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Biomedical subjects

S Yeo

Publications and source records attributed to S Yeo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Extending low-dose epidural analgesia for emergency Caesarean section using ropivacaine 0.75%.

We compared ropivacaine 0.75% and bupivacaine 0.5% for extending low-dose epidural analgesia for emergency Caesarean section, using a prospective double-blind randomised controlled trial design. The trial was halted after 45 patients were studied (23 ropivacaine; 22 bupivacaine) because bupivacaine was replaced by levobupivacaine in our unit. Time to reach T4 for loss of cold sensation was similar in both groups, although analgesic supplementation was required less often in the ropivacaine group than in the bupivacaine group (2/23 vs. 9/21; p = 0.01).

Adult↗

First-order transition from a Kondo insulator to a ferromagnetic metal in single crystalline FeSi(1-x)Ge(x).

The phase diagram of FeSi(1-x)Ge(x), obtained from magnetic, thermal, and transport measurements on single crystals, shows a discontinuous transition from Kondo insulator to ferromagnetic metal with x at a critical concentration, x(c) approximately 0.25. The gap of the insulating phase strongly decreases with x. The specific heat gamma coefficient appears to track the density of states of a Kondo insulator. The phase diagram is consistent with an insulator-metal transition induced by a reduction of the hybridization with x in conjunction with disorder on the Si/Ge ligand site.

Journal Article↗

Effect of intensive dietetic interventions on weight and glycaemic control in overweight men with Type II diabetes: a randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of intensive innovative methods for implementing dietary prescriptions on weight management and glycaemic control in overweight men with Type II diabetes. DESIGN: A randomised clinical trial with a 12-week intervention period - three isocaloric dietary intervention groups (intermittent energy restriction, pre-portioned meals and self-selected meals) each with weekly dietitian contact - and a follow-up visit after 18 months. SUBJECTS: A total of 51 men with Type II diabetes (mean age 54 y, mean body mass index (BMI) 31.7 kg/m(2)). MEASUREMENTS: Weight, body composition, waist circumference, glycaemic control (HbA(1c)) and blood lipids. RESULTS: For all subjects, intensive diet therapy over the 12-week intervention period resulted in a mean reduction in energy intake of 2360+/-2780 kJ/day (564+/-665 kcal/day) and significant reductions in weight (6.4+/-4.6 kg), waist circumference (8.1+/-4.6 cm), percent body fat (1.9+/-1.5%), HbA(1c) (1.0+/-1.4%) and triglyceride levels (0.3+/-0.6 mmol/l) compared to baseline levels. Intervention group did not affect clinical outcomes, with the exception of percent body fat. A total of 27 (52.9%) subjects attended the 18-month follow-up visit. At this visit, none of the improvements in clinical parameters was maintained, with all parameters returning to preintervention levels. CONCLUSIONS: : A dietary prescription of 6000-7000 kJ/day (1400-1700 kcal/day) was effective in achieving a 6% weight loss and improving glycaemic control. The method of implementation made no difference to the outcomes between groups at 12 weeks or 18 months. Thus, we propose that it was the intensive weekly contact with a health professional in combination with moderate energy restriction that facilitated the successful short-term results seen.

Adult↗

Intersite coupling effects in a kondo lattice.

The La dilution of the Kondo lattice CeCoIn5 is studied. The scaling laws found for the magnetic susceptibility and the specific heat reveal two well-separated energy scales, corresponding to the single-impurity Kondo temperature T(K) and an intersite spin-liquid temperature T(*). The Ce-dilute alloy has the expected Fermi liquid ground state, while the specific heat and resistivity in the dense Kondo regime exhibit non-Fermi-liquid behavior, which scales with T(*). These observations indicate that the screening of the magnetic moments in the lattice involves antiferromagnetic intersite correlations with a larger energy scale in comparison with the Kondo impurity case.

Journal Article↗

Rhinocerebral zygomycosis in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

The hazards associated with invasive candidiasis and aspergillosis in oncology patients are well recognised. These conditions typically present late in treatment, often after prolonged or recurrent episodes of neutropenia. We report the occurrence of Absidia corymbifera infection causing rhinocerebral zygomycosis in two children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, early in the induction phase of treatment and within a 3-month interval, in the same oncology unit. The initial presentation of facial pain was rapidly followed by the development of cranial nerve palsies, cavernous sinus thrombosis, diabetes insipidus, seizures and death within 9 days of symptom onset, despite aggressive management with high-dose liposomal amphotericin (Ambisome), surgical debridement and local instillation of amphotericin solution. These cases highlight the need for awareness of zygomycosis as a potentially lethal fungal infection that can present even with short duration exposure to the usual risk factors. Their occurrence within a limited time period raises questions as to the relative importance of environmental exposure. The failure of medical and surgical intervention to impact on the course illustrates the need to develop appropriate preventative strategies which may have to incorporate measures to reduce the environmental exposure of susceptible patients.

Absidia↗

Possible beneficial effect of exercise, by reducing oxidative stress, on the incidence of preeclampsia.

We hypothesize that regular exercise enhances antioxidative enzymes in pregnant women, which reduce oxidative stress and, thus, the incidence of preeclampsia. Oxidative stress with enhanced lipid peroxide formation could lead to endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia. Other conditions, such as increased transferrin saturation and decreased iron-binding capacity, directly and indirectly promote the process of oxidative stress and subsequent endothelial dysfunction. Exercise increases oxidative metabolism and produces a prooxidant environment. This acidic environment during exercise (at or beyond anaerobic threshold) promotes oxygen release from hemoglobin and increases in PO(2) in tissues, as well as releases iron from transferrin. When exercise is repeated regularly, the body promptly adjusts so that oxidative stress is eliminated or reduced. The body's adaptations to a regular exercise habit seem to have an antioxidant effect. In humans, training effects have been identified with an enhanced activity of antioxidative enzymes. Another concerted adaptation that regular exercise brings to women's bodies is resistance against production of prooxidants by increasing the number of mitochondria. Equally important is a training effect that decreases susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Evidence suggests that physically active women are less likely to develop preeclampsia. In theory, intracellular and extracellular conditions resulting from regular exercise should counteract the enhancement of oxidative stress, thus interfering with the process leading to endothelial dysfunction. This position paper describes a hypothesis and includes a brief review of exercise physiology and biochemical research in preeclampsia. Unlike other preventive treatments, such as aspirin or calcium supplements, a regular exercise habit leads to a positive and healthy lifestyle without concern of side effects.

Exercise↗

Polymelia with two extra forelimbs at the right scapular region in a male Korean native calf.

In a male Korean native calf 14 days of age, polymelia (notomelia) was observed macroscopically and radiographically. External features included two normal forelimbs, two normal hindlimbs and two undeveloped extra forelimbs. The extra forelimbs were attached to the caudal regions of the right scapula and devoid of muscular tissues. In the extra forelimbs, a scapula-like bone formed a joint with the incompletely duplicated humerus. The humerus fused with the incompletely duplicated radius. The ulna, carpal bones, metacarpal bones and phalanges were completely duplicated. But one set of the duplicated carpal bones consisted of five bones: radial, accessory, fourth carpal, fused second and third carpal, and fused ulnar and intermediate carpal bones. The hoof and the rudimentary hoof of accessory digit were duplicated.

Animals↗

Japanese couples' childbirth experiences in Michigan: implications for care.

BACKGROUND: Subtle cultural differences in the childbirth experience for expatriate Japanese couples living in southeast Michigan can sometimes cause conflicts between them and American health caregivers. The purpose of this study was to examine Japanese couples' perceptions and experiences of prenatal care and childbirth in a region of the United States, and to explore the implications for providing culturally competent care. METHODS: In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews of 11 Japanese couples (n = 22) were conducted at an outpatient primary care clinic in southeast Michigan by a team of researchers fluent in the Japanese language and knowledgeable about the culture. Participants also completed a short questionnaire. RESULTS: The major themes that emerged comprised perceptions related to a language barrier, ultrasonography, prenatal vitamin supplementation, episiotomy, epidural anesthesia, and practitioner-patient relationship. Throughout these six themes it was evident that Japanese health care professionals had difficulty accepting health care that was different from the care provided in their home country. CONCLUSION: The most striking finding of this study was the difficulty for health caregivers to provide culturally competent care. Although the program has strongly invested in health professionals and support staff who were fluent in Japanese and knowledgeable about Japanese culture, conflicts still occurred.

Adult↗

Effect of exercise on blood pressure in pregnant women with a high risk of gestational hypertensive disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively determine whether moderate exercise during pregnancy lowers blood pressure. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, controlled trial with one test group and one control group. All subjects have a history of mild hypertension, gestational hypertensive disorders or a family history of hypertensive disorders. Subjects were recruited before 14 weeks' gestation. After four weeks of observation, the subjects were randomly assigned to either the exercise or control group. The exercise group visited the laboratory three times a week for 10 weeks (18-28 gestation weeks) to perform 30 minutes of exercise at Rating of Perceived Exertion level 13. RESULTS: A total of 16 pregnant women (mean age, 30 years) participated. The mean metabolic equivalent during exercise sessions was 4.7 (SD = 0.8). Blood pressure measurements were compared before and after the 10-week exercise period in the two groups. Systolic blood pressures did not change significantly, but diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the exercise group decreased by 3.5 mm Hg, while that in the control group increased by 1.1 mm Hg. Thus, the pre-post change in DBP differed by 4.6 mm Hg between groups. Exercise treatment reduced the diastolic blood pressure to a near-significant level in the exercise group (t = 2.34, df = 7, P = .052). Percent body fat did not differ between the exercise and control groups either before or after exercise treatment. ANOVA revealed that pregnancy had a significant effect (F(1, 14) = 5.7, P = .03) on increasing the percentage of fat, but exercise treatment did not (F(1, 14) = .18, P = .68). Estimated energy expenditure in overall daily physical activities during the intervention did not differ between the two groups despite the inclusion of exercise. CONCLUSION: This study detected a strong trend that 10 weeks of moderate exercise lowered the diastolic blood pressure among pregnant women at risk of hypertensive disorders. The reductions were probably due to the effect of exercise itself, not to weight or overall daily physical activity levels.

Adult↗

Exercise-induced hyperthermia may prevent accurate core temperature measurement by tympanic membrane thermometer.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of exercise-induced hyperthermia on brain and deep trunk temperature measurement in order to determine the optimal temperature site of the body for varying nursing practices in outpatient clinical settings. Eight women, 18 to 50 years old (30.9 +/- 12.6; mean +/- SD), participated in the study. Subjects were asked to perform their regular aerobic exercise in a natural environment while body temperature (ear and rectal) and heart rate (HR) were measured simultaneously and repeatedly before, during, and after exercise. Glass mercury rectal thermometers were used for measurement of deep trunk temperature, an infrared tympanic membrane thermometer for measurement of brain temperature, and a portable heart rate monitor for monitoring heart rate. Rectal temperature was higher than ear temperature for all but one of the 40 pairs of observation. The time pattern varied for the two modes of temperature (F = 9.67; df 4,28; p < .001). Rectal temperature changed over time (F = 7.86; df 4,28; p < .002), and ear temperature did not (F = 1.5; df 4,28; p = .25), indicating that ear temperature did not respond to exercise. While rectal temperature was strongly correlated with HR (r = .60), ear temperature did not correlate either with rectal temperature (r = .02) or with HR (r = .08). Thus deep trunk temperature responds to exercise at moderate levels. On the other hand, ear temperature does not increase due to exercise. Ear temperature is not a valid indicator of trunk temperature during and immediately after exercise.

Adolescent↗

Tympanic versus rectal thermometry in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of the tympanic membrane thermometer for use with pregnant women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. SETTING: A major medical center in the midwestern United States. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-three hospitalized, afebrile pregnant women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tympanic membrane thermometers and glass mercury thermometers were used to measure body temperature at the ear and rectum, respectively. The results were compared using two statistical methods: the Pearson correlation coefficient and a new technique suggested by Bland and Altman (1986). RESULTS: Auditory canal temperature measured by a tympanic membrane thermometer correlated with rectal temperature as measured by a glass mercury thermometer (r = 0.38, p = 0.01). Thus, the tympanic membrane thermometer is acceptable for monitoring the body temperature of pregnant women. However, the device's estimation of rectal temperature is not clinically reliable. CONCLUSIONS: Tympanic membrane thermometers, when applied with direct measures, are acceptable for use with pregnant women. It is not recommended that the rectal estimate mode be used with pregnant women.

Body Temperature↗

Exercise guidelines for pregnant women.

Despite remarkable improvements in high technologies and an increase in the number of studies related to exercise for pregnant women, the guidelines for maternal exercise remain contradictory. The effects of exercise in pregnant women and cardiovascular modifications due to pregnancy, and effects of maternal exercise on the fetal environment, including uterine and umbilical hemodynamic changes, are reviewed. Suggested future directions in this area of nursing science are discussed.

Body Temperature↗

Cultural views of breastfeeding among high-school female students in Japan and the United States: a survey.

This study compares the attitudes toward breastfeeding of high-school students in Japan and the United States. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey with a convenience sample (N = 329). Data were collected in 1989 and 1990 at two private, girls-only high schools (Tokyo, Japan and Farmington, Michigan). Retrieval rates were 100 percent (Tokyo) and 78 percent (Michigan) respectively. Responses were compared by the chi-square (chi 2) test with Yate's correction and factor analyses. Tokyo students perceived that their mothers talked positively about breastfeeding (54 percent), while only 17 percent of Michigan students reported that their mothers did so (< .001). Less than five percent of the Tokyo students felt that breastfeeding disturbs family life, whereas nearly 98 percent of the Michigan students felt so (p < .001). Tokyo students scored significantly higher on the 'family' factor, while the Michigan students scored significantly higher on the 'self' factor. Overall, this study indicates that high school students in Japan have more positive attitudes toward breastfeeding than students in the United States; however, teenagers in the United States are more interested than their Japanese age-mates in gaining information about breastfeeding.

Adolescent↗

The role of a Drosophila POU homeo domain gene in the specification of neural precursor cell identity in the developing embryonic central nervous system.

The Drosophila embryonic central nervous system (CNS) is derived from a stereotypic array of progenitor stem cells called neuroblasts (NBs). Each of the approximately 25 NBs per hemisegment undergoes repeated asymmetric divisions to produce, on average, 5-10 smaller ganglion mother cells (GMCs); each GMC, in turn, divides to produce two neurons. We demonstrate that the protein product encoded by a POU homeo domain gene (dPOU28/pdm-2) is expressed in the cell nuclei of a subset of NBs and GMCs. In the wild-type animal, GMC-1 is the only identified cell in the NB4-2 lineage that expresses dPOU28 protein to a high level, and it divides to produce the RP2 neuron and a second cell of unknown fate. Our results suggest that the presence of ectopically induced dPOU28/pdm-2 protein in the progeny of GMC-1 is sufficient to cause both of these cells to adopt their parental GMC-1 cell fate, leading to duplication of the RP2 neuron (and its sister cell) on the basis of both immunological and morphological criteria. These observations clearly implicate a role for dPOU28/pdm-2 in the specification of GMC-1 cell identity in the NB4-2 lineage and possibly in the specification of cell fate in other NB lineages in the developing embryonic CNS.

Animals↗

Prompted voiding therapy for urinary incontinence in aged female nursing home residents.

A study of 85 incontinent female nursing home residents explored the effects of two nursing interventions (prompted voiding and socialization) on incontinence. Findings indicate that a controlled prompted voiding programme is useful in decreasing incontinent episodes. Positive effects of prompted voiding were noted over a 5-week experimental period. It is suggested that nursing homes incorporate prompted voiding into their care. Nursing homes adopting this protocol should be encouraged to keep data that will contribute further to knowledge in this area. Recommendations for additional research are made.

Aged↗

Lymphadenopathy in dogs associated with aluminosilicate.

Granulomatous lymphadenopathy, associated with the presence of needle-like refractile particles, was recognised in two dogs. The material was detected in macrophages, either free within the cytoplasm or in membrane-bound lysosomes. By mineral analysis under direct vision in an electron microscope microanalyser (EMMA 4) the particles were found to contain aluminosilicate.

Aluminum Silicates↗

Pregnancy interruption using mifepristone (RU-486). A new choice for women in the USA.

Mifepristone (RU-486) has recently been granted approval from the Food and Drug Administration for the early termination of pregnancy. Availability is anticipated during 1997. This article describes the pharmacologic function of mifepristone and discusses its potential clinical use in the United States, including its safety, efficacy, and possible complications.

Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal↗