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Biomedical subjects

J D Whitney

Publications and source records attributed to J D Whitney.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Low-dose ultrasound effects on wound healing: a controlled study with Yucatan pigs.

This study reports on the effect of low-dose ultrasound in accelerating wound healing in matched pairs of surgically induced incisions and full-thickness and partial-thickness lesions in 11 Yucatan mini-pigs after 7 days of healing and 5 days of sonation. Tensile strength, collagen deposition (hydroxyproline), reduction in wound size (full-thickness lesion), and mast-cell degranulation were significantly greater in the sonated lesions than in the sham-treated controls (p = 0.01). Sonation enhanced strength by 24% and collagen deposition by 29%, when compared with controls. There were no significant differences in the quality of healing as measured by an ordinal scale. The results suggest that within the first week of healing, low-dose ultrasound facilitates wound healing. More research is needed to confirm the most effective dose, frequency, and treatment duration and intervention time for maximum healing.

Animals

Nutritional intake and status of clients in the home with open surgical wounds.

The purpose of this study was to determine (a) whether the nutritional intake of patients at home with wounds healing by secondary intention was adequate to support healing, and (b) the nutritional status of these patients. Nineteen subjects with a mean age of 65.3 years were accrued. Of the 17 subjects for whom nutritional intake data were available, 16 had insufficient caloric intake to support healing and over half had less than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of protein. Using the RDA as a conservative measure of vitamin and mineral need with injury, Vitamin C intake was decreased in approximately one third of the subjects, while all but one had decreased zinc intake. Over two thirds of the subjects reported a decrease from their usual weight and all the subjects measured had triceps skin fold (TSF) and mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) which were below the first and second Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (HANES I & II) median. Mean serum albumin of the sample was below normal. The nutritional intake of these patients needs increased attention. Community health nurses (CHNs) need to assess nutritional status and monitor the intake of patients with wounds. Future research needs to address why intake is decreased and test strategies to increase oral intake.

Aged

The influence of tissue oxygen and perfusion on wound healing.

The availability of oxygen (O2) to cells in the wound area and the presence of adequate blood flow are important factors to the healing process. Oxygen plays a critical role in the formation of collagen, the growth of new capillaries, and the control of infection. Perfusion and delivery of O2 to tissue are closely related. Although an adequate blood flow does not guarantee a sufficient supply of O2, without it the provision of O2 to healing tissues will be impaired. Basic scientific studies have clarified how O2 and blood flow influence healing. Recent research has focused on clinical populations and begins to provide direction for additional clinical studies and interventions to support the healing process. Based on existing research, clinical interventions aimed to maintain perfusion and supply of O2 include fluid volume assessments, pulmonary hygiene regimens, postoperative position changes, and ambulation.

Biological Availability

Good general practice.

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Attitude of Health Personnel

The measurement of oxygen tension in tissue.

Delivery of oxygen to cells is critical to biochemical and metabolic processes and is particularly important during conditions of illness and recovery. However, accurate measurement of perfusion and tissue oxygen tension, determinants of cellular oxygen supply, has been problematic. Technologic advancements offer promise for the assessment of these significant variables. Instruments utilizing polarographic electrodes have been commonly used for the measurement of tissue oxygen tension. Recently, optical fluorescence has been employed to measure the partial pressure of oxygen. These predominant methods for determining tissue oxygen tension are described and applications for research are discussed.

Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous