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L Currie

Publications and source records attributed to L Currie.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Quality assessment of platelet concentrates supplemented with second-messenger effectors.

BACKGROUND: While reducing the potential for bacterial contamination, the storage of platelet concentrates (PCs) at refrigerated temperatures is not routine, because of the induction of the so-called platelet storage lesion. As the modulation of second-messenger levels might help to overcome this drawback, a quality assessment of PCs treated with a mixture of second-messengers effectors known as ThromboSol was performed. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The PCs were supplemented with ThromboSol or phosphate-buffered saline, and stored in parallel at 22 degrees C with continuous agitation or at 4 degrees C. At 1, 5, and 9 days, an in vitro quality assessment of the PCs was performed, including measurement of cell number, metabolic and integrity markers, platelet surface expression of glycoproteins, platelet response to ristocetin and thrombin, and levels of cyclic adenosine 3', 5' monophosphate (cAMP) and thromboxane B2 (TxB2). RESULTS: Control PCs stored at 4 degrees C underwent aggregation and displayed a significant decrease in the platelet number (40% on Day 5). By contrast, the ThromboSol-treated PCs maintained 80 percent of their initial platelet concentration after 9 days of storage at 4 degrees C. Compared to PCs stored at 22 degrees C, refrigerated PCs exhibited minor changes in metabolic values throughout storage, but the addition of ThromboSol induced a rise in metabolic rate during storage at 22 degrees C. Platelet responsiveness to both ristocetin and thrombin was maximally preserved in the ThromboSol-treated PCs stored at 4 degrees C. These units also maintained high levels of cAMP and low concentrations of TxB2 during storage. CONCLUSION: The pharmacologic supplementation of PCs with ThromboSol significantly favors the maintenance of in vitro integrity and responsiveness of platelets during extended storage at refrigerated temperature. This protective effect seems to be a consequence of the ability of ThromboSol's components to sustain high levels of cAMP and to inhibit TxB2 production during the entire extended-storage period.

Blood Banks↗
PubMed1997

CT anatomy of the mediastinal structures at the level of the manubriosternal angle.

The mediastinal structures said to lie on a horizontal plane at the level of the manubriosternal joint (manubriosternal plane) in the cadaver include the bifurcation of the trachea, the concavity of the arch of the aorta, and the azygos vein as it arches over the right principal bronchus to enter the superior vena cava. We have reviewed CT scans of the thorax in 51 subjects to determine 1) whether these structures lie consistently at this level in the living thorax and 2) the vertebral level of this plane. We found that the bifurcation of the trachea lay at the plane in 41% of subjects, that the plane passed through the concavity of the arch of the aorta in 49% of subjects, and that, although there was notable individual variation, the manubriosternal plane passed through the upper part of the fifth thoracic vertebra in 53% of cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

A descriptive study of elderly community-dwelling alcoholic patients in the rural south.

Alcohol-related disorders, estimated to be more prevalent in the South, are associated with serious comorbid disorders, such as depression and suicide. In a rural outreach program, the authors examined patients with a diagnosis of alcoholism and compared them with nonalcoholic patients on various demographic and descriptive variables. Of 166 patients referred to the program, 35 (21.1%) had an alcohol-related disorder. Alcoholism was significantly associated with male gender and younger age, but nearly half of the alcoholic subjects were women. Alcoholism is associated with inappropriate health care utilization; alcohol-related disorders produced significantly more emergency room visits and somewhat more hospital admission; these patients were less likely to have a primary care physician. No patient was receiving treatment for alcoholism.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1996

Clinical practice development and research activities in four district health authorities.

This review is based on findings from a postal survey undertaken between March and September 1993 to elicit information from nurses in four district health authorities regarding development and research activity in which they were involved. The objectives of the review were to obtain baseline information on the extent, variety and scope of work being carried out, to provide staff with a mechanism for networking good practice and to identify any areas of replication. A snowball sampling technique was used to obtain information from nursing personnel. A total of 141 responses were received out of which 4% (n = 5) reported no activity. Response rates varied between organizations and specialist groups but were similar in terms of the number of small-scale clinical practice developments undertaken without identified support or supervision. Fifty-five per cent (n = 75) of the reported developments related to the organization and management of services while 11% (n = 15) focused on consumer-related issues. Few studies identified dissemination strategies and there was generally a lack of clarity over expected benefits of the study in terms of measurable outcomes to the organization, nursing staff or patients. Funding for clinical practice development and research in nursing was found to be very sparse; the reasons for this were not identified. Overall the review confirmed statements from other sources (DoH, 1993 a,b) that nursing development and research tends to be small scale and unsupported with nursing staff trying hard to implement research findings or be innovative in their practice without the necessary expertise and support. Such findings have implications for the current drive to implement research into practice.

Clinical Nursing Research↗
PubMed1982

The distribution of ascorbic acid between various cellular components of blood, in normal individuals, and its relation to the plasma concentration.

1. A study was undertaken to investigate the distribution of ascorbic acid between various cellular components of blood, in normal individuals, and its relation to the plasma concentration. Forty-one unsupplemented individuals and sixteen supplemented (2 g/d for 5 d) individuals were studied. 2. Granulocytes, mononuclear leucocytes, platelets and erythrocytes were separated by differential sedimentation and centrifugation. Ascorbic acid contents were measured by the dinitrophenylhydrazine method. 3. Ascorbic acid content per cell was higher in mononuclear leucocytes and granulocytes than in platelets and erythrocytes. Intracellular ascorbic acid concentrations, calculated from published values for cell volumes, when compared with the plasma concentration showed a marked ability to concentrate ascorbic acid in mononuclear leucocytes (80 times), platelets (40 times) and granulocytes (25 times). 4. Erythrocytes showed little ability to concentrate ascorbic acid over the normal range of plasma concentration but because of their relative numbers they and the plasma fraction accounted for most of the blood-borne ascorbic acid (greater than 70%). 5. The ascorbic acid content of granulocytes, platelets and erythrocytes showed a significant positive correlation with the plasma concentration and supplementation with ascorbic acid significantly increased the content of these cell types. Mononuclear leucocytes in contrast did not show any such relationship. 6. The ability of the mononuclear leucocytes to maintain the highest levels of ascorbic acid in the cell types studied, despite variation in plasma availability, warrants further study, particularly in view of the importance of these cells in immunocompetence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Effect of platelets on apparent leucocyte ascorbic acid content.

The leucocyte ascorbic acid content is widely used as a measure of tissue ascorbic acid status. Standard methods of analysis, however, isolate both leucocytes and platelets (buffy layer), with consequent overestimation, since platelet ascorbic acid is attributed to the leucocytes. Fourteen healthy individuals on ascorbic acid supplements and 11 patients on mega dose ascorbic acid therapy were studied. A significant correlation was demonstrated between the 'leucocyte' ascorbic acid content and the platelet: leucocyte ratio (r = 0.70, P < 0.001). It is suggested that changes in the relative distribution of platelets and leucocytes in the blood will result in an apparent change in the 'leucocyte' ascorbic acid content regardless of any actual change in the ascorbic acid content of the cells.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Managing information.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Information Services↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Care pathways development and implementation.

Care pathways are increasingly being used in the UK as a tool for managing clinical processes and patient outcomes. This article describes some of the key elements of care pathways, highlights factors in successful implementation and discusses some concerns about their use.

Critical Pathways↗