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Biomedical subjects

K A Ferguson

Publications and source records attributed to K A Ferguson.

50 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1974

Manipulation of the phospholipid composition of tissue culture cells.

Methods have been devised to significantly alter the phospholipid composition of LM cells grown in serum-free tissue culture medium. The polar head groups of the phospholipids, as well as the acyl groups of these lipids, can be changed. When LM cells were grown in medium containing choline analogues, either N-methyl-ethanolamine or N,N-dimethylethanolamine, or the unnatural analogues, 1-2-amino-1-butanol or 3-amino-1-propanol, up to 50% of the cellular phospholipids contained the analogue supplied. When linoleate was added to the cells as a bovine serum albumin complex, up to 40% of the fatty acids of the phospholipids were linoleate. Under the conditions discussed, the polar head group composition, the fatty acid composition, or both together could be varied in the membrane phospholipids.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of sleep disordered breathing in a population of Canadian grainworkers.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in a Canadian population of industrial workers (grainworkers). To determine the clinical features that are predictive of SDB and the validity of self-reported snoring. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, interviewer-administered questionnaire with selective recruitment of subjects for home sleep monitoring. SETTING: Community setting, Vancouver, British Columbia. PARTICIPANTS: All male grainworkers at grain elevators in Vancouver were approached for completion of a questionnaire. Eighty-three per cent of 524 subjects completed the questionnaire and were divided by presumed risk for SDB into four groups. All subjects in the highest risk group (group 1- frequent snoring and witnessed apneas) and a random sample of 40 subjects in the other three groups (group 2 - frequent snoring without witnessed apneas; group 3 - infrequent snoring rare; group 4 - nonsnoring) were approached for home sleep monitoring and 42% consented. INTERVENTIONS: Interviewer-administered questionnaire and home sleep monitoring. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of SDB in this relatively overweight group was estimated to be 25%, with a stepwise increase from group 4 to group 1 (7%, 29%, 40%, 60%). Presence of snoring and witnessed apneas, a greater body-mass index and a larger neck circumference were associated with SDB. Self-reported snoring was not found to be predictive. CONCLUSIONS: This first study of the prevalence of SDB in Canada suggests that SDB is at least as prevalent in Canada as in other industrialized nations and may actually be more common than previously thought. Further studies are required to determine the morbidity, mortality and economic loss associated with SDB in industrial workers.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Amiodarone pulmonary, neuromuscular and ophthalmological toxicity.

Amiodarone is an iodinated benzofuran derivative class III antiarrhythmic that is highly effective in suppressing ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. It is also associated with an imposing side effect profile, which often limits its use. Numerous adverse effects have been documented including skin discolouration, photosensitivity, hepatitis, thyroid dysfunction, corneal deposits, pulmonary fibrosis, bone marrow suppression and drug interactions. These side effects are thought to be correlated with the total cumulative dose of amiodarone, but idiopathic reactions have been reported. The majority of adverse reactions resolve with discontinuation of the drug; however, rapid progression may occur, which may be fatal. The present report documents a patient who had a combination of serious amiodarone toxicities that, once recognized, were treated and eventually resulted in a good outcome.

Amiodarone↗