PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J M Atkinson

Publications and source records attributed to J M Atkinson.

35 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

A low-cost community approach to weight control: initial results from an evaluated trial.

This article describes a trial of a low-cost, readily disseminatable weight-control program ("Waistline") which uses behavioral, social support, and community strength-building principles. Participants meet for 12 weeks in small, lay-led groups in community settings, and use prepackaged materials designed specifically for those of modest education. Results from 407 participants are presented, showing a mean postcourse weight loss of 5.6 kg (12.3 lb) and a low attrition rate (9-12%). In a subsample followed up at 12 months (N = 96), 80% of this loss had been maintained. A comparison group ("Slimline," N = 26) lost 1.27 kg (2.8 lb) and had an attrition rate of 31-46%. The Waistline results are comparable to those obtained by more intensive and expensive behavioral programs, and demographic data show that those of relatively low educational attainment are well represented. The potential of this approach for cheap, noncommercial dissemination of weight-control programs on a population basis is noted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Serratia: opportunistic pathogen of increasing clinical importance.

Serratia marcescens can become a formidable nosocomial (hospital acquired) pathogen, and is reported increasingly in the world literature. However, it is only a recently recognized problem in Australia. Serratia can carry an antibiotic-resistance plasmid, and, after entry of the organism into very sick patients, it may be hard or impossible to eliminate. Initial experience of Serratia in 34 consecutive cases isolated in a three-months period is presented. Rapid increase in the number of Serratia infections occurred after the appearance of a resistant strain. Urinary infection was the commonest presentation (91% of cases). The presence of an indwelling urinary catheter in a debilitated patient was the major predisposing factor. Significant bacteraemia followed in four cases with one death. Contamination of burns (surfaces) and surgical wounds was found in four cases. Serratia strains were found to be highly resistant to most antimicrobial agents in routine sensitivity testing, 20% being fully resistant to all tested agents, and nalidixic acid being the most effective inhibitor in the remainder. With bacteriocin typing of Serratia, two types were found to be dominant. These two bacteriocin types were not identified among strains isolated from other sources such as soil, water and local hospitals. Pharyngeal carriage was found in only one case, but faecal excretion of Serratia was found in 11 cases and may be a significant portal of dissemination. Cross-infection from a hospital reservoir of resistant organisms is postulated. A model of cross-infection is also proposed, and methods of control are discussed. In view of the established danger of Serratia in the hospital setting, its isolation can no longer be ignored.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1973

Acidaemia produced by spinal stimulation in the pithed rat.

1. Electrical stimulation of the thoraco-lumbar spinal nervous outflow in the pithed rat preparation produces a fall in arterial blood pH.2. A component of the acidaemic response results from stimulation of skeletal muscle, since the acidaemic response is reduced when contractions of muscle are blocked with gallamine.3. The residual acidaemic response in gallamine-treated rats is reduced by adrenalectomy, suggesting that catecholamines liberated from the adrenal medulla may mediate part of the effect.4. Guanethidine reduces the acidaemic response remaining in adrenalectomized, gallamine-treated rats, suggesting that the effect of noradrenaline released from sympathetic nerve endings contributes to the fall in pH.5. Neither phenoxybenzamine nor propanolol alone significantly reduces the acidaemic response in gallamine-treated rats, but a combination of the two antagonists almost abolishes the effect. Hence the acidaemia is mediated through effects of catecholamines on both alpha- and beta-adreno-receptors.6. Since acidaemia affects responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation and sympathomimetic amines, the significance of these observations is discussed with reference to the use of the pithed rat preparation for assessment of drugs affecting adrenergic mechanisms.

1-Propanol↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Training nurses to support carers of relatives with schizophrenia.

Carers have an enormous amount of responsibility for the welfare and management of people with a mental illness in Britain, and many require help if they are to continue caring. Mental health nurses may be in a key position to offer support, but they are often unclear of what is required and how it should be delivered. Existing UK nurse-led psychosocial interventions for families often focus on the needs of the patient rather than the carer. This article describes a needs-led support service that has been designed for carers whose relatives are diagnosed with schizophrenia. It recognizes the importance of a collaborative partnership between carers and nurses. In 2000, 10 mental health nurses were trained to deliver this support to carers. An evaluation is currently underway. This article outlines the principles of the training programme and how it might enable nurses to meet the carers' needs.

Caregivers↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The prevention of dental disease: changing your patients' behaviour.

This article aims to give practitioners a framework to help their patients establish lasting and healthy dental habits and eliminate harmful ones. The advice given is practical rather than theoretical in nature, and is intended to assist dentists in the development of the appropriate skills, so as to be able to persuade their patients to change their behaviour and thereby control dental disease.

Adolescent↗