizations; at higher concentrations there were afterhyperpolarizations. The maximum response to 2-methyl-5-HT was less than half that to 5-HT. Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists caused rightward displacements of the 5-HT concentration-response curves. Antagonists at other 5-HT receptors (ketanserin, 1 x 10- M and methysergide, 1 x 10-6 M) had no effect. 5. The estimated affinity values of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists correlated well between the three models. Phenylbiguanide was inactive as an agonist or antagonist (up to 1 x 1O-4M) in each preparation. 6. Comparisons with antagonist affinity values obtained in the rat isolated vagus nerve revealed marked differences. Antagonists were generally more potent on the rat isolated vagus nerve, although the differences varied considerably between antagonists. 7. The results are discussed in terms of species-related receptor differences.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Should the temperature chart influence management in cardiac operations? Result of a prospective study in 314 patients.

The body temperature is measured routinely and carefully charted in our own and presumably all units. Pyrexia is normal after bypass and is discounted on the basis of clinical experience in the first few days. If this pyrexia persists, a search for infection may be instigated and discharge from the hospital may be delayed. A clinical trial of antibiotic prophylaxis provided the opportunity to collect and collate 6-hourly temperature observations for 314 patients for 1 week after operation. The length of bypass and the presence of lower respiratory tract infection were positively correlated with the duration of postoperative fever. However, neither surgical sepsis nor urinary tract infection had any consistent effect on the duration or magnitude of postoperative fever in the first week.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1982

Trends in death, disablement, and sickness absence in the British Post Office since 1981.

The Post Office occupational health service was established in 1855. Unique epidemiological records of sickness absence, medical retirements, and deaths for 90 years have been extracted from annual reports. The stability of the death rate is striking, but the male sickness absence series is consistent with three periods of roughly constant rates, viz 7.6, 10.0, and 13.1 calendar days a year with increases in level coinciding with the two world wars. By contrast with general experience, Post Office absence has not shown a rising trend in the past 30 years. An examination of the relation between medical retirement and sickness absence rates shows that a strongly negative correlation has reversed to be a strongly positive one since the second world war. The major changes in diagnostic causes of absence, retirements, and deaths are described.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1980

Danazol treatment and platelet function.

Platelet count and platelet function have been studied in detail in 14 women before and during treatment with danazol for endometriosis. A progressive and highly significant increase in platelet count was recorded from the pretreatment value (311 x 10(9)/L) to the value after six months of treatment (366 x 10(9)/L; P less than 0.001). Five patients developed minor platelet release defects, which may have been caused by the drug. However, the abnormalities shown are only likely to be of clinical importance in patients with preexisting platelet abnormalities.

Bleeding Time↗
PubMed1979

An evaluation of currently available methods for plasma fibrinogen.

Fibrinogen levels in a variety of clinical plasma samples were assessed concurrently by several methods. Technics that appeared to provide the best improvements over the basic varieties of methods for fibrinogen assay were used. Results were correlated against a reference method based on Ancrod clottable fibrinogen and calibrated by ultraviolet absorbance with alkaline solutions of carefully dried fibrin standard. The best correlations with the reference method were achieved by an immunologic method using the Centrifichem principle and by heat precipitation with quantitation by packing in microhematocrit tubes. A modified clot opacity method also gave acceptable results. The turbidimetric ammonium sulfate and sodium sulfite precipitation methods correlated less well with the reference method, and in particular, the sodium sulfite technic gave high apparent fibrinogen levels with jaundiced plasmas. Neither of the turbidimetric methods were useful for fibrinogen levels below 50 mg/dl. The thrombin time method showed excellent sensitivity to fibrinogen, even at very low fibrinogen levels, but did not correlate well with the reference method.

Ammonium Sulfate↗