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Biomedical subjects

M Scanlan

Publications and source records attributed to M Scanlan.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Multimarker RT-PCR assay for the detection of minimal residual disease in sentinel lymph nodes of breast cancer patients.

The presence of metastases in lymph nodes is the most powerful prognostic factor in breast cancer patients. Routine histological examination of lymph nodes has limited sensitivity for the detection of breast cancer metastases. The aim of the present study was to develop a multimarker reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the detection of minimal residual disease in sentinel nodes of breast cancer patients. RNA was extracted from 30 sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) obtained from 28 patients, three primary breast cancers (positive controls), three lymph nodes from patients with benign diseases, and peripheral blood lymphocytes of 10 healthy volunteers (negative controls). RT-PCR was performed using the following markers; cytokeratin (CK)-19, NY-BR-1 and mammaglobin B. RT-PCR results were compared to enhanced histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC). All three positive controls showed strong PCR amplification for all three markers. None of the 13 negative controls was amplified by any of the three markers. Among the 30 SLN analysed, breast cancer metastases were detected in six SLNs by routine histology, in eight by IHC and in 15 by RT-PCR. We conclude that a multimarker RT-PCR assay probing for NY-BR-1, mammaglobin-B, and CK-19 is more sensitive compared to enhanced pathologic examination. This method may prove to be of value in breast cancer staging and prognosis evaluation.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Activities of counsellors in a hospice/palliative care environment.

This study examined activities related to the provision of psychosocial care by counsellors in the hospice/palliative care setting. A qualitative design using written reports was used in an urban Canadian hospice/palliative care program. A convenient sample of 13 counsellors indicated the activities they typically performed in their work with patients and families. Thematic analysis of the activities directly related to patient and family care was performed and then validated by presenting these activities back to the counsellors in a group setting. Seven themes resulted: 1) companioning; 2) psychosocial assessment, planning, and evaluation; 3) counselling interventions; 4) facilitation and advocacy; 5) patient and family education; 6) consultation and reporting; and 7) team support. These thematic findings confirmed those of previous studies and also highlighted two additional findings. Team support was seen as an activity that directly affected client care, and there was a strong emphasis on the activity of companioning the dying and their families. Also discussed are implications of these results, as well as suggestions for further research.

Canada↗
PubMed1998

Use of glycopyrrolate in the treatment of Meniere's disease.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to determine whether glycopyrrolate is useful as a vestibular suppressant in patients with Meniere's disease. The tested hypotheses were that glycopyrrolate would decrease the perception of dizziness measured by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory in patients with Meniere's disease and that placebo would cause no such decrease. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, prospective. METHODS: Thirty-seven subjects with a diagnosis of Meniere's disease were administered either 2 mg of glycopyrrolate or placebo twice daily as needed for vertigo. All were also administered the regimen of 1500 mg sodium/day diet and diuretic. The following indices were examined: Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, hearing examination, and electronystagmography. After 4 to 6 weeks of the drug regimen, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Scale were reexamined. Paired t tests were performed to verify the significance of improvement before and after treatment. RESULTS: Subjects who received glycopyrrolate had statistically significant reduction in Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Beck Depression Score, and Modified Somatic Perception Score. In the placebo group, no improvement in any index was found. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis that glycopyrrolate is a useful vestibular suppressant in patients with Meniere's disease was statistically verified.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Nasoduodenal feeding tubes: prevention of occlusion.

Blockage of nasoduodenal feeding tubes is costly in terms of materials and nursing time, and traumatic to the neuroscience patient. A laboratory experimental study explored ways to decrease obstruction of small bore nasoduodenal feeding tubes when medications are given concurrently with continuous tube feeding. The first part of the study examined type and form of 4 medications in relation to frequency and timing of tube blockage. Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (Septra) in dissolved pill form blocked tubes most frequently (F10,77 = 10.333, p < .001) and in the shortest time (F10,77 = 10.534, p < .001). The second part of the study examined different irrigation methods. Irrigation before and after administration of medication and irrigation after medication administration only were significantly better than no irrigation in preventing blockage, both in terms of number of occlusions (F2,87 = 5.486, p < .01) and time to occlusion (F2,87 = 4.556, p < .02). The fact the study was performed in vitro rather than in vivo was a limiting factor. However, results of the study suggest trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole forms occlusions, especially in dissolved form. Elixir of this medication should probably be used whenever available. This study also found that irrigating the tube before and after administration of medications was the most effective of the 3 options examined.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1987

Changes in relative weight among institutionalized elderly adults.

Weight-for-height and weight changes over a 2-year period among 335 institutionalized elderly adults at a geriatric care facility are described. Weight-for-height at admission was compared with several current standards for elderly persons. Mean relative weight and proportions of underweight and obese patients varied with the standards used. Although changes in group mean weights were slight, 73% of the patients gained or lost 4.5 kg or more in 2 years. Patients who lost 4.5 kg or more in the interval had a lower 4-year survival rate (p less than .05) than patients who gained weight or remained stable. Fluctuations in weight may be more prevalent among institutionalized elderly persons than previously thought, or than are apparent in analyses of group trends. Monitoring an individual's weight is simple and may be more meaningful than comparison to a standard, especially because weight loss is associated with mortality, until age appropriate standards are developed.

Age Factors↗