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Biomedical subjects

A Brooks

Publications and source records attributed to A Brooks.

98 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Characterization of local inflammatory response in an isolated lung perfusion model.

BACKGROUND: Current phase I trials of isolated lung perfusion for treatment of pulmonary metastases have an arbitrarily determined length of perfusion. Our objective was to examine the temporal course of the local and distant inflammatory response as a function of the length of perfusion (ischemia) and subsequent reperfusion in an equivalent animal model. METHODS: Sixty male Fischer 344 rats were randomized into four groups (n = 15). Each group underwent left isolated lung perfusion with buffered Hespan for 10, 30, 60, or 90 minutes. Subsequently, two subgroups of five animals within each group were allowed to reperfuse for 1 or 3 hours, respectively. Non-perfused right lung was used as control. At each time point, lung specimens were assayed for TNF-alpha by ELISA and histologic sections were examined. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the left and right lung tissue levels of TNF-alpha at the termination of the ischemic period. However, on reperfusion, the left lung TNF-alpha levels increased significantly above the ischemia baseline in all groups, with a greater magnitude of rise in the groups with 60 and 90 minutes of preceding ischemia (12,757 +/- 1985 vs. 3524 +/- 494 pg/g, and 16,914 +/- 1657 vs. 6530 +/- 1104 pg/g, respectively; p < 0.05). There was no significant elevation in tissue levels of TNF-alpha in the right lung. Histologic changes consistent with early pulmonary edema were first detected at 12 hours following onset of reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Reperfusion following prolonged pulmonary ischemia during isolated lung perfusion results in a significant elevation of local tissue levels of TNF-alpha and may render the perfused lung vulnerable to the adverse effects of the inflammatory cascade.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Characterization of a novel model of pancreatic fibrosis and acinar atrophy.

Significant fibrosis and acinar atrophy are characteristics of chronic pancreatitis; however, because of the lack of a reproducible model, early phases of these changes are poorly understood. We have developed a model of severe hyperstimulation and obstruction pancreatitis (SHOP) to better define the mechanisms of early pancreatic fibrogenesis. Sprague-Dawley rats were used and SHOP was induced by complete pancreatic duct obstruction and daily cerulein hyperstimulation (50 microg/kg intraperitoneally). Animals were killed at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Control animals underwent sham operation and received no cerulein. Pancreata were prepared for hematoxylin and eosin and sirius red (collagen-specific) staining and for hydroxyproline assay (measure of total collagen content). We found moderate amounts of edema and inflammation but minimal parenchymal necrosis. Significant loss of acinar cell mass was noted by 48 hours, and normal acinar cells were essentially absent by 96 hours. Tissue collagen content increased with time and large amounts of interstitial collagen were detected by 72 hours. In conclusion, SHOP is a novel model of early pancreatic fibrosis associated with minimal necrosis and a significant decrease in acinar cell mass, making it an ideal model to study the early cellular mechanisms of pancreatic fibrogenesis.

Amylases↗
PubMedDate not supplied

From frustration to red fury: a description of work-related anger in male registered nurses.

This article is Part II of a three part article. Part I described work-related anger experiences of female registered nurses, and in this article findings from a companion study of male RNs are presented. In phenomenological interviews, male nurses describe their work environment as hostile, causing them to be on the defensive and less productive. Sources of angle included attacks from physicians, coworkers, and managers; lack of assistance and support from peers; and differential treatment based on gender. The men stated they were called upon for physical tasks rather than for their nursing knowledge. Severed relationships and feelings of guilt, powerlessness, isolation, humiliation, and incompetence were concomitant with, or consequences of, anger. Part III provides recommendations for channeling anger constructively.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

An assessment of need for district nursing.

The north London Borough of Barnet has a population of just over 300,000 people, a large proportion of whom are over the age of 75. In the summer of 1995, as a result of the shifting emphasis within the NHS from secondary to primary care, it was recognised that the district nursing service was under pressure to meet the needs of the population. Primary Care Development Fund money was identified for new investment in the service. A health visitor researcher was seconded to the Public Health Directorate to undertake a needs assessment of district nursing for the borough. A qualitative research method was used in the form of focus groups of district nurses to assess their perceived needs for the services. These needs were prioritized and recommendations made. An additional 13 nurses (whole-time equivalents) of various grades in specific areas of the borough were subsequently employed.

Health Care Reform↗