Biomedical subjects

J McPherson

Publications and source records attributed to J McPherson.

76 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

An evaluation of nitrous oxide analgesia during transcutaneous pacing.

Transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP) is a promising prehospital intervention, but there are little data available regarding protocols to improve patient tolerance to TCP. A 50:50 nitrous oxide:oxygen analgesic mixture also is a commonly employed prehospital intervention. In this randomized, prospective study, we compared the discomfort experienced by 18 healthy subjects when paced in two trials at the capture threshold: one following breathing of a 50:50 nitrous oxide:oxygen mixture; and the second only breathing room air. Discomfort was rated on an analog scale from 1 (minimal discomfort) to 10 (severe pain). Of the 18 subjects, 15 (83%) reported that nitrous oxide improved the tolerance to pacing at capture threshold. The median pain scores at capture threshold in the nitrous oxide and room air group were 3.8 and 5.0 respectively (P less than .05). Nine of the subjects tolerated TCP for the maximum allotted time of 30 seconds in each trial; six tolerated TCP for a longer time period in the nitrous oxide trial; three tolerated TCP longer in the room air trial. These data suggest that inhalation of 50:50 nitrous oxide:oxygen mixture may improve tolerance to TCP in the conscious patient.

Analgesia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Linkage of human apolipoproteins A-I and C-III genes.

It has recently been suggested that polymorphisms in the human apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) gene locus may be related to the development of premature atherosclerosis and hypertriglyceridaemia. To understand if and how these polymorphisms affect apo A-I gene expression, we studied the genomic sequences flanking the apo A-I gene. Here we show the presence of another apolipoprotein gene, apolipoprotein C-III (apo C-III), approximately 2.6 kilobases (kb) downstream of the 3' end of the apo A-I gene. We also show that the apo A-I and apo C-III genes are convergently transcribed and that a polymorphism previously reported to be associated with hypertriglyceridaemia may be due to a single base pair substitution in the 3'-noncoding region of apo C-III mRNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Preparation and in vitro function of granulocyte concentrates for transfusion to neonates using the IBM 2991 blood processor.

Clinical studies have suggested that granulocyte transfusions may be of value in the treatment of septic neonatal patients who present with severe granulocytopenia. We have developed a protocol for the preparation of granulocyte concentrates from freshly collected units of whole blood, using an automated blood cell processor. The red cells were washed with saline. Then, the buffy coats were collected from the washed red cells and studied for their suitability as granulocyte concentrates for neonatal transfusion. The mean number of granulocytes per concentrate was 1.6 X 10(9) in a mean volume of 25 ml. Studies of granulocyte function, including viability, random mobility, chemotaxis, phagocytosis and nitro-blue tetrazolium reduction, demonstrated that the granulocytes were functionally unimpaired following preparation of the concentrates. These studies suggest that concentrates of functional granulocytes, suitable for transfusion to neonatal patients, can be prepared from fresh units of whole blood, using a cell processor. This procedure is more cost-effective than leukapheresis and allows for delivery of granulocytes for transfusion in a more timely fashion.

Blood Transfusion↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Practicing participative management in the clinical laboratory. Foster a productive and satisfying staff.

Employee participation and involvement are at the leading edge of management thinking today. Not only behaviorally oriented managers, but managers of all styles include personnel in decision-making. The purpose of this article is to communicate to clinical laboratory managers some recent developments in people management. Several suggestions for team building and the desired outcome of worker participation are included. Although employee participation has been a major issue in management for 10 years, many business schools still emphasize only the traditional quantitative subjects of accounting, finance, statistics, and systems engineering. Obviously, these subjects are important, but modern managers must learn qualitative or behavioral material as well. Students are affected by the lack of a notable behavioral emphasis. Unfortunately, some students think that learning in the behavioral domain is unimportant. Too often, these students encounter problems later in their careers with employees and can only wish for greater knowledge.

Communication↗