Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to L Hicks.
In the case of below-knee amputations for vascular insufficiency, divisions of the tibia and fibula in the proximal one-third followed by coverage by a long posterior soft tissue flap gives the best results. Emphasis must be placed on sharp division of structures, perfect hemostasis, and accurate skin approximation. The use of suction drainage and gentle compression dressing is demonstrated.
The effects of chronic intake of dietary ethanol upon catalase, an enzyme capable of metabolizing ethanol, as well as upon myocardial morphology and hemodynamics, were studied in the rat. Ethanol, comprising 36% of dietary calories, administered to rats for 5 weeks, was associated with increased myocardial catalase of 45.9 +/- 3.7 IU/mg protein, compared to 21.0 +/- 1.8 IU/mg protein in pair-fed controls. The enzyme activity remained significantly elevated after 18 weeks of ethanol. Hepatic catalase did not differ in these groups. Parallel cytochemical studies confirmed the increase in myocardial catalase by demonstrating an increase in peroxisomes. Gross and light-microscopic examinations revealed no abnormalities at either 5 or 18 weeks. Remarkably few ultrastructural abnormalities were seen in this material fixed by vascular perfusion. Hemodynamic studies after 5 weeks of ethanol revealed decreased left ventricle systolic pressure and decreased mean arterial pressure but no change in ventricular filling pressure. The possibility of catalase playing a metabolic and potentially protective role in rat myocardium chronically exposed to ethanol is discussed.
The occurrence of peroxisomes (microbodies), their cytochemical characteristics and their ultrastructural relationship to the neighboring organelles were investigated in the ventricular myocardium of four rodent (rat, rabbit, gerbil, and guinea pig) and two primate (Macaca java and Tupaya) species. The hearts were fixed by vascular perfusion with glutaraldehyde and incubated in alkaline diaminobenzidine media for visualization of catalase. The electron-dense reaction product of catalase was found in the myocardium of all examined species and was localized in 0.2--0.5 mum oval particles, surrounded by a single limiting membrane and located usually at the junction of I and A bands. The peroxisomes in the hearts of gerbil and Macaca java were especially long and tortuous. A close spatial association was found between the myocardial peroxisomes and mitochondria, lipid droplets, and the membranes of sarcoplasmic reticulum, especially the so-called junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum. These observations demonstrate the consistent occurrence of peroxisomes in the heart of various mammalian species and suggest that peroxisomes have important metabolic and physiological functions in myocardium.
The effect of conflicting visual, and mechanical proprioceptive information on postural stability was compared in two groups of infants. The older group could sit or stand unsupported, while the younger group could sit but could not yet stand. The results suggest that visual proprioception functions to maintain postural stability before infants have learned to stand.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The emergence of managed care organizations offers many opportunities, challenges, and threats for nursing and nurses. The goal of these organizations (ensuring maximum value from resources used) is congruent with the basic philosophy of nursing, which focuses on the total needs of the patient, not just disease, and on maintaining the health of the individual to minimize the need for expensive health care services. Within the structure of managed care, however, there is also a need for strong professional advocacy to ensure that the needs of the members are adequately met as the organization strives to maintain costs. In meeting the needs of the organization and of the members, the nurse also plays an important role in managing the resources used in producing health care services.