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Biomedical subjects

J C Butt

Publications and source records attributed to J C Butt.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Factors affecting force loss with prolonged stretching.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors underlying the force loss occurring after prolonged, static, passive stretching. Subjects were tested before and 5-10 min following 20 min of static, passive stretching of the quadriceps (N=12) or a similar period of no stretch (control, N=6). Measurements included isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force, surface integrated electromyographic (iEMG) activity of the quadriceps and hamstrings, evoked contractile properties (twitch and tetanic force), and quadriceps inactivation as measured by the interpolated twitch technique (ITT). Following stretching, there was a significant 12% decrement in MVC with no significant changes in the control group. Muscle inactivation as measured by the ITT and iEMG increased by 2.8% and 20.2%, respectively. While twitch forces significantly decreased 11.7%, there was no change in tetanic force post-stretch. Although possible increases in muscle compliance affected twitch force, a lack of tetanic force change would suggest that post-stretch force decrements are more affected by muscle inactivation than changes in muscle elasticity.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Risk factors for death from asthma. Prairie Provinces Asthma Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Asthma mortality rates have increased in Canada and worldwide. Within Canada, the highest rates were seen in the prairie provinces. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine risk factors for fatal asthma by comparing those who died of an acute exacerbation with those who attended an emergency department for treatment of asthma. METHODS: The case-control study included all deaths from asthma among those aged 5 to 50 years in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba from November, 1992 through October, 1995 (cases). The 35 fatalities were matched to 209 controls by age, gender, time of the index event and residence. RESULTS: Cases were more likely than controls to have had severe asthma, an unscheduled physician visit in the past year, a past hospitalization for asthma, and to have been intubated. Both groups reported frequent, regular asthma symptoms. Beta-agonist bronchodilator use was more common among cases, as was use in excess of prescribed amounts. Use of inhaled steroids did not differ between groups. Prior to the index event controls were more likely to report a cold or flu (OR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.72) and that medications were "not working" (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.71). Cases were more often sad and depressed (OR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.03 to 8.05). Time between onset/recognition of symptoms and the event was significantly shorter for cases than controls. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups tolerated high levels of regular symptoms, suggesting poor management. Opportunities for intervention existed for both groups near the time of the event. The short time between recognition of symptoms and death suggests patients at increased risk should monitor their condition closely and take action in response to predetermined criteria.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Features that distinguish those who die from asthma from community controls with asthma.

To evaluate risk factors for asthma mortality, an unmatched case-control study was undertaken in the Canadian prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Those between the ages of 5 and 50 (inclusive) who died from an acute exacerbation of asthma were compared to a control group of people with asthma from the same geographical areas who were contacted using random-digit dialing. Because no deaths occurred among residents less than 15 years old, this analysis was limited to cases and controls between 15 and 50 years old. Of the 38 deaths that occurred between November 1992 and October 1995, data were obtained from next of kin for 35 (92.1%). Of the 210 potential controls that were identified, 142 returned completed questionnaires (67.6%). Cases were more likely than controls to have asthma reported to be severe, to have experienced nocturnal symptoms, to have had cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/intubation, and to have had more healthcare utilization in the previous year. Medication use was also more common among cases compared to controls. Specific asthma triggers were reported more often for cases than controls; weather changes, excitement, depression, and stress showed the greatest case control differences. Although a number of very strong risk factors for death from asthma were identified, death from asthma is so rare in this age group that it is not possible to label an individual as "likely" to die from asthma. Nonetheless, patients, caregivers, and health professionals should be aware of indicators that would suggest greater risk.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Sudden death from asthma in 108 children and young adults.

To identify factors that may contribute to asthma mortality, 108 acute asthma deaths were reviewed. Information was obtained from medical records, next-of-kin, and autopsy records. The fatal asthmatic was characterized by early-onset asthma, severe disease requiring systemic corticosteroids, and prior hospitalization. Risk factors associated with gender, season, employment, and region were also identified. The fatal attack was characterized by an identifiable trigger, delay in seeking medical attention, and rapid deterioration in clinical status. Death due to asthma was confirmed in 95% of autopsied cases. Adrenal cortical abnormalities were recorded for 18.7% of cases. We conclude that, in addition to established risk factors, complications associated with the use of systemic steroids may contribute to the risk for sudden death in this age group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Sudden death following cesarean section for placenta previa and accreta.

A case of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in a young woman after cesarean section for placenta previa and accreta is presented. Evidence of extensive pulmonary embolization by trophoblastic tissue, together with microthrombi in the cerebral and pulmonary blood vessels, is found at autopsy. Awareness of this syndrome and prompt action are necessary to prevent tragic consequences.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Delayed symptoms and death after minor head trauma with occult vertebral artery injury.

Head injury without loss of consciousness is seldom accompanied by grave complications. We report the case of an 18 year old cyclist who was struck by a car in a minor road traffic accident, suffered minor head injury without loss of consciousness, and died unexpectedly seven weeks later with vomiting and coma. Necropsy revealed an expanding cerebellar infarct and vertebral artery thrombosis, superimposed on an old dissecting intramural haematoma of the right vertebral artery in the atlantoaxial region. Vertebrobasilar occlusion after minor head trauma, hyperextending or rotating neck injury, or neck manipulation is commonest in young people. Occult ligamentous injury to the cervical spine after trauma may be a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of vertebral artery damage after injury to the neck.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Autoerotic asphyxial deaths: analysis of nineteen fatalities in Alberta, 1978 to 1989.

This paper presents an unusual form of sexual (masturbatory) activity and brings this unusual cause of death to wider medical attention and understanding. All 19 cases of autoerotic asphyxial death that occurred between 1978 and 1989 in the province of Alberta, Canada were reviewed. The fatal victim of autoerotic asphyxia is typically a single male aged 15 to 29 years. Autoerotic sexual activity is typically performed in isolation; often there is evidence of repetitive practice. The accidental death usually results when the "safety" mechanism designed to alleviate neck compression fails. Often the first sign of the activity (usually a surprise to family and friends) is death itself. Physicians who are alert to the practice may suggest counselling when patients present with sexual concerns, unusual marks around the neck or evidence of abrasions to limbs suggesting bondage or other masochistic practices.

Accidents↗
PubMed1993

A review of fatal injuries associated with downhill skiing.

Reviewed here are those circumstances surrounding 18 downhill skiing deaths in Alberta, Canada. Variables that elevate the risk of injury and death are highlighted. This study profiles the fatally injured skier. The individual most likely to die while downhill skiing is an experienced male skier, average age 31 years. He loses control while skiing too fast and strikes an object, resulting in fatal blunt trauma injuries. The ability to define characteristics of the individual at risk of a fatal ski injury is important to the design and implementation of injury prevention programs. Public education targeted to those at risk may reduce the incidence of death and injury in downhill skiing.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

A review of 19 fatal injuries associated with backcountry skiing.

A review of circumstances surrounding 19 backcountry deaths in Alberta, Canada, between 1980 and 1991 suggests several factors that increase the risk of injury or death. This study provides a descriptive profile of a fatally injured backcountry skier and the circumstances surrounding his or her death. The individual most likely to suffer a fatal injury while participating in a backcountry ski activity is a 36-year-old man. He is typically an experienced backcountry skier who chooses to ski in areas where the avalanche hazard is known to be moderate to extreme. Delineating the personal characteristics of those at risk for backcountry injury and identifying situations that put them at risk will enable better design of education programs. Targeting high-risk groups may also reduce the incidence of death from this activity.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

A review of fatal bear maulings in Alberta, Canada.

Occasionally, encounters with a grizzly or a black bear have proved fatal. We describe the characteristics of fatal bear maulings and the circumstances that provoked them. The actions of wild bears are compared with those of bears that have become comfortable around people (wild/"habituated" bears). A description of eight deaths that occurred in the province of Alberta, Canada, between 1973 and 1988 will underscore the above.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Laceration of vertebral artery. An historic boxing death.

An historic case of a boxing death (c. 1913) was reviewed, since the cause of death given at the time is now deemed incorrect. Using current literature on traumatic basal subarachnoid hemorrhage, the cause of death is now hypothesized to have been a tear in the right vertebral artery associated with hyperextension and rotation of the neck.

Alberta↗
PubMed1986

Fatal myxedema pericarditis in a Christian Scientist.

A case of fatal cardiac tamponade due to myxedema pericarditis is reported. The woman, a 54-year-old Christian Scientist, had never sought medical care and died at home. The pericardial sac occupied most of the thorax and contained 2,270 mL of fluid. A thick, shaggy, fibrinous exudate on the pericardium contained abundant cholesterol clefts typical of chronic effusion and myxedema. Thyroid function tests on postmortem blood revealed profound hypothyroidism, and the thyroid was atrophied, with the histologic appearance of primary atrophic thyroiditis. Pericardial effusion is common in myxedema, but cardiac tamponade is rare, only 13 cases being previously reported, none of which was fatal.

Cardiac Tamponade↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Motives for not drinking alcohol among Australian adolescents: development and initial validation of a five-factor scale.

Why people drink has been the subject of much research, however, why people do not drink has been largely neglected. The aim of the present study was to develop a Motives for Abstaining from Alcohol Questionnaire (MAAQ) based on Cox and Klinger's [Journal of Abnormal Psychology 97 (1988) 168; Why people drink (1990) 291] motivational model of alcohol use to investigate reasons for not drinking alcohol either at all or on certain occasions. An initial 35-item version of the MAAQ was administered to 187 Australian high school students (years 10 and 12). Analyses supported a five-factor model with the final 19-item version explaining 60% of the variance. The factors were easily interpretable and were labeled: fear of negative consequences, dispositional risk, family constraints, religious constraints, and indifference toward alcohol. Regression analyses showed that different motives for not drinking predicted different aspects of alcohol use. Results are discussed in terms of theories of alcohol use that emphasize the interface of opponent motivational pathways toward decisions to drink.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Factors that influence emergency department visits for asthma.

BACKGROUND: Asthma can usually be controlled through allergen avoidance and/or appropriate medication. An emergency department visit for an acute exacerbation of asthma often represents a breakdown in asthma management. Emergency department treatment results in significant health care expenditures and reflects a compromised quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors associated with an emergency department visit for asthma. METHODS: This case-control study compared 299 people (76% of 390 cases contacted) who attended one of two emergency departments in Alberta in 1992 and 1993 for an acute exacerbation of asthma (cases) with 212 unmatched community controls with asthma who were located by random digit dialing. Cases and controls were asked to complete a mailed questionnaire to obtain data regarding severity, visits to doctors and emergency departments, medication use, allergies and other triggers, and smoking history. Data analysis included bivariate analysis of risk factors and multivariate model development using logistic regression. RESULTS: The response rate was similar between cases and controls. Cases were younger than controls (odds ratio [OR] 2.16, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.48) and more often reported their asthma to be severe (OR 4.25, 95% CI 2.24 to 8.06), and had experienced nocturnal symptoms (stratified OR range 1.36 to 6.82). Cases used more health care services in the previous year, had been admitted to hospital at some time for asthma (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.38) and used more medication than controls. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians and other health care workers should be sensitive to the risk factors and target interventions to high risk individuals.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Solitary asymptomatic plaque of demyelination in the medulla oblongata.

Clinically benign and clinically silent multiple sclerosis is now recognized. The corresponding plaques of demyelination in such cases are usually located in silent areas of the brain. We report a case where a solitary 3 x 3 mm plaque of demyelination was incidentally found in the medulla oblongata at autopsy. Although the plaque should have produced sensory symptoms by virtue of its location, no such history was obtainable even after direct questioning of the spouse of the deceased. The case illustrates that a single episode of demyelination may take place within the CNS without recurrence, and that a demyelinating plaque may be asymptomatic due to a functionally benign local effect, and not only by location in a silent area of the brain.

Humans↗