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Biomedical subjects

J M Wilkinson

Publications and source records attributed to J M Wilkinson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Biological activities of lavender essential oil.

Essential oils distilled from members of the genus Lavandula have been used both cosmetically and therapeutically for centuries with the most commonly used species being L. angustifolia, L. latifolia, L. stoechas and L. x intermedia. Although there is considerable anecdotal information about the biological activity of these oils much of this has not been substantiated by scientific or clinical evidence. Among the claims made for lavender oil are that is it antibacterial, antifungal, carminative (smooth muscle relaxing), sedative, antidepressive and effective for burns and insect bites. In this review we detail the current state of knowledge about the effect of lavender oils on psychological and physiological parameters and its use as an antimicrobial agent. Although the data are still inconclusive and often controversial, there does seem to be both scientific and clinical data that support the traditional uses of lavender. However, methodological and oil identification problems have severely hampered the evaluation of the therapeutic significance of much of the research on Lavandula spp. These issues need to be resolved before we have a true picture of the biological activities of lavender essential oil.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed2002

Precision of EBRA-Digital software for monitoring implant migration after total hip arthroplasty.

We assessed the precision of the EBRA-Digital software (EBRA, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria) for measuring implant migration after total hip arthroplasty. Study subjects (n = 29) underwent consecutive, standardized, plain radiographic examinations of the hip on the same day after repositioning. The resulting radiograph pairs were digitized and analyzed using EBRA. The precision (95% confidence interval) of the method for measuring migration and wear was <+/-0.9 mm for both implant components. The 95% confidence intervals for measurement of cup inclination and anteversion and femoral stem/shaft angle were <+/-1.7 degrees. Measurement precision was not strongly related to patient gender, digitization method, or observer. The EBRA-Digital method has sufficient precision to detect clinically relevant migration to allow individual patient monitoring after total hip arthroplasty. The method requires careful patient positioning and radiographic technique to produce consistently images suitable for analysis.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip↗
PubMed2002

Personal and professional use of complementary therapies by nurses in NSW, Australia.

In this study, we investigate the personal and professional use of complementary therapies by nurses in NSW, Australia. We found that the therapies and products used by respondents were similar to those used by the general population. Seventy-four percent of respondents had used a complementary therapy in the last year and 38% had used them with a patient. In addition, 67% indicated that they would refer to a complementary practitioner. Respondents were also found to have favourable views of complementary therapies with 85% believing they improve quality of life and only 0.8% indicating they serve no purpose. No major differences were seen between respondents residing in the city vs those in regional areas. The data from this study support the view that nurses are high users of complementary therapies and that they may be the health profession most open to the use of complementary therapies as an integral part of normal health care.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Structure and expression of the genes encoding proteins resident in large peripheral vesicles of Phytophthora cinnamomi zoospores.

Zoospores of Phytophthora spp. contain several characteristic types of peripheral vesicles. One of these, large peripheral vesicles, has been proposed to act as a nutrient store and in P. cinnamomi has been shown to contain three immunologically related high-molecular-weight proteins, designated LPVs. We have used antibodies directed against P. cinnamomi zoospores and cysts to isolate several cDNA clones which are products of the Lpv genes and encode one or more of the LPV proteins present in large peripheral vesicles. Northern blot analysis demonstrated the presence of three large Lpv transcripts (11-14 kb) in RNA isolated from hyphae which had been induced to form sporangia. Coordinate accumulation of the three transcripts occurred after induction of sporangium formation: no transcript was observed in uninduced hyphae and maximum transcript levels of all three transcripts were seen 4-6 h after induction. Genomic Southern blots indicated that P. cinnamomi contains three Lpv genes, presumably corresponding to the three transcripts and proteins seen in Northern and Western blots, respectively. Partial genomic clones representing two of the Lpv genes were isolated and characterized by restriction mapping and partial DNA sequencing. In the regions sequenced, the genes were > 99% identical, the high degree of conservation extending at least 415 bp downstream of their polyadenylation sites. The Lpv coding regions contained a variable number (approximately 12-18) of highly conserved 534 bp repeats, flanked by apparently unique sequences. Variation in the number of repeats in the Lpv genes was responsible for the different sizes of the three transcripts and proteins. Database searches using the Lpv nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences failed to detect any similar sequences. We discuss the molecular events which may have been involved in the evolution of the Lpv genes and the nature of the products of these genes.

Algal Proteins↗
PubMed2001

High use of complementary therapies in a New South Wales rural community.

In this study a postal questionnaire was used to investigate the use of complementary therapies (CT) in a rural region of New South Wales (NSW). A total of 70.3% of respondents reported using one or more therapies with 62.7% having visited a complementary practitioner. Vitamin/mineral therapy (68.7%), chiropractic (26.1%) and massage therapy (25.1%) were the most frequently used therapies, with the most commonly visited practitioners being chiropractors (55.3%) and those trained in vitamin/mineral therapy (47.9%). Of the vitamins, vitamin C and multivitamins were used most often, with garlic and Echinacea being the most used herbal products. The main source of information were friends (64.5%) with most people indicating that CT could improve quality of life and provide relief of symptoms. Results suggest that CT use in rural communities is high and that, in light of these findings, there is a need for training in CT to be included in the undergraduate and continuing education of health professionals. Furthermore, these professionals should be alert to the potential for increased numbers of herb-drug interactions in rural communities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Complementary therapy use by nursing, pharmacy and biomedical science students.

Attitudes towards the use of complementary therapies by students of undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing, Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences were determined using a self-administered questionnaire. Overall, 78% of students had used a complementary therapy in the past year and 56% had visited a complementary therapy practitioner. The therapies most used were those involving vitamins, mineral and other supplements. Practitioners specializing in this area were the most visited, followed by chiropractors. Commonly used products included vitamin C, multivitamins, B group vitamins, garlic, iron and echinacea. Most students thought complementary therapies improved quality of life, with friends and family providing the main sources of information. There were few differences attributable to course or gender. The results suggest that these students have favorable attitudes towards complementary therapies and that many choose to use them as part of normal health care.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Prevention of postoperative wound haematomas and hyperperfusion following carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of wound haematomas and hyperperfusion following carotid endarterectomy and the effect of changes in perioperative management. METHODS: We undertook a prospective audit of the postoperative outcome of 300 consecutive carotid endarterectomies performed for a symptomatic stenosis of the internal carotid artery, under the care of a single consultant. RESULTS: audit of the first 100 operations between 1990-93 resulted in 4 changes to clinical practice. These included the use of Dacron instead of vein because of 3 vein patch blowouts, invasive postoperative monitoring of blood pressure, and the use of intravenous beta-blockers to control hypertension, because of 4 hyperperfusion injuries. The use of 10F suction drains was discontinued, because they did not prevent 8 wound haematomas. The results of the second 100 cases between 1994-97 and the third 100 cases between 1998-2000 confirmed no further hyperperfusion injuries or patch blowouts (p =0.01 and 0.04 respectively). Larger 14F suction drains were reintroduced for the third series because of thirteen haematomas in the second series (p =0.09). Only 4 haematomas occurred in the third series ( p =0.05). The need for beta-blockers fell in the third series due to the introduction of local anaesthesia (p =0.0001). CONCLUSION: The use of Dacron patches and postoperative control of hypertension has reduced the incidence of haemorrhage and hyperperfusion after carotid endarterectomy. Larger suction drains may also help.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed2001

Antibacterial activity of raspberry cordial in vitro.

Raspberry juice cordial has a long anecdotal use in Australia for the prophylaxis and treatment of gastroenteritis in livestock, cage birds and humans. The antimicrobial properties of raspberry juice cordial, raspberry juice, raspberry leaf extract and a commercial brand of raspberry leaf tea were investigated against five human pathogenic bacteria and two fungi. Raspberry cordial and juice were found to significantly reduce the growth of several species of bacteria, including Salmonella, Shigella and E. coli, but demonstrated no antifungal activity. No antimicrobial activity was detected in the leaf extract or tea.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

The polysialyltransferase ST8Sia II/STX: posttranslational processing and role of autopolysialylation in the polysialylation of neural cell adhesion molecule.

The presence of alpha2,8-linked polysialic acid on the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is known to modulate cell interactions during development and oncogenesis. Two enzymes, the alpha2,8-polysialyltransferases ST8Sia IV()/PST and ST8Sia II()/STX are responsible for the polysialylation of NCAM. We previously reported that both ST8Sia IV/PST and ST8Sia II/STX enzymes are themselves modified by alpha2,8-linked polysialic acid chains, a process called autopolysialylation. In the case of ST8Sia IV/PST, autopolysialylation is not required for enzymatic activity. However, whether the autopolysialylation of ST8Sia II/STX is required for its ability to polysialylate NCAM is unknown. To understand how autopolysialylation impacts ST8Sia II/STX enzymatic activity, we employed a mutagenesis approach. We found that ST8Sia II/STX is modified by six Asn-linked oligosaccharides and that polysialic acid is distributed among the oligosaccharides modifying Asn 89, 219, and 234. Coexpression of a nonautopolysialylated ST8Sia II/STX mutant with NCAM demonstrated that autopolysialylation is not required for ST8Sia II/STX polysialyltransferase activity. In addition, catalytically active, nonautopolysialylated ST8Sia II/STX does not polysialylate any endogenous COS-1 cell proteins, highlighting the protein specificity of polysialylation. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis of NCAM polysialylation by autopolysialylated and nonautopolysialylated ST8Sia II/STX suggests that the NCAM is polysialylated to a higher degree by autopolysialylated ST8Sia II/STX. Therefore, we conclude that autopolysialylation of ST8Sia II/STX, like that of ST8Sia IV/PST, is not required for, but does enhance, NCAM polysialylation.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Measuring bone mineral density of the pelvis and proximal femur after total hip arthroplasty.

We aimed to evaluate the precision and longitudinal sensitivity of measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) in the pelvis and to determine the effect of bone cement on the measurement of BMD in femoral regions of interest (ROI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). A series of 29 patients had duplicate dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of the hip within 13 months of THA. Pelvic analyses using 3- and 4-ROI models gave a coefficient of variation (CV) of 2.5% to 3.6% and of 2.5% to 4.8%, respectively. Repeat scans in 17 subjects one year later showed a significant change in BMD in three regions using the 4-ROI model, compared with change in only one region with the 3-ROI model (p < 0.05). Manual exclusion of cement from femoral ROIs increased the net CV from 1.6% to 3.6% (p = 0.001), and decreased the measured BMD by 20% (t = 12.1, p < 0.001). Studies of two cement phantoms in vitro showed a small downward drift in bone cement BMD giving a measurement error of less than 0.03 g/cm2/year associated with inclusion of cement in femoral ROIs. Changes in pelvic periprosthetic BMD are best detected using a 4-ROI model. Analysis of femoral ROI is more precise without exclusion of cement although an awareness of its effect on the measurement of the BMD is needed.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effect of pamidronate in preventing local bone loss after total hip arthroplasty: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Acute periprosthetic bone loss occurs after total hip arthroplasty. Bone loss undermines the support of the implant and may contribute to prosthetic failure. At present, there is no established prophylaxis for this process. We studied the effect of a single-dose infusion of 90 mg of pamidronate on early periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD), biochemical markers of bone turnover, radiological, and clinical outcome in a 26-week, prospective, randomized, double-blinded study of 47 men and women undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Pamidronate therapy led to a significant reduction in bone loss compared with placebo for both the proximal femur and the pelvis (repeated measures analysis of variance [ANOVA]); p = 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). Pamidronate therapy was associated with suppression of all biochemical markers of bone turnover compared with placebo (repeated measures ANOVA; p < 0.05 for all comparisons), with the exception of urinary free deoxypyridinoline. Pamidronate did not interfere with the clinical improvement in symptoms after total hip arthroplasty, or radiological outcome, and was not associated with an increase in adverse events. This study provides clinical data on the efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates for the prevention of bone loss after total hip arthroplasty and supports the establishment of larger-scale clinical trials to determine the long-term clinical efficacy of this intervention using implant failure as the primary endpoint.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Expression of mutant alpha-synuclein causes increased susceptibility to dopamine toxicity.

Mutations of the alpha-synuclein gene have been identified in autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease (PD). Transgenic mice overexpressing wild-type human alpha-synuclein develop motor impairments, intraneuronal inclusions and loss of dopaminergic terminals in the striatum. To study the mechanism of action through which mutant alpha-synuclein toxicity is mediated, we have generated stable, inducible cell models expressing wild-type or PD-associated mutant (G209A) alpha-synuclein in human-derived HEK293 cells. Increased expression of either wild-type or mutant alpha-synuclein resulted in the formation of cytoplasmic aggregates which were associated with the vesicular (including monoaminergic) compartment. Expression of mutant alpha-synuclein induced a significant increase in sensitivity to dopamine toxicity compared with the wild-type protein expression. These results provide an explanation for the preferential dopaminergic neuronal degeneration seen in both the PD G209A mutant alpha-synuclein families and suggest that similar mechanisms may underlie or contribute to cell death in sporadic PD.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed2000

Stockpersons' attitudes to the husbandry of dairy cows.

The health and welfare of dairy cows are dependent upon the stockpersons who handle, observe and monitor them. The attitudes and behaviour of these people have been little studied, although they are fundamental for the animals' well-being and performance. The results of a series of standardised interviews with 238 dairy stockpersons are discussed. Milking was considered both the most important and the most enjoyed task, and the most disliked task was cleaning the parlour and yards. These attitudes can affect the health of the herd. The stockpersons valued their interaction with animals; 'a special event involving the cows' was frequently mentioned as the component of a 'good' day, and a 'bad event involving the cows' was almost unanimously the factor associated with a 'bad' day.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Sample sequencing of the human major histocompatibility complex class I region identifies further new genes.

We used sample sequencing, a technique which generates random genomic sequence from cosmid clones and compares them with sequences deposited in the GenBank databases, to identify new genes in the class I region of the human major histocompatibility region. We isolated and ordered cosmid clones from a flow-sorted chromosome (Chr) 6 cosmid library, generating cosmid contigs covering approximately one third of the HLA class I region. Fifteen of these cosmids were then sample sequenced. A total of 216,694 bp of genomic sequence was generated and compared with sequences deposited in GenBank databases. In addition to identifying established class I region genes, a number of potential new genes were identified, including several which were not included in the recent major histocompatibility complex (MHC) consensus sequence map. Of particular interest are several new transcripts in the psoriasis susceptibility region.

Cloning, Molecular↗
PubMed2000

Effect of mixing technique on the properties of acrylic bone-cement: a comparison of syringe and bowl mixing systems.

Syringe mixing systems have been introduced, but few data exist regarding the mechanical performance of cement they produce. We compared the properties of polymethyl methacrylate cement produced by these systems with that produced by a multiaxial bowl. Mixtures of cement were prepared using the Optivac, Cemvac, and Summit syringes and the Summit bowl. The mixtures were cured in molds to create casts that were radiographed and analyzed for void content, then cut into strips, weighed, measured, and tested to failure in 4-point bending. Syringe-mixed cement was of greater density, bending modulus, and bending strength than bowl-mixed cement (Mann-Whitney, P < .01) and contained fewer microvoids and macrovoids (Mann-Whitney, P < .01). No significant differences between the syringes were found for these variables (Kruskall-Wallis, P > .05).

Bone Cements↗
PubMed2000

What do we know about herbal morning sickness treatments? A literature survey.

OBJECTIVE: A literature survey investigating the use of herbs to treat morning sickness, with particular reference to what is known about their safety. DESIGN: All major English language medical, nursing and scientific databases as well as 300 World Wide Web sites, Internet newsgroups, books and magazines were searched for information about the use and safety of herbs in pregnancy. FINDINGS: A search of medical databases failed to locate any articles which specifically reported investigations of the safety of herbs used during pregnancy. Of 300 non-medical sources studied 75 cited the use of herbs in pregnancy. The most commonly cited herbs for morning sickness were ginger, chamomile, peppermint and raspberry leaf (55, 37, 44 and 63% cited respectively). There was no consensus in the popular literature about whether or not each of these herbs was safe for use in pregnancy. Seven sources (6%) cited chamomile and peppermint as unsafe, while 16 (12%) cited the use of ginger and 11 (15%) the use of raspberry leaf as unsafe during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Herbal remedies are often seen as safe, 'drug-free' treatments for morning sickness. However, the contradictory information and dearth of original research related to their safety indicates that these compounds should be used with caution.

Female↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of male reproductive parameters in three rat strains: Dark Agouti, Sprague-Dawley and Wistar.

The choice of experimental animal can have a large impact on experimental results, an example is the anecdotal evidence suggesting that Dark Agouti (DA) rats have a lower reproductive capacity than other rat strains. In this paper we report on an investigation into male reproductive characteristics in three rat strains--Wistar, Sprague-Dawley (outbred strains) and DA (an inbred strain). Reproductive organ weights, blood testosterone levels and sperm counts were measured in mature age-matched male rats. DA animals had significantly smaller testis weights than the Sprague-Dawley and Wistar animals, and this did not appear to be related to the overall smaller body mass of the DAs. There were no differences between the three strains in testicular histology or sperm counts (per gram testis). Although there was also no significant difference in epididymal sperm count, the DA animals had a much greater variability in sperm count than the other strains. There were no differences in relative (to body weight) epididymal, seminal vesicle or ventral prostate weights or in the blood testosterone levels. These results suggest that differences in reproductive capacity in DAs are neither the result of morphological differences in the reproductive organs nor in circulating testosterone levels. Sperm production appears to be normal but the lowered testicular weight and variability in epididymal sperm counts suggests that there are other factors in the testicular or epididymal environment which alter male reproductive function.

Animals↗