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James Davis

Publications and source records attributed to James Davis.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Potentiometric differentiation of mono- and macromolecular thiol within human plasma at carbon fiber electrodes.

The potentiometric responses of mono- and macromolecular thiol species derivatized with a naphthoquinone indicator have been assessed at electrode designs based on laminated carbon fiber assemblies. The nature of the response for each type of species was found to depend strongly on the electrode geometry and composition and can be used to discriminate between the different thiol moieties. The efficacy of the electrode systems for the measurement of plasma thiols within normal and diabetic blood samples has been assessed, and a possible mechanism for the differing responses has been proposed.

Ascorbic Acid↗

The relationship between ethnicity and obesity in Asian and Pacific Islander populations: a literature review.

The purpose of this literature review is to explore the potential relationship between ethnicity and obesity, and obesity-related risks, with a particular emphasis on disparities between Asian and Pacific Islander populations. We conducted a comprehensive search of available medical literature related to the rise of obesity in the United States, factors contributing to obesity, evidence-based clinical guidelines, and obesity and related risks as they occur in Hawaii. In conducting this search, we sought to illuminate obesity rates in Asians and Pacific Islanders in connection with various factors, such as diet and lifestyle, acculturation, and body image, as they occur in diverse cultural contexts. We found that the rates of obesity and related risks were highest in Native Hawaiians and Samoans. Based upon our review of the literature, we conclude that further research is necessary to address the relationship between ethnicity and obesity risk factors in Asian and Pacific Islander populations.

Asian↗

Electrochemical tagging of urate: developing new redox probes.

The electro-oxidation of uric acid in the presence of nucleophilic species is shown to produce conjugates that can aid our understanding of antioxidant interactions and also provide opportunities for advancing electroanalytical detection strategies involving purine species.

Antioxidants↗

Australian nurses' and midwives' knowledge of computers and their attitudes to using them in their practice.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of a new information retrieval system for the use of health service staff at a large tertiary referral hospital provided an excellent opportunity for nurses to make greater use of evidence to inform their practice. However, the extent to which nurses were able to access the resource was unknown. AIM: The aim of the study was to obtain this information and to test nurses' knowledge of computers and their attitudes to using them in their practice. METHODS: During October 2001 a computer use questionnaire was attached to the pay advice slips of all nursing staff at the Royal Brisbane and Royal Women's Hospital (n = 1708). Staff were asked to return their completed questionnaire in a preaddressed return envelope. To encourage this, a prize (a Gold Class cinema pass for two) was offered. RESULTS: Of the 1708 questionnaires distributed, 590 were returned, giving a 34.5% response rate. Computer use was influenced by education, nursing seniority, age, and length of time in the service and, to a lesser extent, gender. CONCLUSIONS: Information from the study has assisted planners and educators to identify clusters of nurses to target for interventions in this area. Results will also be used to assess the success of any interventions.

Adult↗

Advances in the voltammetric analysis of small biologically relevant compounds.

The problems associated with attempting to apply voltammetric techniques to the analysis of biologically relevant organics within complex media are identified and, through reviewing the very recent literature (1999-mid-2001), possible solutions are described. The boundaries of the search were limited to research targeted at the resolution of specific problems, associated with quantitative determinations. Various strategies have emerged to counter problems of poor sensitivity and selectivity and these have been summarized and critically appraised. Where possible, the characteristics of each approach have been distilled into a table format to ease comparison. Emphasis has been placed on the collation of information that will improve the intrinsic electrode response and as such should be of value to those interested in pursuing electroanalytical methodologies regardless of context.

Biological Factors↗

Ultrasonic extraction of iron from non-aqueous liquids.

A novel procedure for the extraction of iron from predominately organic solvents has been described. An ultrasonic probe was used to create a microemulsion with a small quantity of nitric acid such that labile iron could be released into the aqueous vesicles and subsequently quantified after phase separation. The analytical and operational viability of using a simple colorimetric assay based on the coordination of aminothiol ligands (principally homocysteine) was evaluated in terms of signal sensitivity, selectivity and stability. The use of homocysteine provided a linear range for iron(III) from 9 microM to 50 microM with a corresponding limit of detection of 2 microM (based on 3s(b)). The effectiveness of the approach was assessed through the recovery of 0.3 ppm iron from a sample of commercial kerosene and the results compared with those obtained through attempting to quantify the iron under passive (ultrasonically silent) conditions.

Journal Article↗

Current strategies in nitrite detection and their application to field analysis.

The various analytical protocols that have been developed to aid the measurement of nitrite within environmental samples have been critically appraised and their applicability to field measurement assessed. The present communication presents a perspective on current techniques and technologies encompassing spectroscopic, electrochemical and chromatographic methodologies and highlights those that are liable to emerge in the near future. Commercial devices have been included and where appropriate the advantages and limitations posed by their operation within field contexts have been described.

Chromatography↗

An electrochemical adaptation of Ellman's test.

The electrochemically initiated reaction of thiols with N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine has been coupled with an existing colorimetric sensing reaction developed by Ellman as a means of providing an electrochemical adaptation of the latter whereby the total thiol species present in a sample can be determined. The detection methodology has been proven to be robust with a linear range for cysteine from 2-120 microM, a limit of detection of 1.17 microM and has shown selectivity against a wide range of potential interferences. The efficiency of the methodology has been examined in the determination and recovery of thiol species in three growth tissue media, which contain a number of common biological interferences.

Journal Article↗

Maternal pelvic size, measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, predicts infant birthweight.

Indicators of infant birthweight are important because infant birthweight is related to later health outcomes. This study developed and validated new measures of the pelvis from dual energy absorptiometry (DEXA). Predictors of the new measures of maternal pelvic size were examined and the pelvic size measures were examined as predictors of infant birthweight. Data were drawn from a sample of 326 women in Hawaii and their 608 infants. The women were 45-60 years old at the time of the DEXA bone scan and when they recalled the birthweights of their infants. The birthweights were validated with birth certificate data. The women were participants in the Early Postmenopausal Interventional Cohort (EPIC) to study the effects of alendronate on bone density. Questions on birth histories were added to that study. Adolescent milk consumption and age at menarche were positively associated with the DEXA hip measure, while Asian ethnicity was negatively associated with the hip measure in multiple regression analysis. In multiple regression analysis, the hip measure, together with infant gender and gestational age predicted infant birthweight; mother's height, weight, and ethnicity did not add significantly to the model. DEXA provided measures of the pelvis, which varied by ethnicity, hormonal and nutritional variables, and which were indicators of infant birthweight. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 12:552-557, 2000. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Journal Article↗