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Biomedical subjects

B Hawkins

Publications and source records attributed to B Hawkins.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Measurement of adenosine triphosphate and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in stored blood with 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Conditions for blood storage are chosen to assure adequate levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). Because of the invasive nature of the techniques, biochemical assays are not routinely used to measure levels of these compounds in stored blood. However, 31P NMR spectroscopy measures phosphorylated intermediates in intact cells and could be used without disruption of the storage pack. We compared levels of ATP and 2,3-DPG measured by 31P spectroscopy and standard enzyme-linked biochemical assays in whole blood (WB) and packed red blood cells (PRBCs) at weekly intervals during a 35-day storage period. NMR demonstrated a marked decrease in 2,3-DPG and an increase in inorganic phosphate after the first week of storage. No significant differences in ATP concentrations were seen in WB during the storage period, but a significant decrease in ATP in PRBCs was documented. There was good agreement in levels of ATP and 2,3-DPG measured by NMR and biochemical techniques. 31P NMR spectroscopy is a noninvasive technique for measuring ATP and 2,3-DPG which has a potential use in quality assurance of stored blood.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗

15N-labeled Escherichia coli tRNAfMet, tRNAGlu, tRNATyr, and tRNAPhe. Double resonance and two-dimensional NMR of N1-labeled pseudouridine.

The N1 imino units in Escherichia coli tRNAfMet, tRNAGlu, tRNAPhe, and tRNATyr were studied by 1H-15N NMR using three different techniques to suppress signals of protons not attached to 15N. Two of the procedures, Fourier internuclear difference spectroscopy and two-dimensional forbidden echo spectroscopy permitted 1H and 15N chemical shifts to be measured simultaneously at 1H sensitivity. The tRNAs were labeled by fermentation of the uracil auxotroph S phi 187 on a minimal medium containing [1-15N]uracil. 1H and 15N resonances were detected for all of the N1 psi imino units except psi 13 at the end of the dihydrouridine stem in tRNAGlu. Chemical shifts for imino units in the tRNAs were compared with "intrinsic" values in model systems. The comparisons show that the A X psi pairs at the base of the anticodon stem in E. coli tRNAPhe and tRNATyr have psi in an anti conformation. The N1 protons of psi in other locations, including psi 32 in the anticodon loop of tRNAPhe, form internal hydrogen bonds to bridging water molecules or 2'-hydroxyl groups in nearby ribose units. These interactions permit psi to stabilize the tertiary structure of a tRNA beyond what is provided by the U it replaces.

Escherichia coli↗

Bacterial meningitis in the elderly.

To assess the implications of meningitis in a more mature population, we reviewed the records of patients with meningitis: 71 aged 50 years and older and 138 patients aged 15 to 49 years. Among the older population, 54 (76%) had bacterial, nine (13%) had granulomatous, and eight (11%) had aseptic meningitis. Among the cases of bacterial meningitis in the older age group, Streptococcus pneumoniae accounted for 24% (13/54) and enteric bacilli accounted for 17% (9/54). Serious complications occurred in 38 elderly patients (70%) with bacterial meningitis, and mortality occurred in 24 (44%). In the younger age group with bacterial meningitis, the complication rate and mortality were 41% (13/32) and 13% (4/32), respectively. Meningitis in the elderly is likely to be bacterial and to cause greater morbidity and mortality.

Adolescent↗

Rapid visual feedback processing in single-aiming movements.

A major line of behavioral support for motor-program theory derives from evidence indicating that feedback does not influence the execution and control of limited duration movements. Since feedback cannot be utilized, the motor-program is assumed to act as the controlling agent. in a classic study, Keele and Posner observed that visual feedback had no effect on the accuracy of 190-msec single-aiming movements. Therefore visual feedback processing time is greater than 190 msec, and, more importantly, limited duration movements are governed by motor programs. In the present paper, we observed that visual feedback can affect the spatial accuracy of movement with durations much less than 190 msec. We hypothesize that visual feedback can aid motor control via processes not associated with intermittent error corrections.

Journal Article↗

Factitious bacterial meningitis revisited.

Nonviable gram-negative bacilli were seen in smears of cerebrospinal fluid from eight infants in whom bacterial meningitis was ruled out. Tubes from commercial kits were the source of the factitious organisms.

Bacteria↗

Clinical placements by computer program.

A computer allocation and recording system was developed and implemented to permit an integrated, sequesntial and, to some extent, individually tailored clinical experience for occupational therapy students. Necessary technical information is described for those who may wish to adapt the program to their needs. A difficult administrative task was solved by a machine well known for its speed and accuracy, extensive memory, and copy-typing capabilities.

Clinical Competence↗

Deficiency of C4A is a genetic determinant of systemic lupus erythematosus in three ethnic groups.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has shown associations with the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II DR antigens and class III complement components C2 and C4 in previous studies. The primary susceptibility locus has been difficult to identify, however, on account of linkage disequilibrium within the MHC. We have studied C4A and C4B distributions in 63 Caucasoid, 75 Chinese and 51 Japanese SLE patients. All three populations showed a statistically significant increase in C4A*Q0 (null) alleles when compared with 323 ethnically matched controls. We conclude that complete or partial deficiency of C4A is a genetic determinant of SLE common to these three ethnically distinct populations.

Alleles↗

Continuing education in nursing: a 10-year retrospective study of CE offerings presented by the Kentucky Nurses Association.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate continuing education (CE) offerings presented by the Kentucky Nurses Association during a 10-year period. METHOD: Data were collected and analyzed from 37 CE offerings (N = 474 respondents). RESULTS: Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents reported that the CE offerings were useful, stimulated them to seek further information, and resulted in acquisition of significant knowledge or skills for nursing education or practice. However, fewer than half of the respondents reported they were able to implement changes in nursing education or practice as a result of the CE offerings. CONCLUSION: Findings supported the usefulness of CE in nursing education and practice and the need for further research evaluating CE and the correlation between CE and nursing education and practice.

Education, Nursing, Continuing↗

Factors related to research utilization by registered nurses in Kentucky.

The current health care environment mandates an outcomes-driven approach to care. Outcomes-based, and practice-driven, nursing research can be an essential organizational investment to maintain viability. Registered nurses in Kentucky appear motivated and ready to participate in and use relevant nursing research in their practice environment. Administrative support for those endeavors can be a key component in the successful conduct of clinical research and translation into clinical practice. Participation in research endeavors by both nursing staff and management can support the value of nursing in the current health care delivery system. This study adds to the literature in the area of research utilization in that random selection, a relatively large sample size, and all RNs in the state (not just members of the professional nursing organization) were used. Hopefully, the results of this study can be used to bring together all important parties in the research utilization process--experts, quality assurance nurses, managers in control of resources, risk managers, and those providing patient care.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗