PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Oates

Publications and source records attributed to K Oates.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

General practitioners' concerns about childhood immunisation and suggestions for improving professional support and vaccine uptake.

In recent years childhood vaccination has been vigorously debated. Professional and parental confidence in the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in particular has been shaken, as reflected by its decreased uptake. A semi-structured postal questionnaire survey of general practitioners (GPs) working in the Highland region of Scotland was undertaken to assess their views on vaccination issues. A 73% response rate was achieved. Of respondents 28% expressed concerns about the possible side effects of MMR. Of GPs 98% thought it was 'likely' that the benefits of the DTP-Hib, polio and men C vaccines outweighed the possible risks. For the first and second doses of MMR 92% and 86%, respectively, believed this to be true. Approximately three quarters of GPs described themselves 'very confident' in discussing the DTP-Hib vaccine with parents, compared with 57% for MMR. Some respondents were misinformed regarding the adverse events associated with the MMR vaccine. There is professional concern about MMR. Initiatives to support GPs in promoting vaccination in order to improve immunisation rates are discussed.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2002

Practical lessons from the management of an outbreak of small round structured virus (Norwalk-like virus) gastroenteritis.

An outbreak of viral gastroenteritis caused illness in 92 people during October 2000. All the cases had an association with one hotel and 80% of cases identified had attended one of two buffet meals on 18th October 2000. Cohort analysis did not implicate any particular foodstuff in this outbreak. All bacteriological tests on food samples were negative. Small round structured virus (SRSV)/Norwalk-like virus (NLV) particles were seen by electron microscopy in 6 out of 27 stool samples submitted for analysis. This paper describes the outbreak and in particular the lessons learned from the management and control of it. These include practical points with regard to the outbreak control team, liaison with the microbiology laboratory, handling data, agreeing a case definition, and occupational health issues. All can be applied elsewhere by those responsible for managing outbreaks at a local level.

Caliciviridae Infections↗
PubMed2002

Suicide in the Highlands of Scotland.

OBJECTIVE: The Highlands have one of the highest suicide rates in Scotland. This paper describes suicide and deliberate self-harm in the Highlands in the last 20 years and explores possible reasons for the differences from the Scottish average. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of routine data from the SMRI/SMR01 scheme and information on deaths from the Registrar General. Suicide and undetermined deaths were combined in the analysis. SETTING: Highland and Scotland 1978-98. RESULTS: The high rates in Highland are caused by an excess of male deaths. Highland has had consistently high male suicide rates over the 20 year period compared to Scotland. These differences do not disappear when deaths of non-Highland residents are excluded. By comparison, deliberate self-harm admissions follow a similar pattern to Scotland as a whole. Causes of death differed from Scotland as a whole, with an over-representation of drowning, gases and firearm deaths. CONCLUSION: Highland suicide rates are elevated compared to Scotland. This is mainly due to an excess of deaths in men up to the age of 74 years, and is not accounted for by deaths of non-residents. Female deaths are not elevated in comparison to the rest of Scotland. Male attempted suicide rates do not differ from Scotland. Lethality of method--drowning, car exhausts and firearms--may contribute to the elevated male death rates.

Female↗
PubMed1997

Advances in the microscopy of osteoarthritis.

This review describes recent contributions made by microscopy to the understanding of osteoarthritis, a clinical syndrome the pathological features of which are well defined by classical white light microscopy. The fluorescence and reflected light, conventional and scanning optical microscopy of excised osteoarthritic tissue preparations, from human and animal sources, has enabled the identification of cell proteins such as S100, of matrix components such as the proteoglycans and collagens, and of adhesion molecules including fibronectin, the integrins and tenascin. Comparable microscopic studies have been made of cell and tissue culture preparations of osteoarthritic cartilage and synovium. Scanning optical microscopy also allows the rapid measurement, in hydrated osteoarthritic tissues, of cell density, cell size, surface roughness and other parameters. The importance of water in sustaining the physical attributes of cartilage is accepted and new forms of electron microscopy can play important parts in the study of unfixed osteoarthritic cartilage. These methods include the low temperature scanning electron microscopy and electron probe x-ray microanalysis of hydrated bulk material and the high resolution transmission electron microscopy of low temperature replicas of cartilage surfaces. Understanding of osteoarthritis has been facilitated by these advances and will continue to be enhanced as new techniques of microscopy evolve.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Models of planned change and research utilization applied to product evaluation.

In the maintenance of an intravascular catheter, a large children's hospital used a needleless valve device. After frequent observations of stagnant blood around the valve, the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) organized a multidisciplinary team to determine how to provide better care and maintenance for the intravascular device and the child. To guide the process, the Iowa Model for Research-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care was selected for the study, and Havelock's Theory of Planned Change was used. The CNS roles of educator, researcher, and collaborator enabled the CNS to be an effective change agent.

Catheters, Indwelling↗
PubMed1994

Planing frozen hydrated plant specimens for SEM observation and EDX microanalysis.

A procedure is described for forming a flat face on a frozen piece of plant tissue, which may then be observed fully-hydrated or lightly etched, and coated or uncoated with a metal film, in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The frozen sample was planed with a glass knife at -80 degrees C in a cryo-ultramicrotome. The sections were discarded, and the planed block face placed on the cold stage in the microscope column, either for observation uncoated at low kV, or for light etching (-90 degrees C) to reveal the cell outlines. If a higher accelerating voltage was needed, the face was given an evaporative coating of Al in the cryo-preparation chamber and returned to the column. The advantages of the planed face over the usual fracture face are illustrated: imaging at a chosen rather than a chance position; clearer cellular and subcellular detail; preservation of hydrated gels like mucilage and swollen cell walls; the possibility of making serial parallel sections through the same piece of tissue; opportunities for accurate morphometric analyses on the planed face; capacity to produce longitudinal sections; preservation of very delicate structures that are destroyed by fixation and drying. A major advantage of the Al-coated planed face is the increased accuracy of energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalyses on a smooth rather than a rough surface. Tests are included which show that neither the light etching employed, nor successive planing, interferes with the analyses of elements in the frozen face.

Cryopreservation↗
PubMed1994

INTRACELLULAR ION CONCENTRATIONS IN BRANCHIAL EPITHELIAL CELLS OF BROWN TROUT (SALMO TRUTTA L.) DETERMINED BY X-RAY MICROANALYSIS

The intracellular concentrations of sodium, chloride, phosphorus and potassium under normal conditions in pavement epithelial (PE) cells of brown trout (Salmo trutta) gill were 66, 51, 87 and 88 mmol l-1 respectively. The concentrations of these elements under identical conditions in mitochondria-rich (MR) cells were not significantly different, except for that of chlorine, which was lower in MR cells (40 mmol l-1). The concentration of sodium in the PE cells decreased slightly after exposure of the fish to low external [Na+] (25 µmol l-1) for 7 days but increased greatly within 5 min of subsequent exposure to 1 mmol l-1 external Na+. These changes in external [Na+] had no significant effect on MR cells. Exposure of fish to low [Cl-] (25 µmol l-1) had no effect on PE or MR cells, but on exposure to 1 mmol l-1 Cl- the concentrations of chlorine, phosphorus and potassium in both types of cells increased, whilst the intracellular sodium concentration decreased only in MR cells. The PE cells were little affected by exposure of the fish to the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide. In contrast, 0.5 mmol l-1 external acetazolamide caused a significant decrease in intracellular phosphorus, chlorine and potassium concentrations in MR cells. This suggests that the PE cells are the sites of sodium uptake in the gills of the brown trout and that chloride uptake occurs via the MR cells. These results are discussed with respect to the sites and possible mechanisms of ionic exchange in freshwater vertebrates.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1993

The effect of aluminium coating on elemental signals in X-ray microanalysis.

It has been determined that, in the normal range of aluminium coating thicknesses used to remove charge from non-conducting specimens in the electron microscope, no detectable influence on the elemental signals obtained in X-ray microanalysis is observed. This is in contrast to a previous report (Hopkins et al., J. Electron Microsc. Tech., 18:176-182, 1991) of a reduction in elemental signal with increasing aluminium coating thickness. An explanation of errors in the previous interpretation is provided.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1992

Preparation of aqueous standards for low temperature X-ray microanalysis.

A technique, using Nuclepore polycarbonate membrane filters as a containing medium for very small volumes of ionic standard solutions, to produce homogeneous ice standards is described. The standards are suitable for use in a scanning electron microscope. The relationship between elemental X-ray counts and ionic concentration is found to be linear. The method is rapid and simple. Minimum detectable concentrations are given.

Electron Probe Microanalysis↗
PubMed1992

X-ray microanalysis of bulk hydrated specimens of neoplastic and non-neoplastic human urothelium.

Specimens of neoplastic and non-neoplastic human urothelium were rapidly frozen against a copper block immersed in liquid nitrogen, planed in a cryoultramicrotome and then examined by low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM) following coating by aluminium. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (XRMA) was performed on the superficial urothelial cells and on gelatin blocks mounted in parallel which had known concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, and phosphorus. The neoplastic urothelial cells had significantly less phosphorus (P less than 0.05) than non-neoplastic cells and the ratios K+/P,K+/Na+, and K+/Cl- were significantly higher in neoplastic cells than in non-neoplastic cells (P less than 0.00001). These results are consistent with those expected in cells with a sustained increase in intracellular pH caused by stimulation of Na+/H+ ion membrane exchange.

Electrolytes↗
PubMed1991

The effect of aluminum coating on elemental standards in X-ray microanalysis.

The standardisation of frozen hydrated bulk biological specimens using gelatin standards is described. The relationship between corrected elemental X-ray counts and ionic concentration was found to be linear, and minimum detectable limits for each element are stated. Variations in uncorrected standard curves were found to be due to changes in aluminium coating thickness. There was an inverse relationship between coating thickness and elemental X-ray counts. The factors causing this are discussed. To avoid errors arising from inconsistent aluminium thickness, experimental material should only be compared with standards of similar aluminium net counts. This can be achieved most easily by mounting and analysing specimen and standard together.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1991

Children's memories for stressful and non-stressful events.

Two groups of children aged between 4 and 12 years were studied to look at the effect of stress, time and type of questioning on memory. One group comprised 17 children having a blood sample taken as part of their medical care. The other group of 24 children were studied after reacting with a friendly stranger at their school. Memory was tested either four to ten days after the event or after three to six weeks. Memory was assessed by free recall, by questioning with cues, by structured questions, by leading or misleading questions and by asking the children to identify the blood-collection technician or friendly stranger from a photographic line-up. There was no difference between memory for the stressful or nonstressful events. The older children performed better in free recall although what the younger children did recall was highly accurate. The use of cues facilitated recall in all age groups. Children aged four to six years were less accurate than those aged seven to 12 years when objective questioning was used. Errors were more likely to be errors of omission than of commission in all age groups. Memory was less accurate after the longer time interval. With increasing interest in the reliability of children as witnesses, methods need to be found which will enable the child witness to give the maximum amount of accurate information. Those likely to be working with the child witness need to develop skills in talking with young children.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1989

Low-temperature and conventional scanning electron microscopy of human urothelial neoplasms.

The appearance of neoplastic human urothelium viewed by low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM) and conventional scanning electron microscopy (CSEM) was compared. Fixed, dehydrated neoplastic cells viewed by CSEM had well-defined, often raised cell junctions; no intercellular gaps; and varying degrees of pleomorphic surface microvilli. The frozen hydrated material viewed by LTSEM, however, was quite different. The cells had a flat or dimpled surface, but no microvilli. There were labyrinthine lateral processes which interdigitated with those of adjacent cells and outlined large intercellular gaps. The process of fixation and dehydration will inevitably distort cell contours and on theoretical grounds, the images of frozen hydrated material should more closely resemble the in vivo appearance.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

Electron probe X-ray microanalysis of the composition of hyaline articular and non-articular cartilage in young and aged rats.

Blocks of articular cartilage were taken from tibiae of young adult (8 week) and aged adult (50-60 week) rats; xiphisternal cartilage was obtained from young adult rats. Specimens were quench-frozen in nitrogen slush, freeze-fractured and examined by low-temperature scanning electron microscopy. The results of X-ray microanalysis of frozen-hydrated bulk cartilage are semi-quantitative. The composition of chondrocyte nuclei and cytoplasm are only marginally different. Xiphisternal chondrocytes contain lipid inclusions which show an absence of element peaks and are designated as being neutral lipid. Intra- and extracellular Na, P, S, Cl, K and Ca count rates are significantly different. Cartilage from older rats contains more S and Ca, and less K and Cl in the intercellular matrix than that from young rats. Intracellular K levels are lower in aged than in young rats. The intercellular matrix of xiphisternal cartilage contains larger amounts of S, Na and K, and a smaller amount of Cl compared to that of tibial articular cartilage.

Aging↗
PubMed1987

The detection of substructures within proteoglycan molecules. Electron-microscopic immuno-localization with the use of Protein A-gold.

Proteoglycan monomers from pig laryngeal cartilage were examined by electron microscopy with benzyldimethylalkylammonium chloride as the spreading agent. The proteoglycans appeared as extended molecules with a beaded structure, representing the chondroitin sulphate chains collapsed around the protein core. Often a fine filamentous tail was present at one end. Substructures within proteoglycan molecules were localized by incubation with specific antibodies followed by Protein A-gold (diameter 4 nm). After the use of an anti-(binding region) serum the Protein A-gold (typically one to three particles) bound at the extreme end of the filamentous region. A small proportion of the labelled molecules (10-15%) showed the presence of gold particles at both ends. A monoclonal antibody specific for a keratan sulphate epitope (MZ15) localized a keratan sulphate-rich region at one end of the proteoglycan, but gold particles were not observed along the extended part of the protein core. This distribution was not changed by prior chondroitin AC lyase digestion of the proteoglycan. Localization with a different monoclonal antibody to keratan sulphate (5-D-4) caused a change in the spreading behaviour of a proportion (approx. 20%) of the proteoglycan monomers that lost their beaded structure and appeared with the chondroitin sulphate chains projecting from the protein core. In these molecules the Protein A-gold localized antibody (5-D-4) along the length of the protein core whereas in those molecules with a beaded appearance it labelled only at one end. Labelling with either of the monoclonal antibodies was specific, as it was inhibited by exogenously added keratan sulphate. The differential localization achieved may reflect structural differences within the proteoglycan population involving keratan sulphate and the protein core to which it is attached. The results showed that by this technique substructures within proteoglycan molecules can be identified by Protein A-gold labelling after the use of specific monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies.

Animals↗