Nursing guided by Parse's theory: patient views at Sunnybrook.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
A Bernardo
Publications and source records attributed to A Bernardo.
[Self-monitoring of blood coagulation by patients. Principles, procedures and long-term outcome].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
[Cholestatic hepatitis probably induced by clarithromycin].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aged↗
[Scleredema, acanthosis nigricans and IgA/Kappa multiple myeloma].
BACKGROUND: Scleredema is an uncommon disease of unknown origin. Characteristic thick skin with symmetrical diffuse induration develops. The infiltration begins on the face and neck then extends to the root of the upper limbs and trunk. There are three clinical types of scleredema. The first is preceded by an upper airway infection and progresses rapidly before regressing spontaneously within a few months. The second type is associated with chronic diabetes. The third type is associated with monoclonal gammapathy, rarely of myelomatous type, and develops insidiously. Acanthosis nigricans can be a paraneoplastic syndrome, often associated with a gastrointestinal cancer. Few cases associating scleredema and acanathosis nigricans have been reported. CASE REPORT: A 56-year old woman had developed scleredema over the last 6 years when acanthosis nigricans appeared together with IgA kappa multiple myeloma. Treatment with melphalan and prednisolone was effective against the myeloma as well as the scleredema and acanthosis nigricans. DISCUSSION: Only five cases of associated scleredema and multiple myeloma have been reported, four with kappa IgG myeloma and one with IgA myeloma. An association between acanthosis nigricans and sclerederma could be coincidental although the fact that the different manifestations regressed together after the myeloma treatment would suggest some relationship between these three diseases.
Acanthosis Nigricans↗
Effect on pH heating medium on the thermal resistance of Bacillus stearothermophilus spores.
The influence of the pH of heating medium on heat resistance of Bacillus stearothermophilus spores (ATCC 7953, 12980, 15951 and 15952) were studied. The pH values tested were: 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0 at temperatures of 115, 120, 125, 130 and 135 degrees C. It was found that at low treatment temperatures (115 degrees C) D-values decreased between 7- and 10-fold with 7953, 12980 and 15951 strains and about 23-fold with 15952 strain when pH dropped from 7.0 to 4.0. At highest treatment temperatures (135 degrees C) D-values obtained with pH 6.0 and 7.0 did not show any significant statistical differences (p > 0.05). z-Values appeared to be higher when the medium was acidified, ranging from 7.58 to 8.20 and 9.43 10.0 for spores suspended in McIlvaine buffer pH 7.0 and pH 4.0, respectively, although the difference was not statistically significant. Heat resistance of strain ATCC 7953 at 120, 128, and 135 degrees C in asparagus purée and tomato purée at pH 5.0 under continuous monitoring of pH was also determined. D-values obtained in asparagus purée were similar to those obtained in buffer at the same pH, whereas those observed in tomato purée were found to be lower.
Culture Media↗
Effect of pH of the recovery medium on the apparent heat resistance of three strains of Bacillus cereus.
The influence of pH of the recovery medium, in the range 7.6-5.4, on the apparent heat resistance of three strains of Bacillus cereus (ATCC 4342, 7004 and 9818) has been investigated. The highest counts of heat-injured spores were obtained at pH near neutral, decreasing markedly as pH was reduced, especially with longer heating times. When the media were acidified, the apparent D-values tended to decrease, although some exceptions related to the strain and the nature of the medium were observed. z-Values determined were not affected by the pH of the medium.
Bacillus cereus↗
Regulation of the renal Na-HCO3 cotransporter: VI. Mechanism of the stimulatory effect of protein kinase C.
We have previously shown that the activity of the Na-HCO3 cotransporter is stimulated by protein kinase C (PKC) activation, but the mechanism responsible for this effect is not clear. We have shown that cultured proximal tubule cells of the rabbit have DIDS-sensitive Na-HCO3 cotransporter activity as assessed by HCO3-dependent 22Na uptake or by measurement of intracellular pH. In cells loaded with BCECF and treated with the amiloride analogue, ethylisopropyl amiloride, removal of extracellular Na was associated with a rapid decrease in pH which returned to normal with re-addition of Na. This pH recovery was inhibited by DIDS and was used to quantify the activity of the Na-HCO3 cotransporter. In the present study, we utilized primary cultures of the proximal tubule of the rabbit to examine the effect of PKC activation on the activity of the Na-HCO3 cotransporter. Short term incubation (5 min) with the active phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate (PMA), 10(-7) M, caused a significant stimulation of the Na-HCO3 cotransporter activity as compared to controls. Incubation for two hours also caused a significant stimulation of the Na-HCO3 cotransporter activity. The inactive analogue of PMA, 4-alpha phorbol, failed to alter the cotransporter. Similar results were observed when we examined the effect of PMA on HCO3-dependent 22Na uptake. The effect of PMA to stimulate the cotransporter was mediated by PKC activation since it could be prevented by the PKC inhibitors, calphostin C or sphingosine, or by prior PKC depletion. The long term but not the short term effect of PMA to stimulate the Na-HCO3 cotransporter activity was prevented by the protein synthesis inhibitors, actinomycin D or cycloheximide. The early effect of PKC to stimulate the cotransporter appeared to be associated with increased phosphorylation of a 56 kD protein band, while the late effect appeared to be associated with an increase in immunoreactive content of a 56 kD protein which is thought to be an active component of the cotransporter. Thus PKC stimulation activates the Na-HCO3 cotransporter by two distinct mechanisms: a long term effect which is protein synthesis-dependent and a short term effect which is protein synthesis-independent and is likely mediated by phosphorylation.
Animals↗
Thermal resistance of Bacillus stearothermophilus spores in different heating systems containing some approved food additives.
The effects of different heating systems on the heat resistance of Bacillus stearothermophilus spores (ATCC 7953, 12980, 15951 and 15952) were investigated. Spores were heated in distilled water, Sorensen buffer (0.18 mol 1-1), McIlvaine buffer (0.0025-0.18 mol 1-1), and several solutions containing sodium chloride (0.06-12%), sodium nitrite (125 ppm), potassium sorbate (0.1%) and sodium benzoate (0.1%) over a wide range of temperatures (115-140 degrees C). D-values obtained for McIlvaine and Sorensen buffers, at the same molarities, were not significantly different (P > 0.05), but decimal reduction times increased as phosphate concentrations in the solutions decreased. The concentrations, in which statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were obtained, varied among strains. Among the additives assayed, only sodium chloride reduced heat resistance, being effective at concentrations as low as 0.06%. The z-values calculated in this study ranged from 6.99 to 8.40 with a mean value of 7.60 +/- 0.45. Although z-values observed for salt and buffers (180 mol 1-1) were slightly higher than obtained in the other conditions assayed, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).
Benzoates↗
The effect of recovery conditions on the apparent heat resistance of Bacillus cereus spores.
The effect of recovery media and incubation temperature on the apparent heat resistance of three ATCC strains (4342, 7004 and 9818) of Bacillus cereus spores were studied. Nutrient Agar (NA), Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA), Plate Count Agar (PCA) and Milk Agar (MA) as the media and temperatures in the range of 15-40 degrees C were used to recover heated spores. Higher counts of heat injured spores were obtained on PCA and NA. The optimum subculture temperature was about 5 degrees C below the optimum temperature for unheated spores. No significant differences in heat resistance were observed with the different recovery conditions except for strains 4342 and 9818 when MA was used as plating medium. Large differences in D-values were found among the strains (D100 = 0.28 min for 7004; D100 = 0.99 min for 4342; D100 = 4.57 min for 9818). The 7004 strain showed a sub-population with a greater heat resistance. The z values obtained for the three strains studied under the different recovery conditions were similar (7.64 degrees C +/- 0.25).
Bacillus cereus↗
Hope and schizophrenia: clinicians identify hope-instilling strategies.
Nurses have many opportunities to assist individuals with schizophrenia because of the frequency and nature of their contacts. The nurses in this study believed that they can make a difference and can identify hope-instilling strategies. Strategies for rehabilitation include assisting persons with schizophrenia to set goals, seeing them as people, and joining with them on their journey of recovery. Recognizing that the establishment of the relationship is central in assisting the development of client hope, and (hopefully) eventual recovery, may help nurses to persevere despite what may be a challenging and lengthy process.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Human immunodeficiency virus protein gp120 interferes with beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated protein phosphorylation in cultured rat cortical astrocytes.
1. We have previously shown that acute exposure to the HIV coat protein gp120 interferes with the beta-adrenergic regulation of astroglial and microglial cells (Levi et al., 1993). In particular, exposure to 100 pM gp120 for 30 min depressed the phosphorylation of vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) induced by isoproterenol in rat cortical astrocyte cultures. In the present study we have extended our analysis on the effects of gp120 on astroglial protein phosphorylation. 2. We found that chronic (3-day) treatment of the cells with 100 pM gp120 before exposure to isoproterenol was substantially more effective than acute treatment in depressing the stimulatory effect of the beta-adrenergic agonist on vimentin and GFAP phosphorylation. 3. Even after chronic treatment with gp120, no differences were found in the levels and solubility of these proteins. 4. Besides stimulating the phosphorylation of intermediate filament proteins, isoproterenol inhibited the incorporation of 32P into a soluble acidic protein of 80,000 M(r), which was only minimally present in Triton X-100-insoluble extracts. 5. Treatment of astrocytes with a phorbol ester or exposure to 3H-myristic acid indicated that the acidic 80,000 M(r) protein is a substrate for protein kinase C (PKC) and is myristoylated, thus suggesting that it is related to the MARCKS family of PKC substrates. 6. Acute (30-min) treatment with 100 pM gp120 totally prevented the inhibitory effect of isoproterenol on the phosphorylation of the 80,000 M(r) MARCKS-like protein. 7. Our studies corroborate the hypothesis that viral components may contribute to the neuropathological changes observed in AIDS through the alteration of signal transduction systems in glial cells.
Animals↗
The importance of relationships in fostering hope.
1. A person with mental illness, such as schizophrenia, can be mobilized to maintain hope. 2. A relationship seems to be the catalyst that allows hope to develop exponentially. 3. A belief in the client's abilities can be a powerful motivator for change.
Adult↗
Intraplaque hemorrhage of the carotid arteries: diagnosis by duplex scanning.
Eighty-three patients with intraplaque hemorrhage of the carotid arteries, explored by Duplex scanning, are reported; 36 among them were also studied by digital angiography and 28 were operated on. The echographic aspect suggesting the presence of an intraplaque hemorrhage is that of a hypo-anechogenic stria separating the intimal plaque from the media-adventitia complex. On the contrary, the angiographic findings are aspecific and unrelated to the presence of intramural blood clots. We think that duplex scanning is the investigation of choice in detecting intraplaque hemorrhage of the carotid arteries. The role of other radiological techniques, such as computed tomography of the neck and magnetic resonance, is also discussed.
Aged↗
Correlation between sex hormone receptors and peritumoral edema in intracranial meningiomas.
Fifty patients with intracranial meningiomas, verified histologically, are retrospectively analyzed to correlate the peritumoral brain edema with the positivity of estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors. The extent of edema was quantified on CT scan and/or MR. Monoclonal antibodies were used to test the estrogen receptors and the dextran-coated charcoal method was used to test the progesterone receptors. Significant levels of both receptors were found in 41 (82%) specimens. 80% of the cases with positive receptors had brain edema, in contrast to only 2 among 9 cases with negative receptors. Thus, the presence of brain edema has resulted to be correlated to the positivity of sex hormone receptors, although we did not find significant correlation between the amount of receptors and the amount of edema. The suggested mechanisms responsible for the brain edema surrounding intracranial meningiomas are discussed. We can suggest that progesterone may induce the secretion of some substances from meningioma cells, such as prostaglandins and biogenic amines, which may result in vagogenic edema.
Adult↗
Human immunodeficiency virus coat protein gp120 inhibits the beta-adrenergic regulation of astroglial and microglial functions.
The goal of our study was to assess whether the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coat protein gp120 induces functional alterations in astrocytes and microglia, known for their reactivity and involvement in most types of brain pathology. We hypothesized that gp120-induced anomalies in glial functions, if present, might be mediated by changes in the levels of intracellular messengers important for signal transduction, such as cAMP. Acute (10 min) exposure of cultured rat cortical astrocytes or microglia to 100 pM gp120 caused only a modest (50-60%), though statistically significant, elevation in cAMP levels, which was antagonized by the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol. More importantly, the protein substantially depressed [by 30% (astrocytes) and 50% (microglia)] the large increase in cAMP induced by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (10 nM), without affecting that induced by direct adenylate cyclase stimulation by forskolin. Qualitatively similar results were obtained using a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive human glioma cell line. The depression of the beta-adrenergic response had functional consequences in both astrocytes and microglia. In astrocytes we studied the phosphorylation of the two major cytoskeletal proteins, vimentin and GFAP, which is normally stimulated by isoproterenol, and found that gp120 partially (40-50%) prevented such stimulation. In microglial cells, which are the major producers of inflammatory cytokines within the brain, gp120 partially antagonized the negative beta-adrenergic modulation of lipopolysaccharide (10 ng/ml)-induced production of tumor necrosis factor alpha. Our results suggest that, by interfering with the beta-adrenergic regulation of astrocytes and microglia, gp120 may alter astroglial "reactivity" and upset the delicate cytokine network responsible for the defense against viral and opportunistic infections.
Adenylyl Cyclases↗
Liver peroxisomes in newborns from clofibrate-treated rats. I. A morphometric study of the recovery period.
Morphological and morphometric parameters (volume density (Vv), numerical density (NA) and mean diameter (D)) of newborn liver peroxisomes were measured throughout the first week of life in rats born to mothers treated with clofibrate (ethyl 2 p-chlorophenoxy isobutyrate) during the last five days of pregnancy. In control studies the same analyses were carried out in newborns from untreated rats. At birth (day 0), treated animals exhibited a proliferated, pleiomorphic peroxisomal population (higher Vv, NA and D, and a spread distribution of profile diameter with respect to the controls). In the subsequent two days, many peroxisomes disappeared (decrease of Vv and NA to values even lower than controls), with a persisting high pleiomorphism (no change of D and diameter distribution) in residual ones. Starting from day 3, and up to day 6, larger peroxisomes were no longer detectable in test animals, and a significant, not pleiomorphic proliferation took place (D and diameter distributions strictly comparable to the controls and progressively increasing Vv and NA). The correlation analysis validated these morphological results, from which it can be surmised that the postnatal peroxisome recovery period consists of a destructive phase followed by a proliferative one. The possible mechanism(s) of disposal of the excess of drug-induced peroxisomes are discussed.
Animals↗
Insulin receptor in mouse neuroblastoma cell line N18TG2: binding properties and visualization with colloidal gold.
Insulin function in the nervous system is still poorly understood. Possible roles as a neuromodulator and as a growth factor have been proposed (Baskin et al., 1987, Ann. Rev. Physiol. 49, 335-347). Stable cell lines may provide an appropriate experimental system for the analysis of insulin action on the various cellular components of the central nervous system. We report here a study to investigate the presence and the properties of insulin specific binding sites in the murine neuroblastoma line, N18TG2, together with insulin action on cell growth and metabolism. Also, receptor internalization has been studied. Binding experiments, carried out in standard conditions at 20 degrees C, enabled us to demonstrate that these cells bind insulin in a specific manner, thus confirming previous findings on other cell lines. Saturation curves showed the presence of two binding sites with Kd 0.3 and 9.7 nM. Competition experiments with porcine and bovine insulin showed an IC50 of 1 and 10 nM, respectively. Competition did not occur in the presence of the unrelated hormones ACTH and FSH. Dissociation experiments indicated the existence of an internalization process of the ligand-receptor complex; this was confirmed by an ultrastructural study using gold conjugated insulin. As far as the insulin action in N18TG2 cells is concerned, physiological concentrations stimulate cell proliferation, whereas no stimulation of glucose uptake was observed, indicating that insulin action in these cells is not mediated by general metabolic effects. On the basis of these data, N18TG2 line appears to be a very suitable model for further studies of the neuronal type insulin receptors, and possibly insulin specific action on the nervous system.
Animals↗
Purification, characterization and some properties of diacetyl(acetoin) reductase from Enterobacter aerogenes.
A new method, faster, milder and more efficient than the one previously described [Bryn, K., Hetland, O. & Stormer, F. C. (1971) Eur. J. Biochem, 18, 116-119], for purification of diacetyl(acetoin) reductase from Enterobacter aerogenes is proposed. The experiments carried out with the electrophoretically pure preparations obtained by this procedure show that the enzyme (a) produces L-glycols from the corresponding L-alpha-hydroxycarbonyls by reversible reduction of their oxo groups and also reduces the oxo group of uncharged alpha-dicarbonyls converting them into L-alpha-hydroxycarbonyls, and (b) is specific for NAD. This is a new enzyme for which we suggest the systematic name of L-glycol: NAD+ oxidoreductase and the recommended name of L-glycol dehydrogenase(NAD). The molecular mass, pI, affinity for substrates and pH profiles of this enzyme are also described.
Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗