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Biomedical subjects

C Gardner

Publications and source records attributed to C Gardner.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

Effect of aging on serum albumin.

Some studies have shown a negative association between age and serum albumin. Several of these studies included older people with known disease. Disease may reduce albumin in any age group. Other studies have shown no association between age and albumin. To investigate the association of age and albumin, albumin levels were determined in 241 apparently healthy subjects aged 55 to 101. A small but consistent negative regression slope of about 4% per decade was found for those aged over 70. Because the relationship to age was small, the finding of hypoalbuminemia in an elderly patient generally should be attributed to disease rather than age alone.

Aged

Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) poisoning in a free-ranging polar bear.

The bright, fluorescent pink-colored remains of a polar bear were found on an Alaskan island with the gravel and snow adjacent to the bear colored bright purple. Traces of fox urine and feces found nearby were also pink. The pink and purple colors were due to rhodamine B, and ethylene glycol (EG) was present in the soil under the carcass. Evidence is given to suggest the bear consumed a mixture of rhodamine B and EG commonly used to mark roads and runways during snow and ice periods. Such wildlife losses could be prevented by substituting propylene glycol for the EG in such mixtures.

Alaska

Estimation of gastric residence time of the Heidelberg capsule in humans: effect of varying food composition.

In animal and human studies, the gastric emptying of large (greater than 1 mm) indigestible solids is due to the activity of the interdigestive migrating myoelectric complex. The gastric residence time (GRT) of an orally administered, nondigestible, pH-sensitive, radiotelemetric device (Heidelberg capsule) was evaluated in three studies in healthy volunteers. In 6 subjects, the GRT of the Heidelberg capsule was compared with the half-emptying time (t1/2) of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid labeled with technetium 99m after a 4-ml/kg liquid fatty meal. The mean (+/-SD) GRT (4.3 +/- 1.4 h) was significantly (p less than 0.001) longer than the mean t1/2 (1.1 +/- 0.3 h); the GRT was prolonged compared with the t1/2 in each subject. In a randomized, crossover trial in 10 subjects, frequent feeding caused a dramatic prolongation in mean GRT of the capsule compared with the fasting state (greater than 14.5 vs. 0.5 h, p less than 0.005). In another crossover study in 6 subjects, the GRT of the capsule was evaluated after an overnight fast, a standard breakfast including solid food, and a liquid meal (i.e., 200 ml of diluted light cream). The mean GRT was 2.6 +/- 0.9 h after the liquid meal vs. 1.2 +/- 0.8 h after fasting (p less than 0.025). The mean GRT after the breakfast was 4.8 +/- 1.5 h, which was significantly greater than that after fasting (p less than 0.001) and after the liquid meal (p less than 0.01). These data suggest that the GRT of the Heidelberg capsule is a marker of the interdigestive migrating myoelectric complex in humans, the interdigestive migrating myoelectric complex can be markedly delayed by frequent feedings with solids, and the interdigestive migrating myoelectric complex is delayed by both liquid and solid meals.

Adult

Acute bereavement, threatened loss, ego defenses and adrenocortical function.

In this study of 43 acutely bereaved widows and widowers and a comparison group of 24 nonbereaved married persons who experienced critical illness in a spouse, we found no evidence of higher levels of affective arousal, higher levels of adrenocortical activity, less effective ego defenses, or higher levels of defensive work among bereaved persons by comparison with nonbereaved persons. Furthermore, we failed to observe expected relationships between ego defensive function and adrenocortical activity among either bereaved or nonbereaved persons. These observations are consistent with one previous study of bereaved parents.

Arousal

Q fever endocarditis in the United States.

A patient with Q fever endocarditis, which is almost unknown in the United States, was followed for a total of 32 months; the study was begun 3 1/2 months before aortic valve replacement. Diagnosis was confirmed by serology, visualization of Coxiella burnetii in excised aortic valve tissue by direct and immunofluorescence staining, and isolation of C. burnetii from aortic valve tissue. Serum antibodies against phase I and phase II antigens of C. burnetii were identified. Almost all phase I and phase II antibodies were IgG. These findings are compared with those in an uncomplicated case of acute Q fever. New findings on the immune response to chronic Q fever are presented.

Animals

Evaluation of a needle-free intravenous access system.

Needle-stick injuries are one of the most severe hazards faced by nurses today. The most physically and emotionally devastating type of injury is from a needle contaminated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but far more likely to occur is infection with other blood-borne pathogens, especially hepatitis B. The daily threat of needle-stick injuries adds yet another dimension of concern to the stresses inherent in working in a health care facility. Health care workers at greatest risk are those who manipulate needles and draw blood samples on a regular basis. With this concern in mind, a study was launched to evaluate a needle-free I.V. access system with respect to the following research objectives: 1) to assess the prevention/reduction of needle-stick risks and injuries; 2) to identify associated reduction in expenses; 3) to implement product and ease of use; and 4) to assess nursing satisfaction levels. This article describes the methodology used and the results of the study.

Catheters, Indwelling

Moonstruck.

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Behavior

Role of nurses in the education, treatment, and prevention of occupational HIV transmission.

With an increased perception of AIDS as a nursing disease and with the holistic approach that they provide, nurses can make important contributions toward the treatment and prevention of AIDS. Nurses are urged to become more active in professional societies, be patient advocates, counsel patients, and educate others about AIDS transmission. The risk to nurses of accidental exposure to AIDS is 1/20th that of hepatitis B. Precautions for both include (nonexcessive) wearing of gloves, gowns, and protective eyewear; proper disposal of needles, syringes, scalpels, and linens; and appropriate use of masks and face shields.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome