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Biomedical subjects

J Norton

Publications and source records attributed to J Norton.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Comparison of some effects of paroxetine with amitriptyline on the cardiovascular system in animals.

The effects of intravenous infusions of paroxetine, a novel inhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) uptake, and of the tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline, on the cardiovascular system have been compared in the conscious rabbit and in the anaesthetised cat. As judged by the dose required to produce changes in ECG waveform (including PR and QTc intervals) and disorders of heart rhythm, paroxetine was less cardiotoxic than amitriptyline in both species. Thus, paroxetine has the advantage over amitriptyline of being less toxic to the cardiovascular system which could constitute a considerable advantage in clinical use particularly as other work has shown it to be more potent than amitriptyline in tests for antidepressant activity.

Amitriptyline↗
PubMed1986

Diabetic foot infections. Bacteriologic analysis.

Diabetic patients with foot infections were prospectively evaluated over a two-year period. Cultures from reliable specimens avoiding contamination with foot ulcers were obtained in 54 infectious episodes. Staphylococcus species, Enterococcus species, Corynebacterium species, and various species of Enterobacteriaceae were commonly isolated. Common anaerobic isolates included Peptostreptococcus magnus, Peptostreptococcus prevotii, and Bacteroides species. Results of cultures from 94 unreliable specimens were similar. Results of reliable and unreliable specimens obtained simultaneously in 26 patients agreed in seven (27%), but antibiotics selected for organisms isolated from unreliable specimens would have adequately covered pathogens found in the reliable culture in 24 (93%). Diabetic foot infections usually involve mixed bacterial flora, including aerobic, facultatively anaerobic, and anaerobic microorganisms. Specimens should be obtained from infected tissue that does not communicate directly with the foot ulcer if possible. If such specimens are not available, cultures of purulent exudate within the foot ulcer or soft-tissue sinuses may provide useful information on which to base decisions about antibiotic therapy. Broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics or a combination of antibiotics active against facultatively anaerobic cocci and bacilli as well as anaerobes provide the best empirical antimicrobial coverage in these patients.

Abscess↗
PubMed1985

Heterogeneity of fracture syndromes in postmenopausal women.

Studies were performed on 32 women with vertebral crush fractures (mean age, 65.1 yr) and 27 patients with recent hip fractures (mean age, 83.6 yr). Histomorphometric analysis of undecalcified transiliac crest biopsies revealed significant differences between the two fracture groups. Trabecular bone volume (TBV) was significantly lower in vertebral fracture than in hip fracture patients (12.0 +/- 4.4% (+/- SD) vs. 14.8 +/- 3.6%; P = 0.014), while thickness of cortices was significantly lower for hip fracture than for vertebral fracture patients (436 +/- 231 vs. 823 +/- 465 microns; P less than 0.001). The TBV and radial bone mass (measured by absorptiometry on the shaft) for the vertebral fracture group were significantly lower than age-expected values. For the patients with hip fractures, the TBV was significantly above the expected value, and radial bone mass was not significantly different from the expected value. Other quantitative histological measurements did not generally differ between the two fracture groups and were compatible with normal or increased bone remodeling. The serum PTH in the hip fracture group was significantly increased above that expected in normal women of similar age. These data demonstrate the anatomical heterogeneity of osteoporotic fracture syndromes. Patients with vertebral fractures have an early deficit of trabecular bone for their age, while those with hip fractures have a deficit of both cortical and trabecular bone compared to women of age 50 yr, but the deficit is not excessive compared to others of similar age without fractures.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Metabolic and nutritional sequelae in the non-steroid treated head injury patient.

Energy production, substrate oxidation, serum protein levels, and weight change were studied in 16 non-steroid treated patients with severe head injury. Patients were evaluated during an average of 31.3 days from hospital admission to discharge. The mean measured energy expenditure (MEE) was 1.40 +/- 0.5 times predicted energy expenditure. Caloric balance [calories received = calories expended] was achieved by the 2nd week. Despite caloric balance and the administration of at least 1.5 g of protein per kg of body weight per day, the mean nitrogen balance was negative. There was a positive nitrogen balance in only 2 patients. These patients received a mean of 1.43 times the MEE in total kilocalories and 2.3 g of protein per kg of body weight. Fat and protein oxidation exceeded protein and fat administration for 3 weeks postinjury. Albumin levels dropped from a mean of 3.09 +/- 0.2 on admission to 1.98 +/- 0.4 within 2 weeks. The initial retinol binding protein levels were within the normal range, and the levels increased over time. There was marked weight loss (mean, 15.6 +/- 5.9 lb). Head injury induces a profound traumatic response identified by increased energy expenditure, a negative nitrogen balance, weight loss, hypoalbuminemia, and altered substrate oxidation. This response seems to be caused by the head injury alone and is not due to the administration of corticosteroids.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Morphologic and functional studies of a rat hypercalcemia-associated testicular tumor maintained in cell culture.

The Rice H500 tumor is a transplantable nonmetastasizing testicular tumor of Fischer rats associated with hypercalcemia and increased urine cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) excretion, features similar to those of the clinical syndrome of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. Tumor cells can be maintained in tissue culture; one million cells grown in culture reinoculated in Fischer rats reproduce the syndrome of tumor growth and lethal hypercalcemia. Infusion of concentrated, serum-free cell culture supernatant into parathyroidectomized rats produced an increase in urine cyclic AMP similar to that produced by an infusion of bovine parathyroid hormone. Light and electron microscopic appearance of the H500 tumor in vivo and in vitro is similar to previous descriptions of a hypercalcemia-associated rat testicular tumor believed to be of Leydig cell origin. Ultrastructural characteristics of microvilli, intracellular glandlike lumina, and cell-cell attachments, however, suggest an epithelial origin. Absence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum typical of steroid-secreting Leydig cells suggest these cells are not actively involved in steroid synthesis and secretion. The ultrastructure of this tumor is sufficiently different from that of normal Leydig cells that the cell of origin is unclear. Nonetheless, this tumor provides a useful model of hormonally mediated tumor-associated hypercalcemia.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Cardiac and red blood cell glutathione peroxidase: results of a prospective randomized trial in patients on total parenteral nutrition.

Oxygen derived free radicals and peroxides result from many antitumor treatments, including radiation and anthracyclines. Doxorubicin cardiotoxicity is thought to result from free radical induced lipid peroxidation. The heart has less active detoxification enzymes than does the liver and depends on selenium dependent glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) for this function. We did a sequential prospective trial in patients with totally controlled parenteral diets to examine the activity of red blood cell GSH-PX in patients with and without malignant disease. Decreased GSH-PX activity was found in 54% of the patients on parenteral nutrition and was more common in the older of these patients and in those with the greatest weight loss. In the absence of selenium supplementation, the RBC GSH-PX activity declines steadily, but with supplementation this was prevented or reversed. Because selenium deficiency can manifest as a cardiomyopathy, we measured the enzyme activity in the hearts of five patients who had died. The cardiac enzyme activity correlated strongly with the RBC levels. Significantly decreased GSH-PX has been shown in animals to be associated with changes in other enzymes critical both to activation and detoxification of carcinogens as well as antitumor drugs. Abnormality of selenium status might be a previously unsuspected contributor to interpatient variation in drug effects.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Cavitary histoplasmosis occurring during two large urban outbreaks. Analysis of clinical, epidemiologic, roentgenographic, and laboratory features.

We have compared risk factors for cavitary histoplasmosis in 62 patients with that manifestation of the infection and in 679 patients with other forms of histoplasmosis, and we have evaluated the clinical and laboratory findings in 45 patients with cavitary histoplasmosis who were cared for at the Indiana University Medical Center hospitals during two large histoplasmosis outbreaks. Chronic obstructive lung disease and old age were the strongest risk factors for cavitary histoplasmosis but male sex, white race and immunosuppression were also important in certain patient groups. Fever, sweats, weight loss, productive cough, anemia, lymphopenia, and alkaline phosphatase elevation were common findings. The patients were occasionally incorrectly treated for presumed class 3 tuberculosis. Cultures were positive in 58% of patients, with sputum samples providing the highest yield (61%). Histoplasmal serologic tests provided useful clues to the diagnosis, positive in over 90% of cases. About one-third of patients recovered spontaneously while another 35% improved following treatment. About 4% developed chronic untreated cavitary histoplasmosis characterized by clinical and roentgenographic exacerbations and remissions. Of the deaths in four patients with untreated disease, one was caused by disseminated histoplasmosis while three died of other causes. Ketoconazole appeared effective in three of seven patients while its effect in three additional patients was uncertain. Toxicity precluded completion of ketoconazole therapy in one patient. Only amphotericin B has been proven to be effective therapy for cavitary histoplasmosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Hyperfunctioning cystic parathyroid glands: CT and sonographic findings.

Four functioning cystic parathyroid glands were evaluated with computed tomography (CT) and sonography in four patients, only one of whom had prior surgery. Sonography demonstrated solid lesions of decreased echogenicity with fluid-filled cavities near the lower thyroid poles or in the posterosuperior mediastinum. On CT the cystic parts of the lesions were of low attenuation (1-44 H), often with a well defined wall that was better demonstrated after intravenous contrast administration. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of two of the cystic parathyroids revealed elevated parathyroid hormone levels. These lesions probably represent degenerating adenomas rather than true parathyroid cysts. While the CT and sonographic findings are nonspecific, the diagnosis of a cystic parathyroid should be entertained when a fluid-filled lesion is encountered in the neck of a patient with or without hypercalcemia. The diagnosis may be confirmed by assay of parathyroid hormone from the fluid aspirate.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1982

Piperacillin and gentamicin v carbenicillin and gentamicin for treatment of serious gram-negative infections.

Piperacillin sodium, a new penicillin with remarkable in vitro activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Gram-negative bacilli, and gentamicin sulfate were compared with carbenicillin disodium and gentamicin in a prospective, randomized, double-blind comparison for treating serious Gram-negative infections. Of the 32 patients whose courses were "evaluable" for efficacy, 12 of 14 who received piperacillin and gentamicin and 13 of 18 who received carbenicillin and gentamicin had favorable outcomes. Of the 99 patients whose courses were evaluable for toxicity, nine of 51 recipients of piperacillin and gentamicin and 15 of 48 recipients of carbenicillin and gentamicin suffered clinical reactions possibly, probably, or definitely related to the penicillin. No statistically significant differences were found in the two groups in the frequencies of biochemical abnormalities, including hypokalemia, that occurred in 19 or 44 recipients of piperacillin and gentamicin and 16 of 45 recipients of carbenicillin and gentamicin. Thus, this study did not prove differences in efficacy of toxicity for piperacillin and gentamicin plus carbenicillin and gentamicin for serious Gram-negative infections.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed1981

Fever response of patients on therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis.

The course of fever was examined in 75 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis treated with modern chemotherapy. Sixteen patients (21%) were afebrile and differed from 59 febrile patients (79%) by having lower incidences of the following: symptoms (p < 0.02), alcoholism (p < 0.01), lung cavitation (p < 0.01), "far advanced disease" (p < 0.05), and sputum smears containing "numerous" acid-fast bacilli (p < 0.01). Resolution of fever was variable (mean, 16 days; median, 10 days; range, 1 to 109 days). Thirty-eight patients (64%) became afebrile within 2 wk (group 1); 21 (36%) had fever for longer than 2 wk (group 2). Far advanced disease and high temperature (> 38.8 degrees C) on admission were more frequent in group 2 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). However, the groups did not differ in demographic features or in the frequency of symptoms on admission, alcoholism, lung cavitation, numerous acid-fast bacilli on sputum smears, or coexisting bacterial respiratory infection. Antimicrobial drug treatment of presumed coexistent bacterial infection in 19 febrile patients did not influence the course of fever. Analysis of variance and covariance were used to compare the independent effects of various antituberculosis drug regimens on the course of fever; no significant differences were observed.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed1980

Variability of the lateral position test in normal subjects.

An evaluation of the variability of the lateral position test (LPT) in normal subjects was undertaken. In 10 healthy, nonsmoking young adults, tests were performed in triplicate for 5 consecutive days. The results indicate that sizable differences in determinations of unilateral pulmonary function by the LPT can exist from day to day and from test to test on any given day in any given person. Variability of repeated measurements by the same observer and of measurements by different observers was minimal. In view of the great variability in repeated LPT results on the same subject, it is necessary to perform several tests in each subject before meaningful interpretation of the data can be made. This limits the usefulness of the LPT in the clinical assessment of unilateral pulmonary function.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Age and activity effects on rate of bone mineral loss.

It has been postulated that the rate of mineral loss in postmenopausal women remains constant with aging and that the decreased activities of daily living associated with aging contribute to mineral loss. These hypothese were examined by measuring the bone mineral content at the midshaft of the radius with the photon absorption technique. The estimated rate of loss was calculated in a cross-sectional study as the regression coefficient of bone mineral content vs. age and in a longitudinal study as the regression coefficient of bone mineral content vs. time. In the cross-sectional study, Group A, which consisted of 264 women aged 50-72 yr, had an estimated rate of loss of -0.0114 +/- 0.0014 (SE) g/cm per yr. Group B, which consisted of 266 women aged 73-96 yr, had an estimated rate of loss of -0.0055 +/- 0.0017 g/cm per yr. In the longitudinal study, Group C consisted of 33 women aged 51-65 yr who were followed for an average of 4.5 yr with a mean number of 16 visits per subject; they were found to have a mean rate of loss of -0.00990 +/- 0.00107 g/cm per yr. Group D consisted of 38 women aged 70-91 yr who were followed for an average of 3.8 yr with a mean number of 31 visits per subjects; they were found to have a mean rate of loss of -0.00020 +/- 0.00236 g/cm per yr. The estimated and directly measured rates of loss were more rapid in the younger groups than in the older groups (A vs. B, P less than 0.001; C vs. D, P less than 0.001). These data demonstrate that the mean rate of mineral loss is not constant with aging and that in elderly subjects it is significantly slower than that of the earlier postmenopausal years. Since the elderly women were the less active, these findings suggest that factors other than decreased physical activity are more important in determining the rates of mineral loss.

Activities of Daily Living↗