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Biomedical subjects

B L Smith

Publications and source records attributed to B L Smith.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of the mycotoxins penitrem, paxilline and lolitrem B on the electromyographic activity of skeletal and gastrointestinal smooth muscle of sheep.

The electromyographic (EMG) activity of skeletal muscle was investigated as a method of recording the tremorgenic activity of the mycotoxins penitrem, paxilline and lolitrem B in sheep. EMG recordings were made concurrently from the abomasal antrum and duodenum to study the effects of these tremorgens on smooth muscle of the gut. Penitrem (2.2 to 7.5 micrograms kg-1) induced mild to moderate tremors within 15 to 20 minutes of injection which lasted for two to four hours. Paxilline (0.66 to 1.5 mg kg-1) induced mild to moderate tremors immediately which lasted for one to two hours. Lolitrem B (25 to 110 micrograms kg-1) had no effect at low doses, but at higher doses it produced tremors appearing over 20 to 30 minutes which persisted for more than 24 hours. The best measure of tremor indicated by skeletal muscle EMG was recorded from the shoulder area. The responses of smooth muscle of the antrum and duodenum to the tremorgens were variable. They included inhibitory effects on the antrum but no stimulation. The tremorgens had inhibitory effects on the duodenum on some occasions but on others, phase III migrating myoelectric complex-like activity was stimulated.

Acetone↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of doxapram-induced hyperventilation on respiratory mechanics in horses.

To investigate the influence of increased respiratory frequency on respiratory mechanics in the horse, measurements were made in two groups of seven tracheostomized horses before and after the administration of doxapram. The horses in group I had normal base line values for respiratory mechanics, whereas the horses in group II had significantly lower values of dynamic compliance (Cdyn), higher respiratory resistance (R), and a higher total change in pleural pressure (delta P). The administration of 0.3 mg kg-1 doxapram intravenously resulted in a significant increase in respiratory frequency (fR), R, delta P, tidal volume (VT), and peak to peak respiratory flow (V), and a decrease in Cdyn in both groups of horses. The group II horses had significantly greater increases in R and delta P than the horses in group I.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Making sense of a new nursing role: a phenomenological study of an organizational change.

Although health care organizational change is a constant phenomenon, little is understood as to how staff experience this change. Unsuccessful change efforts have suggested the possible important relationship between understanding staff's experience and improved results. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe what staff on a medical-surgical unit experience during the initial phase of the implementation of a nursing care coordinator position, a first step in a broad organizational change. A purposeful sample of 11 nursing and non-nursing staff, considered unit experts, were interviewed using broad, open-ended questions designed to solicit their experience. Additionally, observations and document abstraction were used to add depth and clarification to the interviews. Analysis of data was conducted using a combination of Giorgi's and Colaizzi's procedures. Contextual elements framing staff's experiences included introduction of a new role with no organizational history into an increasingly demanding environment that staff perceived as constantly changing. Major themes of "experiencing the effect" and "struggling to make sense" were revealed. These findings suggest that the introduction of a new role can create turmoil and job insecurity in the current health care environment. Recommendations to support staff's efforts to "make sense" are provided.

Hospitals, University↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Changing isonymic relationships in Fylingdales parish, North Yorkshire, 1841-1881.

Lasker's coefficient of relationship by isonymy was used to analyse surname data taken from the 1841-1881 Census returns from Fylingdales parish, North Yorkshire. Relationships were measured between each of the occupational groups: mariner, fisherman, shipowner, farmer, agricultural labourer, alum works labourer and 'other'--with and between census years in each decade. Broadly, there is a clear differentiation of the population genetic structure in the parish over this whole period, and distinct clusters of 'maritime', 'agricultural' and 'other' jobs can be identified. In finer detail, the gradual breakdown of this pattern of genetic differentiation can be observed, as the fishing industry declined, the alum works closed, and as new farming families moved in to the parish.

England↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Development and evaluation of immunochromatographic rapid tests for screening of cannabinoids, cocaine, and opiates in urine.

The test principle and the optimization of the reactive ingredients are described for the one-step dip and-read immunochromatographic FRONTLINE rapid tests for drugs-of-abuse testing in urine samples. In a multicenter evaluation the rapid tests were compared with FPIA and EMIT immunoassays. Discrepant results were further analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methods. In the comparison of the cannabinoids rapid tests versus both immunoassays using clinical and forensic urine samples (399 versus FPIA and 755 versus EMIT), sensitivities and specificities were 97% or better for both comparisons. For cocaine, a sensitivity of 100% versus both routine technologies was obtained, whereas the specificity was reduced somewhat to 91% because of some cross-reactivity with metabolites of methadone and of clozapine. Specificity was very high for the cocaine rapid tests (98-100%) when applied to urine samples of persons not in a methadone maintenance program. Sensitivities and specificities for the opiates rapid tests were 99% or better at all sites when compared with the routine methods. In the screening of about 1200 clinical urine samples for cannabinoids, cocaine or opiates misuse only six samples would have stayed undetected by rapid test analyzes. These results show the FRONTLINE assays allow a reliable and immediate screening for drugs of abuse.

Cannabinoids↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of ofloxacin in the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea.

In an open study, a single oral dose of 400 mg of ofloxacin was administered to 40 men and 20 women who required treatment for uncomplicated gonococcal infection. Thirty-six men and 13 women were evaluable. Ofloxacin eradicated 49 of 49 urethral or endocervical gonococcal infections and 1 of 1 pharyngeal infection. There were 55 pretreatment isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae available for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Twenty-four (43.6%) produced penicillinase. Eighteen (32.7%) isolates that did not produce penicillinase had penicillin MICs greater than or equal to 1.0 micrograms/mL. Twelve (21.8%) isolates had tetracycline MICs greater than or equal to 16 micrograms/mL. The geometric mean minimal inhibitory concentrations (range) for 55 pretreatment N. gonorrhoeae isolates were: ofloxacin, 0.014 (.0078-.03) micrograms/mL; penicillin, 6.30 (.125-128) micrograms/mL; and tetracycline 1.61 (.03-128) micrograms/mL. There were few side effects. Ofloxacin appears to be an effective and safe oral therapy for the treatment of infections caused by N. gonorrhoeae including infections due to penicillin- and tetracycline-resistant strains.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of enoxacin and ceftriaxone in the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The increasing prevalence of resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae has prompted investigation of new agents for the treatment of this sexually transmitted disease. GOAL OF THIS STUDY: This study compared the efficacy and safety of a single oral dose of enoxacin to intramuscular ceftriaxone in the treatment of uncomplicated anogenital infection with N. gonorrhoeae. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized open trial was conducted at a sexually transmitted diseases clinic in Brooklyn, New York. Adults with uncomplicated gonorrhea were randomly assigned to receive 400 mg of enoxacin or 250 mg of ceftriaxone. A follow-up examination was conducted 5 to 9 days later. RESULTS: 59 women and 23 men were enrolled; 40 women and 19 men were evaluable. Enoxacin eradicated 18 of 19 endocervical, 10 of 10 urethral, 5 of 5 anorectal, and 3 of 3 pharyngeal gonococcal infections. Ceftriaxone eradicated 20 of 21 pharyngeal gonococcal infections. Fifty-nine pretreatment isolates of N. gonorrhoeae were available for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The geometric mean minimal inhibitory concentration was 0.03 mg/1 for enoxacin and 0.005 mg/l for ceftriaxone. There were few sides effects in either group, and both drugs were ineffective against concomitant infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. CONCLUSION: Oral enoxacin appears to be a safe and effective method of treatment for anogenital infections caused by N. gonorrhoeae.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Susceptibility of isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to penicillin and tetracycline in Brooklyn, 1988-1992.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this analysis was to determine the rate of resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to penicillin and tetracycline over 5 years. STUDY DESIGN: The authors studied 500 isolates of N. gonorrhoeae. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of various antimicrobial agents, including penicillins, tetracyclines, quinolones, cephalosporins, spectinomycin, and trospectomycin, were determined using agar dilution. Organisms that produced beta-lactamase were classified as penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae, and those with tetracycline minimum inhibitory concentrations > 16 micrograms/ml were considered presumptive high-level tetracycline resistant. Organisms with Minimum inhibitory concentrations > 2.0 micrograms/ml were presumptively considered to have chromosomally mediated resistance to penicillin or tetracycline. Isolates with none of these forms of resistance were considered susceptible to penicillin and tetracycline. RESULTS: Penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae represented 34.7%, 40.7%, and 44.9% of gonococcal isolates in 1988, 1989, and 1990, respectively. Only 14.3% and 15.0% of the isolates in 1991 and 1992 were penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae. In 1988, 1.0% of isolates were chromosomally mediated penicillin resistant. In contrast, chromosomally mediated penicillin resistant gonococci represented 7.5% to 22.4% of isolates from 1989 to 1992. In 1988, 26.0% of isolates were high-level tetracycline resistant. The prevalence of presumptive high-level tetracycline resistant organisms decreased after 1988. From 1989 to 1992, only 8.2% to 14.8% of gonococcal isolates were presumptive high-level tetracycline resistant. No chromosomally mediated tetracycline resistant isolates were identified in 1988. In 1989 and 1990, 11.6% and 10.2%, respectively, of isolates were chromosomally mediated tetracycline resistant. Chromosomally mediated tetracycline resistant N. gonorrhoeae represented 2.0% of isolates in 1991 and 25.0% of isolates in 1992. All isolates tested were susceptible to the other antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Continued surveillance of sensitivity of contemporary gonococci to antimicrobial agents is important.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of vaginal tampons for collection of specimens for detection of Chlamydial infection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have shown that self-inserted vaginal tampons can be used to obtain specimens for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. There is a need to expand testing for infection with Chlamydia trachomatis to women who do not undergo regular gynecologic examinations. GOAL: To compare self-inserted tampons with clinician-obtained endocervical swabs for collection of samples to be examined for chlamydial infection. STUDY DESIGN: Women referred because of recently detected untreated chlamydial infection inserted a vaginal tampon. Two endocervical swabs were obtained after the tampon was removed. One swab was cultured for Chlamydia trachomatis. The other swab and the tampon were examined with the Testpack Chlamydia antigen detection test. RESULTS: Sixty-nine women were studied. Chlamydial infection was detected by culture in 75.4%, by Testpack (swab) in 63.8%, and by Testpack (tampon) in 52.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Tampon-obtained specimens evaluated in the Testpack Chlamydia test were relatively insensitive. More sensitive tests for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis infection with self-obtained specimens should be evaluated.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of methods for the detection of treponema pallidum in lesions of early syphilis.

BACKGROUND: The clinical diagnosis of primary and secondary syphilis can be difficult because of the wide variability of lesions. The available laboratory tests (dark-field microscopy and direct fluorescent antibody) require specialized microscopes and skilled technicians, and serologic tests are insensitive in early infection. METHODS: Dark-field microscopy and monoclonal antibody staining were compared to a new solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Visuwell test) for detection of T. pallidum in lesion exudate of 188 patients with genital lesions. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (34%) had lesions of early syphilis diagnosed by either dark-field, monoclonal antibody staining, or both. The Visuwell test and dark-field examination were positive in 52 (81.3%) and 55 (85.9%) of the 64 patients, respectively, whereas the monoclonal antibody staining technique demonstrated the presence of T. pallidum in 59 (92.2%) of the 64 patients. The Visuwell test gave a negative result in 111 of 124 patients who had negative dark-field and direct fluorescent antibody test results (89.5% specificity). CONCLUSIONS: The Visuwell test is an alternative method for evaluating genital ulcers but is less sensitive and specific than existing tests.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pemetrexed (Alimta, LY231514) demonstrates clinical activity in chemonaive patients with cervical cancer in a phase II single-agent trial.

The objective of this study was to determine the response rate in chemonaive patients with inoperable, locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer treated with pemetrexed (Alimta, LY231514), a multitargeted antifolate. The patients were treated with either 500 mg/m(2) (11 patients) or 600 mg/m(2) (24 patients) of pemetrexed, administered as a 10-min infusion on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. Patients receiving 500 mg/m(2) dose also received 5 mg/day oral folic acid supplementation beginning 2 days prior and ending on day 3 of each cycle. Of the 34 patients evaluable for efficacy, six patients (18%) had partial response, with median response duration of 3.8 months (range, 3.3-6.6 months). Twenty-four patients (71%) had stable disease, one patient (3%) had progressive disease, and three patients could not be assessed. Median overall survival was 15.2 months (range, 2.9-35.3+ months). Grade 4 hematologic toxicities consisted of neutropenia (37%), leukopenia (9%), anemia (6%), and thrombocytopenia (3%). One patient died of hypotensive shock associated with frank rectal hemorrhage that was considered to be related to the study drug. We conclude that pemetrexed therapy showed moderate activity, similar to other active agents, in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic cervical cancer.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Surgical repair of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures in four horses.

Four horses, 2 to 17 years old, were treated for unilateral avulsion fractures of the tibial tuberosity. Two horses were treated successfully with tension band wiring or plating in combination with lag screw fixation. One horse was euthanatized because of implant failure during recovery and one was euthanatized on day 11 because a longitudinal fracture of the tibial tuberosity occurred through the plane of the screws used for stabilization.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A longitudinal study of the development of temporal properties of speech production: data from 4 children.

A general conclusion that has emerged from the collective results of a number of studies regarding acoustic characteristics of children's speech production development is that both the duration and temporal variability of segments, words, and phrases tend to decrease as one considers increasingly older groups of children. While this conclusion is largely appropriate when considering averages for groups of children studied across intervals of several years, the limited amount of longitudinal data that exists suggests that similar patterns may not routinely be observed in the development of individual children, especially when shorter time periods are involved. Cross-sectional, acoustic studies have provided important general descriptions of speech production development, but additional longitudinal investigations are also needed to address issues that cannot be effectively evaluated utilizing cross-sectional data. For example, it was hypothesized in the present study that decreases in duration and variability would be greater when children were younger and that progressively smaller decreases would occur as they became older. Despite general tendencies for decreases in duration and variability to occur with increased age, it was also hypothesized that not all segments and words would be affected to the same extent in this regard. To consider these and related questions, the speech of 4 children was recorded approximately every 7-10 months for periods ranging from 4 to 6 years. There was some support for the notion that duration/variability decreases were greater when children were younger, but often this was not observed. It was also found that whereas some sounds/words decreased in duration across time, others remained relatively constant. Also, within the same word, certain segments became shorter across time, while others remained unchanged. These observations provide a perspective concerning speech production development that represents an important supplement to more general conclusions that have been obtained from group-oriented studies.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of common breast problems: guidance for primary care providers.

The evaluation of common breast problems requires an assessment of the patient's risks and symptoms and a thorough physical examination. When indicated, appropriate imaging studies should be done, the patient should be referred to a surgeon or a breast specialist, and operative interventions should be used.

Adult↗