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Biomedical subjects

S G Wilson

Publications and source records attributed to S G Wilson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Physical characteristics of the hand and early clinical skills. Their relationship in a group of dental hygiene students.

Twelve hand measurements were made on 45 first-year dental hygiene students within one week of their entering a dental hygiene program. Multiple regression was performed, using three clinical examinations (use of periodontal probe, use of 3-A explorer, and use of Gracey curets) as dependent variables, to assess whether or not hand measurements predicted early clinical skill development. None of the hand measurements were predictive for the explorer examination. Wrist width accounted for 13% of the variance on the probing examination and 24% of the variance on the curet examination. Finger span added 16% variance to the equation. A total of 40% variance was explained by these measures on the curet examination. Results suggest that wrist width and finger span may be important predictors of early dental hygiene clinical skill development.

Aptitude Tests↗
PubMed1990

Human lactation: forearm trabecular bone loss, increased bone turnover, and renal conservation of calcium and inorganic phosphate with recovery of bone mass following weaning.

The calcium (Ca) metabolism of established human lactation was studied in 40 adult women (mean age 32.4 years) who had been breast-feeding for 6 months (Lac) and in 40 age-matched controls (Con) using fasting urine and blood biochemistry and forearm single-photon bone mineral densitometry (BMD). Serial studies were performed up to 6 months after weaning in Lac women and repeated once in Con women. During lactation the significant findings were (1) a selective reduction (7.1%, P less than 0.03) in BMD at the ultradistal site containing 60% trabecular bone, but not at two more proximal, chiefly cortical bone sites; (2) increased bone turnover affecting bone resorption [fasting hydroxyproline excretion, Lac 2.22 +/- 0.12 mumol/liter GF (mean +/- SEM), Con 1.19 +/- 0.04, P less than 0.001] and affecting bone formation (plasma alkaline phosphatase, Lac 81.9 +/- 2.5 IU/liter, Con 53.5 +/- 2.7, P less than 0.001, and serum osteocalcin, Lac 14.0 +/- 0.7 microgram/liter, Con 7.3 +/- 0.4, P less than 0.001); and (3) renal conservation in the fasting state of both Ca and inorganic phosphate (Pi) with a resultant moderate increase in plasma Pi but not in plasma Ca (total or ionized). There were no differences between the groups in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH, intact and midmolecule assays), 25-hydroxy- and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, nephrogenous cyclic AMP production, or plasma creatinine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Serum free 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and the free 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D index during a longitudinal study of human pregnancy and lactation.

The changes in three different indices of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) biological activity were studied longitudinally in 35 women during late pregnancy and lactation and in 26 control women. Measurements were made of maternal serum total 1,25(OH)2D and free 1,25(OH)2D concentration (by centrifugal ultrafiltration) and the free 1,25(OH)2D index (the molar ratio of total 1,25(OH)2D and vitamin D binding protein (DBP]. During late pregnancy total 1,25(OH)2D concentrations were significantly elevated when compared to controls, as were free 1,25(OH)2D and DBP concentrations and the free 1,25(OH)2D index. Serum total 1,25(OH)2D, free 1,25(OH)2D and DBP concentrations all fell dramatically during the first 2 weeks of lactation with total 1,25(OH)2D and free 1,25(OH)2D concentrations falling to levels below those of controls. During the course of lactation both total 1,25(OH)2D and free 1,25(OH)2D levels rose significantly although they were not different from controls at 18 weeks of lactation. In contrast, the free 1,25(OH)2D index fell during the first 2 weeks of lactation, but remained at this level, significantly lower than controls. Neither urinary calcium excretion nor dietary calcium intake correlated with total or free 1,25(OH)2D, DBP, or the free 1,25(OH)2D index. The disagreement in the results of free 1,25(OH)2D concentration and free 1,25(OH)2D index demonstrates that these two approaches to measuring biologically active 1,25(OH)2D are not equivalent. In attempting to account for the increased calcium requirements of human reproduction we conclude that in pregnancy any of the 1,25(OH)2D measurements may be appropriate. In lactation, however, either 1,25(OH)2D is not a major factor or 1,25(OH)2D biological activity is inadequately represented by any of the currently available methods.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Hypothalamic disease in association with dysgenesis of the corpus callosum.

We describe two cases of dysgenesis of the corpus callosum demonstrated by magnetic resonance. The first patient presented with chronic hyponatraemia. Investigation demonstrated re-setting of the osmoreceptor and thirst centres. The calculated threshold for arginine vasopressin (AVP) release was reduced at 252 mosmol/kg while severe thirst was perceived at a plasma osmolality of 260 mosmol/kg. Insulin-induced hypoglycaemia produced an exaggerated AVP response. The second patient presented with hypothermia. The calculated threshold of AVP release was 296 mosmol/kg with increased sensitivity of AVP response to hypertonic saline. The plasma AVP response to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia was absent. Both cases had normal anterior pituitary function and psychological assessment showed a similar prefrontal defect. Specific tests of callosal function were normal. These cases illustrate the importance of undertaking complete neuroradiological assessment of cases of unexplained hypothalamic disease regardless of the age of presentation to avoid overlooking this rare congenital association.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

A multivariable approach toward predicting dental motor skill performance.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the potential of a multivariable approach in predicting dental motor skill performance. Variables measuring cognitive knowledge, motor abilities, educational background, and family demographics were examined. Data were obtained from 33 first-year dental students. Scaling and root planing tests were administered to each student at the beginning and end of a 14-week preclinical periodontal course. Correlations were low and no variable significantly predicted pre- or posttest scaling and root planing performance. Results are discussed in terms of the problems associated with predicting motor performance.

Aptitude Tests↗
PubMed1985

Technique for percutaneous pulmonary arterial catheterization in conscious dogs.

A technique was developed to allow percutaneous placement and exchange of pulmonary arterial catheters in conscious dogs. Seven dogs were catheterized weekly for 5 weeks, using a 10-gauge over-the-needle cannula. A No. 7 F flow-directed catheter was passed through the cannula to measure right heart and pulmonary arterial pressures and to calculate cardiac output. The flow-directed catheter was removed and replaced with an arteriographic catheter, and a pulmonary arteriogram was performed. Placement in alternate jugular or saphenous veins each week resulted in successful catheterizations in all dogs evaluated.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Long-term effects of repeated plasma exchange in myasthenia gravis.

Plasma exchange produces a short-term clinical improvement in myasthenia gravis (M.G.) which may be attributable to removal of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody. The possibility that repeated plasma exchanges might confer cumulative long-term benefits was investigated. Serum-AChR-antibody and clinical response were followed for 4--12 months (mean 8 months) in six M.G. patients receiving 4--25 plasma exchanges of 2--4 1 together with immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine [2.5 mg/kg] with or without alternate-day prednisone therapy), and in seven M.G. patients on immunosuppressive drugs alone. Percentage decrease in AChR antibody was not significantly different in the two treatment groups. Decline in antibody titre was associated with clinical improvement. Eight patients with previous thymoma showed significantly greater decline in antibody than the remaining five patients, irrespective of plasma exchange. Since repeated plasma exchange had no cumulative long-term benefit, the value of this treatment as used here lies only in short-term control of severe M.G. symptoms.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1978

Function of circulating antibody to acetylcholine receptor in myasthenia gravis: investigation by plasma exchange.

Plasma exchange has been used to investigate the function fo anti-acetylcholine receptor (anti-AChR) antibody in seven patients with acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) who had elevated antibody titers and in one patient with congenital MG who had normal titers. There was an inverse association between clinical indices of muscle strength and anti-AChR titers, with a minimum time lag of 2 days for the clinical response. The inverse association of the clinical state with anti-AChR antibody titers was closer than that with total immunoglobulin G or other immunoglobulins, and is consistent with the view that the anti-AChR antibody is the principal factor interfering with neuromuscular transmission in acquired MG.

Adult↗