Hypertonic saline solution for wound dressing.
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Humans↗
Biomedical subjects
D West
Publications and source records attributed to D West.
Cutaneous melanoma at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory: comparison with rates in two San Francisco bay area counties.
During the period 1974 through 1985, employees at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States) were diagnosed with cutaneous malignant melanoma at approximately three times the rate of the surrounding community. We investigated two explanations for this excess: the first explanation examined was that the recorded incidence of the neighboring community underestimates actual incidence. We estimated the amount of excess attributable to underreporting by using data from a survey conducted among San Francisco Bay Area clinicians and pathologists to determine previously unrecorded occurrences. We found that underreporting has negligible impact on melanoma incidence. The second explanation examined was that heightened medical awareness of the disease among LLNL employees and their physicians has led to greater detection. We found that LLNL melanomas are thinner than those from the surrounding community and that no excess was observed if we limited our attention to thicker, more invasive melanomas.
Adult↗
Smoking, alcohol, dentition and diet in the epidemiology of oral cancer.
This matched case-control study was conducted in Western New York. The smoking, alcohol consumption, dental hygiene and diet of 290 cases were compared with those of 290 sex-, age-, and neighbourhood-matched controls. The results confirm earlier findings that cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption impart substantial risk of oral cancer. The results also confirm that poor oral hygiene increases the risk of oral cancer, although this effect is much smaller than those of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. The results suggest that, of macronutrients, intake of fat is more likely than those of protein or carbohydrate to be related to risk. Of micronutrients, calcium, sodium, riboflavin and retinol are associated with risk, while thiamin, niacin, and dietary fibre are associated with decreased risk. Although patterns of dietary effects are discernable, these effects are in general much weaker than are those of smoking and alcohol consumption.
Aged↗
A mask to modify inspired air temperature and humidity and its effect on exercise induced asthma.
BACKGROUND: Heat and moisture loss from the respiratory tract during exercise are important triggers of exercise induced asthma. METHODS: A new heat and moisture exchange mask has been developed which both recovers exhaled heat and water and has a sufficiently low resistance for use during exercise. The effect of the mask on inspired air temperature was studied in four normal subjects. Eight asthmatic subjects performed identical exercise protocols on three separate days, breathing room air through a conventional mouthpiece, a dummy mask, and the new heat and moisture exchange mask. Seven different asthmatic subjects exercised while breathing cold air at -13 degrees C through a dummy or active mask. RESULTS: All subjects found the new mask comfortable to wear. The mean inspired temperature when the mask was used rose to 32.5 (1.4) degrees C when normal subjects breathed room air at 24 degrees C and to 19.1 (2.7) degrees C when they inhaled subfreezing air at -13 degrees C. The heat and moisture exchange mask significantly reduced the median fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) after exercise to 13% (range 0-49%) when asthmatic subjects breathed room air compared with 33% (10-65%) with the dummy mask and 28% (21-70%) with the mouthpiece. The fall in FEV1 when the asthmatic subjects breathed cold air was 10% (0-26%) with the heat and moisture exchange mask compared with 22% (13-51%) with the dummy mask. CONCLUSION: Use of a heat and moisture exchange mask can raise the inspired temperature and humidity and ameliorate the severity of exercise induced asthma. The mask may be of practical value in non-contact sport or for people working in subzero temperatures.
Adolescent↗
Topical capsaicin for osteoarthritis.
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Administration, Topical↗
Diet in the epidemiology of gastric cancer.
We examined the nutritional epidemiology of gastric cancer in 293 cases and neighborhood-, age-, and sex-matched controls in communities throughout the counties of Niagara, Monroe, and Erie in western New York. The interview was highly detailed, requiring two and one-half hours to complete; it attempted to provide an estimate of total calories ingested as well as of macro- and micronutrients and behaviors that could affect alimentary exposures, such as the use of refrigeration. We found that risk was enhanced by sodium, fat, and retinol. Substantial reductions in risk were associated with ingestion of carotene, especially raw vegetables (including celery, cucumbers, carrots, green peppers, tomatoes, and onions), as well as with increased use of low-temperature food storage. Both refrigeration and carotene could inhibit oxidation products that could act as carcinogens in the stomach.
Adult↗
Studies on the mechanism of monoclonal antibody inhibition of enzyme activity of phenobarbital-induced cytochrome P-450.
Four monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to phenobarbital-induced cytochrome P-450 (PB-P-450) show different patterns of inhibition of PB-P-450 catalyzed aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), 7-ethoxycoumarin deethylase, benzphetamine demethylase and ethylmorphine demethylase. The inhibition constants vary depending on the individual monoclonal antibody and the individual substrate. Two of the four monoclonal antibodies completely inhibit the reduction of cytochrome P-450 by NADPH cytochrome c (P-450) reductase. The same cytochrome P-450 bound to carbon monoxide, however, can be reduced chemically by sodium dithionite in the presence of the monoclonal antibody. These data indicate that the two MAbs examined completely prevent electron transfer by NADPH cytochrome c (P-450) reductase. Substrate binding is partially inhibited by the monoclonal antibody. The type I substrate-binding spectrum of benzphetamine is inhibited more than the type II binding spectrum of aniline. The degree of inhibition of the substrate binding as indicated by the spectrum is less than that observed for the inhibition of catalytic enzyme activity by the monoclonal antibodies. The data indicate that each of the MAbs are directed toward epitopes on the cytochromes P-450 with different relationships to the active catalytic site.
Animals↗
Mothers as effective therapists for autistic children's phobias.
Two autistic children were treated for specific fears. A three-component participant modeling procedure was implemented within a multiple baseline design across subjects. Children were exposed gradually to fearful situations, with mothers serving as therapists and reinforcers. Dependent measures were (a) number of approach steps completed, (b) frequency of verbalizations and vocalizations of fear, and (c) overall appearance of fear. Following treatment, the children functioned effectively in previously fearful situations without verbalizations or appearance of fear. Five-month and 1-year follow-up assessments with 1 child showed maintenance of treatment effects.
Arousal↗
Effects of hypothyroidism on the sensitivity of glycolysis and glycogen synthesis to insulin in the soleus muscle of the rat.
1. The effects of hypothyroidism on the sensitivity of glycolysis and glycogen synthesis to insulin were investigated in the isolated, incubated soleus muscle of the rat. 2. Hypothyroidism, which was induced by administration of propylthiouracil to the rats, decreased fasting plasma levels of free fatty acids and increased plasma levels of glucose but did not significantly change plasma levels of insulin. 3. The sensitivity of the rates of glycogen synthesis to insulin was increased at physiological, but decreased at supraphysiological, concentrations of insulin. 4. The rates of glycolysis in the hypothyroid muscles were decreased at all insulin concentrations studied and the EC50 for insulin was increased more than 8-fold; the latter indicates decreased sensitivity of this process to insulin. However, at physiological concentrations of insulin, the rates of glucose phosphorylation in the soleus muscles of hypothyroid rats were not different from controls. This suggests that hypothyroidism affects glucose metabolism in muscle not by affecting glucose transport but by decreasing the rate of glucose 6-phosphate conversion to lactate and increasing the rate of conversion of glucose 6-phosphate to glycogen. 5. The rates of glucose oxidation were decreased in the hypothyroid muscles at all insulin concentrations.
Animals↗
Can growth of capillaries in the heart and skeletal muscle be explained by the presence of an angiogenic factor?
Capillary growth was induced in rabbit hearts by long-term bradycardial pacing, and in skeletal muscles by long-term electrical stimulation. In order to find out what factors may be responsible for it, samples of all tissues were analysed for angiogenic activity (AA). To estimate the possible role of mechanical factors, blood flow was measured at rest and during maximal dilatation. Rabbit hearts were paced at half the normal frequency for 24 h/day for 1-2 months by electrodes implanted in the right atrium. Gastrocnemius-plantaris muscles were stimulated at 10 Hz via implanted electrodes, 8 h/day for 14 days. Unpaced hearts and non-stimulated muscles served as controls. Capillary density (estimated in frozen cross-sections stained for alkaline phosphatase) was higher in paced than in control hearts (2235 +/- 86, s.e.m. cap/mm2, 1815 +/- 83, P less than 0.005); capillary/fibre ratio was 2.84 +/- 0.21 in stimulated and 1.243 +/- 0.06 in control gastrocnemius (P less than 0.001). The presence of AA was assayed on chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). All paced and 50% of control hearts showed positive CAM results. Control gastrocnemii gave positive results in 25%, plantaris in 30%: stimulated muscles showed 30% and 37.5% positive responses. Coronary blood flow at rest was significantly lower in chronically paced than control hearts (2.172 g/ml/min, 3.025 +/- 0.187, P less than 0.05) and not significantly different during maximal dilatation (9.217 +/- 1.722 and 11.166 +/- 1.158 respectively). Blood flow per heart beat was significantly higher during acute bradycardia as well as in bradycardially paced hearts at rest. Blood flow in stimulated muscles was significantly higher than in controls both at rest (26.2 +/- 3.36 ml/100 g/min as compared to 8.5 +/- 2.15, P less than 0.001) and during muscle contractions (56.1 +/- 4.5 and 20.7 +/- 2.6). It can thus be concluded that growth of capillaries in skeletal muscles may be due to mechanical factors connected with the increased blood flow while in the heart AA may act in concert with blood flow changes.
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents↗
Effects of hyperthyroidism on the sensitivity of glycolysis and glycogen synthesis to insulin in the soleus muscle of the rat.
1. The effects of hyperthyroidism on the sensitivity and responsiveness of glycolysis and glycogen synthesis to insulin were investigated in the isolated incubated soleus muscle of the rat. 2. Hyperthyroidism, which was induced by administration of tri-iodothyronine (T3) to rats for 2, 5 or 10 days, increased fasting plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and free fatty acids. 3. Administration of T3 for 2 or 5 days increased the rates of glycolysis at all insulin concentrations studied: this was due to increased rates of both glucose phosphorylation and glycogen breakdown, but there was no effect of T3 on the sensitivity of glycolysis to insulin. However, administration of T3 for 10 days increased the sensitivity of the rate of glycolysis to insulin. 4. The concentration of adenosine in the gastrocnemius muscles of the rats was not different from controls after 5 days, but it was markedly decreased after 10 days of T3 administration. If these changes are indicative of changes in the soleus muscle, the increased sensitivity of glycolysis to insulin found after 10 days' T3 administration could be due to the decrease in the concentration of adenosine. 5. Administration of T3 decreased the sensitivity of glycogen synthesis to insulin and the glycogen content of the soleus muscles. This may explain the decreased rates of non-oxidative glucose disposal found in spontaneous and experimental hyperthyroidism in man. 6. The rates of glucose oxidation did not change after 2 days, but they were increased after 5 and 10 days of T3 administration.
Adenosine↗
Dietary epidemiology of cancer of the colon in western New York.
The authors interviewed 428 pathologically confirmed cases of colon cancer and controls matched on age, sex, race, and neighborhood in the New York counties containing the cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Rochester. Risk of colon cancer in both males and females, studied separately, appeared to increase with the amount of total fats and total calories ingested. In addition, we found the risk to increase with increases in the Quetelet index of relative weight (weight (kg)/height (m)2). Dietary fiber was only equivocally associated with risk. Fats and Quetelet index were associated with increased risk in a regression analysis adjusting each factor for the other, as well as for fiber, age, and socioeconomic status. The same was true for calories and Quetelet index. Future efforts to clarify a possible protective role for fiber and to disentangle the effects of fats and calories need to be undertaken. The fact that calories ingested and obesity are each associated with increased risk suggests the importance of studying calorie expenditure.
Body Height↗
Computer dosing in anticoagulant clinics--the way forward?
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Anticoagulants↗
Immediate and delayed treatment of rape victims.
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Adult↗
The aftermath of rape. Profiles of immediate and delayed treatment seekers.
Seventy-eight sexual assault victims who sought treatment within 1 month of their assaults were compared with 40 victims who delayed seeking treatment. Demographic, rape situation, and psychiatric history characteristics were examined as were postrape symptom profiles and responses to treatment. More of the delayed treatment seekers were raped by a "friend," and fewer used physical means to defend themselves against the assailant. With respect to symptomatology, delayed treatment seekers reported considerable rape-related distress and were more anxious and significantly more fearful than were recent rape victims. Implications for clinical practice and for the tailoring of services for victims of sexual assault are suggested.
Anxiety Disorders↗
Diabetes insipidus with renal resistance to vasopressin in the desoxycorticosterone-treated dog: a possible role for prostaglandins.
We examined the release of vasopressin and the renal response to exogenous vasopressin before and during desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) administration in the dog. As treatment with DOCA produced potassium loss, urine volume increased, urinary osmolality decreased, and urinary PGE2 tended to increase. The increase in urine volume was accompanied by increases in serum sodium, in plasma osmolality and in plasma arginine vasopressin. The threshold for vasopressin release measured during polyuria was higher than control but the rate of vasopressin release was unchanged. The DOCA-induced polyuria was not affected by treatment with vasopressin which further increased plasma vasopressin. Treatment with indomethacin which corrected the increase in urinary PGE2 excretion but not the hypokalemia, restored the renal responsiveness to vasopressin, decreased the secretion of vasopressin, and corrected the polyuria and the hypernatremia. These findings suggest that DOCA-induced polyuria is attributable to a decrease in renal responsiveness to vasopressin which may be mediated in part by an increase in the renal synthesis of prostaglandins.
Animals↗
Wound healing: the effect of macrophage and tumour derived angiogenesis factors on skin graft vascularization.
Angiogenic factors prepared from rat Walker 256 mammary carcinoma, (TAF) and activated mouse peritoneal macrophages (MAF), were tested for their ability to stimulate vascularization during healing. They were applied to one of a pair of bilaterally symmetrical, autologous, isotopic, full thickness skin grafts in mice. Blood flow to treated and untreated graft pairs was compared by their uptake of injected 86Rb Cl, at 3 and 7 days after grafting. No difference was detected after treatment with either agent. We conclude that while angiogenic factors are important in vascularization during healing, this normally occurs at a near maximal rate and cannot be further enhanced.
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents↗
Thalidomide and lymphocyte function.
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Humans↗