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Biomedical subjects

M Baxter

Publications and source records attributed to M Baxter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Pregnancy outcome in Type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin lispro (Humalog).

AIMS: The use of insulin lispro in pregnancy has not been systematically investigated despite its increasing use. Pooled data from seven centres with experience in the use of insulin lispro were accumulated to evaluate pregnancy outcome in women with Type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Seven units with specialist obstetric diabetes services were recruited to describe their total experience with insulin lispro in pregnancy. Outcomes with respect to the rate of miscarriage, congenital abnormality, perinatal mortality and maternal parameters were recorded in a standardized format. RESULTS: Outcomes on 71 babies from 76 pregnancies were documented. There were six (7.8%) early miscarriages. All 71 babies were liveborn with a mean gestational age of 37.2 weeks, and median birthweight of 3230 g. Seven babies weighed > 4 kg. There were four congenital abnormalities (5.6%). There was a 72% increase in the mean insulin dose (0.75-1.29 IU/kg per day). Maternal glycaemic control improved throughout pregnancy. No women developed retinopathy de novo during pregnancy and six with established retinopathy required laser therapy during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of insulin lispro in Type 1 diabetes during pregnancy results in outcomes comparable to other large studies of diabetic pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Occurrence and distribution of Fusarium species in maize fields in New Zealand.

Fusarium populations were investigated in maize grains and their husks about six weeks before harvest in three maize fields in the Manawatu region of New Zealand. The role of litter and soil as reservoirs for these fungi was also examined. Two techniques were used to examine populations, dilution plating and direct plating. Using the dilution plating technique the highest overall populations were found in husks (mean 2.2 x 10(5)/g) and litter (mean 1.4 x 10(5)/g), while similar lower numbers of viable propagules were obtained from grain (mean 2.1 x 10(3)/g) and soil (2.8 x 10(3)/g). With this technique five Fusarium spp. were commonly isolated; F. graminearum (Gibberella zeae), F. culmorum, F. subglutinans, F. oxysporum and F. acuminatum, of which F. graminearum was the most abundant. With the direct plating technique 87% of grains were infected with Fusarium spp., with some grains being infected with more than one species. Segments from husks and litter, 70% and 43% respectively, were colonised by Fusariumr spp. F. graminearum was the most frequent species isolated from maize grain and husk segments (48.3 and 37.7% colonisation respectively). Other species, particularly F. culmorum and F. acuminatum, were also found to be common contaminants. A total of 15 Fusarium spp. was recovered from all material examined by both techniques. Cultures with characteristics resembling those of F. moniliforme were rarely observed.

Colony Count, Microbial↗
PubMed2001

Bromine and iodine in 1997 UK total diet study samples.

Concentrations of bromine and iodine were analysed in samples from the 1997 UK Total Diet Study (TDS) using ICP-MS. The data has been used to estimate dietary exposures of UK consumers to these elements from the typical UK diet. Samples for the 20 TDS food groups were obtained from 20 towns in the UK in 1997 and analysed in 1998/99 for total bromine and total iodine concentrations. These samples were also analysed for 12 other elements. The UK regulatory authority had considered iodine recently, but had not considered bromine before. This survey provides up-to-data baseline data for those two elements. Iodine concentrations are similar to those found in recent surveys. Levels of bromine were consistent with previous data where available. Dietary exposures to bromine and iodine were calculated to see if there were any risks to health from the levels of these elements found in the UK diet. The estimated population average exposure to iodine was 0.25 mg d-1, which is within the range of previous estimates (1995, 0.21 mg d-1; 1991, 0.17 mg d-1; 1985, 0.28 mg d-1). The estimated population average exposure to bromine was 3.6 mg d-1.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Using a topical anaesthetic cream to reduce pain during sharp debridement of chronic leg ulcers.

This multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study assessed the efficacy and safety of using Emla (lignocaine/prilocaine) anaesthetic cream to achieve pain control during sharp debridement of chronic leg ulcers of arterial, venous or arteriovenous aetiology. A total of 101 patients (51 Emla, 50 placebo), aged 29-99 years, who had experienced pain associated with previous debridement were included. Patients with an amide anaesthetic allergy, anaesthetic diabetic ulcers, or ulcers > 50 cm2 were excluded. Debridement was initiated approximately 30 minutes after the application of a thick layer of Emla or placebo cream to an ulcer occluded with a plastic wrap. The patient and investigator assessed the pain associated with debridement on a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). The median patient VAS scores were 18 mm and 53.5 mm in the Emla and placebo groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). The corresponding investigator values in the two groups were 20 mm and 49.5 mm, respectively (p = 0.004). Local reactions were mainly transient and mild, and were observed in roughly the same percentage of placebo and Emla-treated patients. After a 30-minute application Emla cream significantly reduced the pain of debridement compared with the placebo.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2000

1997 UK Total Diet Study--dietary exposures to aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, tin and zinc.

Concentrations of aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, tin and zinc were determined in samples from the 1997 UK Total Diet Study and used to estimate dietary exposures of the general UK population. Population average dietary exposures to aluminium (3.4 mg/day), arsenic (0.065 mg/day), cadmium (0.012 mg/day), chromium (0.10 mg/day), copper (1.2 mg/day), mercury (0.003 mg/day), nickel (0.13 mg/day), tin (1.8 mg/day) and zinc (8.4 mg/day) are similar to those from previous UK Total Diet Studies and are below the appropriate PTWIs, PMTDIs and TDIs. Dietary exposure of the UK population (0.026 mg/day) to lead is falling as a result of measures taken to reduce lead contamination of the environment and food and is well below the PTWI. There has been little change in UK estimates of selenium exposure since the 1994 Total Diet Study but current-estimates (0.039 mg/day) are lower than those derived from earlier Total Diet Studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Rehabilitation of a person with severe traumatic brain injury.

A case study report of a long and intensive rehabilitation programme for a young woman after she sustained a severe diffuse axonal injury in a motor vehicle accident is described in detail. The purpose of this paper is to encourage specialist brain injury rehabilitation services to offer extended rehabilitation programmes to patients, even with very severe injuries. Significant functional improvements and enhanced quality of life frequently reward the high cost and hard work involved.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1999

Dietary exposure estimates of 30 elements from the UK Total Diet Study.

Dietary exposures of consumers to 30 elements (aluminium, antimony, arsenic, barium, bismuth, boron, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, germanium, gold, iridium, iron, lead, lithium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, selenium, strontium, thallium, tin and zinc) estimated from the UK 1994 Total Diet Study are reported, and compared with those from previous UK Total Diet Studies and those from other countries. Dietary exposure estimates were generally low and, where comparisons are possible, similar to those from other countries and below the relevant Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes and Provisional Maximum Tolerable Daily Intakes. For most of those elements included in previous UK Total Diet Studies, dietary exposures have declined.

Diet↗
PubMed1998

Isozyme variation within and among populations of Microsporum species.

Isozyme variation among 54 isolates of Microsporum canis, 18 Microsporum cookei isolates and two Diheterospora isolates were studied using starch gel electrophoresis. Of eight enzymes examined, four were polymorphic (EST, G6P, MDH and PEP), having from two to four electrophoretic forms. Within each species, consistent and reproducible isozyme patterns of the eight enzyme systems were obtained. Phenotypic diversity (H) in M. canis was higher than in M. cookei (H = 0.459 and H = 0.408 respectively), but phenotypic differentiation of M. canis isolates from different geographical regions (Auckland, Wellington and Palmerston North, New Zealand) was low, with a proportion of total diversity (Gst) of 0.151 found among the localities. The results suggest that the isolates of M. canis from different geographical regions are closely related, supporting the theory of a common lineage.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Isozyme variation of Microsporum canis and M. cookei from New Zealand.

Fifty-four isolates of Microsporum canis (Arthroderma otae) from humans, cats and dogs obtained from Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington, New Zealand and 18 M. cookei and two Diheterospori spp. from soils were examined for variation using eight isozyme loci. M. canis isolates were from infected and non-infected cases. Isozyme analysis separated the three species which were further subdivided into electrophoretic types (ETs). Clustering analysis using normalized percentage disagreement (PTC) average linkage method revealed two clusters for M. cookei with two subclusters in cluster 2. M. canis had three main divisions (clusters 3, 4 and 5) and Diheterospora formed a separate division. The presence of isolates from different sources in the same clusters and lack of statistical significance as measured by confidence intervals suggests the existence of isolates with common lineage.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Isolation of fungi from the pelage of cats and dogs using the hairbrush technique.

A total of 178 cats and 59 dogs in Palmerston North, New Zealand were sampled for the presence of keratinophilic fungi on their pelage; 57.8% had fungi. The fungi were classified in 20 genera with the predominant species being members of the genera; Chrysosporium, Microsporum and Trichophyton. Cats were the major carriers of keratinolytic fungi. 18.5% of the cats and 5.1% of the dogs were either carriers or infected with M. canis. Microsporum canis was a frequent isolate and its distribution had a seasonal variation, with a peak appearing in May-June.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Double-strand signal sequence breaks in V(D)J recombination are blunt, 5'-phosphorylated, RAG-dependent, and cell cycle regulated.

Immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor genes are assembled during lymphocyte development by a novel, highly regulated series of gene rearrangement reactions known as V(D)J recombination. All rearranging loci are flanked by conserved heptamer-nonamer recombination signal sequences. Gene rearrangement results in the imprecise fusion of coding sequences and the precise fusion of signal sequences. DNA molecules with double-stranded breaks near signal sequences have been detected in cells undergoing V(D)J recombination of the TCR delta locus. We have devised a ligation-mediated PCR assay that detects broken-ended molecules in purified genomic DNA. Using this assay we found that DNA breaks occurring precisely at the signal sequence-coding sequence junction are a general feature of V(D)J recombination, appearing in association with each type of rearranging immunoglobulin gene segment. We show that a significant fraction of these broken ends are blunt and 5'-phosphorylated. In addition, detection of these broken-ended signal sequences is dependent on the activity of RAG-1 and RAG-2, and is restricted to the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. The pattern of broken-ended molecules detected in cells at various stages of development reflects the activity of the V(D)J recombinase at different loci during B- and T-cell development.

Aging↗
PubMed1993

Malignant change in dermatitis artefacta.

Dermatitis artefacta is a chronic skin lesion produced by self-trauma. Avoidance of further trauma, topical steroids and psychological therapy all play a part in the treatment of such lesions. Unresolved lesions may become large and disfiguring and subject to infection. We report a case of one such lesion in an elderly woman who persistently excoriated a cholecystectomy scar over 40 years. Malignant transformation occurred in a manner analogous to the neoplastic change observed in other types of chronic ulcer (Marjolin's ulcer). The squamous cell carcinoma presented with widespread metastases from which the patient eventually died. Recent literature concerning Marjolin's ulcers is reviewed and it is noted that this is the first reported case of death caused by malignant change in dermatitis artefacta.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Mycotoxin production by Fusarium species isolated from New Zealand maize fields.

Forty Fusarium isolates obtained from maize fields were screened for moniliformin production on maize kernels. Twelve isolates, including seven of F. subglutinans, were found to produce moniliformin at levels ranging from 0.4 to 64 ppm. Twenty six isolates were also screened for production of deoxynivalenol, diacetoxyscirpenol, T-2 toxin and zearalenone. Of these, 22, including all 11 isolates of F. graminearum, produced zearalenone at levels ranging from 0.1 to 96.0 ppm, while 13 produced T-2 toxin at low levels, (less than 1.1 ppm). Deoxynivalenol and diacetoxyscirpenol were each produced by six isolates, also at low levels (less than 1.0 ppm). Three isolates of F. graminearum and one of F. sambucinum produced four toxins simultaneously.

Cyclobutanes↗
PubMed1990

Atlantoaxial instability in Down syndrome--guidelines for screening and detection.

A community survey was conducted in all adults with Down syndrome living in three health districts to see if there was any correlation between radiological and neurological abnormalities which could indicate the presence of atlantoaxial instability. There was no difference in the proportion of individuals with neurological abnormalities in the group with radiological abnormalities suggestive of atlantoaxial instability (6/14) compared with individuals with normal X-rays (50/123) as determined by the chi square test (0.01463: not significant). The clinical and ethical implications for screening of people with Down syndrome living in the community are discussed in view of these findings.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Abnormal lung lymphatics and respiratory failure.

A 65 year old man presented with respiratory failure, pleural effusions, fine reticulonodular shadowing on a chest radiograph, and severe impairment of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (transfer factor). Open lung biopsy showed only dilated pleural and subpleural lymphatic channels. Hypoplastic deep pulmonary lymphatics may have led to respiratory failure.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

Acute airway obstruction in a seven-month-old infant with epiglottitis.

A seven-month-old male infant with epiglottitis developed acute airway obstruction in the operating room during halothane induction. This case suggests that epiglottitis should be suspected in any child, regardless of age, who presents with stridor, respiratory distress, dysphagia, or "tripoding," and it reiterates the need for prompt airway management.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1987

Accelerated onset and delayed recovery of d-tubocurarine blockade with pancuronium in infants and children.

The effect of age on the onset and duration of action of a d-tubocurarine (DTC) neuromuscular blockade with and without pancuronium priming in children was examined. Sixty ASA physical status I or II patients in three age ranges (0-1 yr, 1-3 yr and 3-10 yr) were anaesthetized with thiopentone, halothane and nitrous oxide. Each patient received either a single paralyzing dose of DTC 0.4 mg.kg-1, or DTC 0.36 mg.kg-1 preceded three minutes earlier by pancuronium 0.007 mg.kg-1. Evoked force of contraction of the adductor pollicis was measured using train-of-four stimulation applied every 12 sec. Time to 90 per cent first twitch depression after a single dose of DTC increased with increasing age (r = 0.65, p less than 0.01), and was 1.6 min (SEM +/- 0.3) in the 0-1 yr group, 1.9 +/- 0.3 min (1-3 yr), and 5.2 +/- 1.2 min (3-10 yr). Time to ten per cent spontaneous recovery after single dose DTC was shorter in older individuals (r = 0.40, p less than 0.05), being 36.4 +/- 5.1 min in infants 0-1 yr, 30.6 +/- 4.6 min (1-3 yr), and 24.0 +/- 2.7 min (3-10 yr). Priming with pancuronium accelerated the onset significantly in all age groups with 90 per cent T1 depression occurring at 0.7 +/- 0.1 min (0-1 yr), 0.9 +/- 0.1 min (1-3 yr), and 2.1 +/- 0.6 min (3-10 yr). However, priming delayed recovery, especially in infants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aging↗