Report of a component(s) in blood that accelerates urea synthesis by surviving liver slices from rats when L-amino acids are the sources of urea nitrogen.
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Amino Acids↗
Biomedical subjects
D M Harris
Publications and source records attributed to D M Harris.
Antibacterial chemotherapy: a bacteriologist's approach to clinical problems.
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Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
The nude mouse xenograft system: a model for photodetection and photodynamic therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Mechanisms for hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) localization in malignant tissue and in photodynamic therapy (PDT) have not been established. The authors' experience with human cancer xenografts in nude mice as a tumor system for the experimental study of these mechanisms is described. Human mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma was successfully transplanted to nude mice in 29 per cent of trials and serially passed through multiple generations in three tumor lines. Time required for progressive growth averaged 13.9 days, and 300 mm3 tumors were obtained in four weeks. Take rates per passage varied, in part because of infection, and exponential growth rates varied among the three lines. However, within a single line exponential growth rates were similar. Average growth constants for the period of exponential growth were 0.14, 0.13, and 0.09 for the three lines. Fluorescent microscopy of excised xenografts revealed HPD fluorescence principally in connective tissue cells. Minimal fluorescence was seen in malignant epithelial cells. Spectrophotometric measures of HPD uptake in homogenized tissue showed highest values in liver. Tumor HPD levels were higher than those for either skin or muscle. The authors conclude that this tumor system can be used effectively to study HPD and PDT in head and neck cancer.
Animals↗
Inflammatory effects of topical antibiotic suspensions containing propylene glycol in chinchilla middle ears.
This study examines the occurrence of inflammatory changes and cholesteatoma in the middle ears of seven chinchillas after the application of topical antibiotic suspensions containing two different concentrations of propylene glycol. The preparations used were Cortisporin otic suspension, which contains neomycin, polymyxin B, hydrocortisone, and 10.5% propylene glycol, and Cortisporin ophthalmic suspension, containing the same ingredients, but only a 2% concentration of propylene glycol. Six weeks after the administration of the Cortisporin preparations, applied to the middle ear through a transbulla approach, no cholesteatomas were found in the seven ears treated with the ophthalmic suspension. Evidence of mild inflammation was present in only two of these ears. In the seven contralateral ears treated with the otic suspension, middle ear adhesions were found in six, cholesteatoma was present in four, serous effusions were found in three, and one had a large tympanic membrane perforation. The ears that showed cholesteatomas also had histologic evidence of squamous metaplasia, granulation tissue, and erosion of the underlying bone. We submit that the pathologic responses of the middle ear mucosa treated with the otic suspension, were due to an inflammatory response to the higher concentration of propylene glycol compared to that of the ophthalmic suspension.
Animals↗
Propylene glycol-induced cholesteatoma in chinchilla middle ears.
Propylene glycol is a solvent commonly used in topical otic preparations. This study examines the occurrence of inflammatory changes and cholesteatoma in chinchilla middle ears after the application of propylene glycol in varying concentrations. A total of 32 ears were studied, divided into four treatment groups. Three groups received propylene glycol in concentrations of 10%, 50%, and 90%. One group received normal saline. Six weeks after the application of propylene glycol to the middle ear through the bulla, examination revealed cholesteatoma, tympanic membrane perforations, and middle ear adhesions in most of the ears subjected to 50% and 90% propylene glycol. Only one ear treated with 10% propylene glycol showed a cholesteatoma, while the group treated with normal saline showed only mild inflammation. Histologic preparations confirmed cholesteatoma and revealed replacement of the normal columnar epithelium by keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium, inflammatory infiltration, and granulation tissue eroding underlying bone. We conclude that exposure to propylene glycol in high concentrations will consistently produce cholesteatoma in chinchilla middle ears. Although the effects of propylene glycol in the human middle ear are yet to be investigated, we recommend the avoidance of otic preparations containing high concentrations of propylene glycol in patients with tympanic membrane perforations.
Animals↗
Hospital-based psychiatric experience before community-based practice for nurses: imperative or dispensable?
This article describes an Australian research project that explored the relevance of hospital-based experience in preparing psychiatric nurses for community-based practice. A qualitative design was selected to obtain in-depth information in an area in which no formal research has been undertaken. In-depth interviews were conducted with 6 psychiatric nurses currently engaged in community-based practice. The interviews were audiotaped, and the transcribed data were analyzed for major themes. The results indicated that the participants did not believe their hospital experience had prepared them to function effectively in the community. In some respects hospital experience was perceived as having hindered their transition into the community environment. This exploratory study indicates the need for further research and the exploration of alternative methods to prepare psychiatric nurses for community-based practice.
Adult↗
The potential consequences of employee job loss due to hospital closure.
Survey results from 772 randomly selected employees at three state mental hospitals in Missouri are used to estimate the potential consequences of job loss that would occur if one of these hospitals closed. Especially for older, female, less skilled, and less educated groups of employees, the magnitude of potential economic, residential relocation, and stress related consequences is likely to be high if suitable reemployment cannot be found. However, the literature on manufacturing plant and mental hospital closings identifies these same groups as having the most unfavorable reemployment chances. Thus, those at risk to experience the most severe consequences also have the lowest chances of escaping them. A discussion of the implications of these findings for the actions of hospital leaders concludes this report.
Data Collection↗
The skills required for conducting a community psychiatric nursing assessment: a qualitative study.
The shift in focus from primarily institutionally based care, to community-based care, has highlighted the need for community psychiatric nurses with appropriate skills to care for clients experiencing mental illness within the community. This paper describes the results of a qualitative research project undertaken to examine the skills required by psychiatric nurses in conducting an assessment within the community. In depth interviews were conducted with a sample of six currently practising community psychiatric nurses, with differing levels of experience. The findings identified the main skills as: interpersonal skills; psychiatric nursing knowledge base; the ability to work with a variety of treatment modalities; and, literacy skills. The specific significance of these skills for the educational preparation of community psychiatric nurses is discussed.
Community Health Nursing↗
Weekend only: an alternate model in residential treatment centers.
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Child↗
Family experiences when a child is HIV-positive: reports of natural and foster parents.
The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine issues reported by natural and foster parents when caring for a child 3 years of age or younger with vertically transmitted HIV-disease. Issues common to both groups, and specific to the natural and foster parents were explored. The issues discussed by the natural mothers included guilt, their relationship with their infected child, and the effects of their HIV infection on their family. Issues discussed by foster mothers included their decision to foster a HIV-positive child, characteristics of their HIV- positive foster children, fears of transmission, and the effect of the HIV-positive foster child(ren) on their natural family. Issues common to both sets of mothers include disclosure, support, preparation for the HIV-positive child's death, and life in general. The experiences of these families are important to describe in order for pediatric nurses to give accurate, sensitive, and culturally appropriate care.
Adolescent↗