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Biomedical subjects

C Kennedy

Publications and source records attributed to C Kennedy.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed1981

Limulus amoebocyte lysate and direct sampling methods for surveillance of operating nebulizers.

The Limulus amoebocyte lysate test for detection of endotoxin (Pyrogent; Mallinckrodt Chemical Co.) and the Easicult method (Orion Diagnostica) for detection of bacteria were compared with direct dilution sampling, a standardized technique for respiratory therapy surveillance previously developed in our laboratory. Tests of 206 reservoirs of nebulizers were done in three hospitals in Georgia. Forty-five percent of all reservoirs sampled were contaminated. Gram-negative, nonfermentative bacilli were the predominant contaminants. The results of the Limulus test and the Easicult system were in agreement with those of the direct dilution sampling tests approximately 84 and 90% of the time, respectively. Direct dilution of water samples onto blood agar plates was the most sensitive, reliable, and informative method for detecting viable bacteria. The Easicult and Limulus systems were sensitive enough to detect greater than or equal to 10(3) colony-forming units per ml. Positive Limulus tests and negative culture tests, reflecting detection of endotoxin but not of viable gram-negative bacteria, occurred in 20 of 206 (9.7%) instances. Positive cultures and negative Limulus tests were noted in 13 of 206 (6.8%) samplings. The Limulus test is a valuable procedure, for it can detect moderate-to-heavy microbial contamination within 1 h of testing and affords the opportunity to remove contaminated equipment from patients within minutes of a positive test result. These results demonstrate the potential value of the Easicult and Limulus tests for selective surveillance of operating nebulizers.

Acinetobacter↗
PubMed1981

Comparative rates of local cerebral glucose utilization in the visual system of conscious albino and pigmented rats.

We measured local cerebral glucose utilization by means of the [14C]deoxyglucose technique in normal, conscious albino Sprague-Dawley and pigmented Norway rats in the ambient light of the laboratory. There were no differences between the two strains in any structures except those of the visual system. The rates of glucose utilization in all components of the visual system were lower in the albino than in the pigmented rats. The affected structures and percent differences were as follows: visual cortex (17%); stratum griseum superficialis (28%), stratum opticum (17%), and stratum lemnisci (10%) of the superior colliculus; dorsal nucleus (34%) and ventral nucleus (33%) of the lateral geniculate body; and posterolateral thalamus (10%). All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) except those in the striatum lemnisci and posterolateral thalamus. These results indicate that the known aberrant neurophysiologic function of the visual system of the albino rats is paralleled by alterations in metabolic activity of its component structures.

Albinism↗
PubMed1981

Musculo-skeletal abnormalities after jejunoileal bypass.

A mixture of osteomalacia and hyperparathyroidism is common after jejunoileal bypass (54 per cent). Bone biopsy is essential for diagnosis. Oral l alpha hydroxyvitamin D3 can rapidly reverse the abnormality. Some patients, however, fail to respond and this may be related to bacterial contamination of the excluded loop. Polyarthralgia is also a common side effect (13 per cent). It occurs in bouts lasting a few days and normally subsides spontaneously. It is often associated with skin lesions of vasculitic type. The attacks can be cut short by metronidazole. In some patients relapses are so frequent and severe that reversal of the bypass is indicated since it brings immediate and lasting relief. The possible immune mechanisms involved are complex.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Selective nonroutine microbial surveillance of in-use hospital nebulizers by aerosol entrapment and direct sampling analyses of solutions in reservoirs.

Effluent aerosols and liquid reservoir samples from 255 in-use hospital nebulization devices were analyzed by Aero-Test samplers (Olympic Corp.) and direct dilution procedures (0.1-, 0.01-, and 0.001-ml plated samples). Thirty-five percent (89 of 255) of the in-use hospital reservoir samples were positive by direct dilution, and 24% (61 of 255) were positive by Aero- Test samplers. Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. anitratus was found either alone or in association with Pseudomonas spp. in 50% of all the contaminated in-use reservoirs. This indicates a high endemicity for Acinetobacter in the environment studied. Viable microbes in the reservoirs of contaminated nebulizers ranged from as few as 20 to >2 x 10(5) colony-forming units/ml. Microbial contamination at moderate to heavy levels (1 x 10(4) to >2 x 10(5)) was regularly detected by both procedures. Microbial densities of 10(3) colony-forming units/ml and less in contaminated reservoirs often were negative in the Aero- Test but positive by direct dilution techniques. These hospital-based results were similar to laboratory data obtained with sterile nebulizers intentionally contaminated in graduated densities with either Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sensitivity of the Aero- Test system was best when >/=10(4) colony-forming units/ml were present in the reservoirs of operating nebulizers. The manufacturer suggests that five or less colonies appearing after sampling on Aero- Test plates upon 48-h incubation does not indicate contamination of the reservoir. Our data show that even a single colony, particularly if it is typical, water-associated, gram-negative bacterial species, may well indicate low levels of reservoir contamination. Both the Aero- Test and direct dilution methods indicated the need for more rigorous management of the in-use respiratory therapy equipment in the hospital surveyed. These studies demonstrate the value of selective nonroutine surveillance for identifying potential or actual contamination problems of in-use nebulizing equipment, particularly when recommended care guidelines are not followed due to choice or unawareness. Ameliorative-corrective measures, which included routine 24-h substitution of old units with new sterile units, were initiated as a result of this surveillance program.

Acinetobacter↗
PubMed1979

Systemic sclerosis with subcutaneous nodules.

A case of systemic sclerosis with subcutaneous nodules is described. The nodules consisted of fibrinoid degeneration with surrounding fibrosis, but lacked the typical histiocytic palisade of the rheumatoid nodule. The patient had neither coexistent rheumatoid arthritis nor circulating rheumatoid factor.

Female↗