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Biomedical subjects

L M Williams

Publications and source records attributed to L M Williams.

98 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

Changes in the tensile properties and fine structure of the rat cervix in late pregnancy and during parturition.

The isolated cervix from non-pregnant, early Day 22 pregnant (late pregnant) and parturient rats was studied. Cyclic loading and unloading tensile tests showed that the creep properties of the cervix were greater in late pregnant than in non-pregnant rats. This change in tensile properties, or softening, was associated with a marked rise in % of water and a fall of collagen concentration (as % of wet but not dry weight). These findings, plus electron micrographs showing a marked increase in extracellular matrix, separation of bundles of collagen fibrils and active fibroblasts, suggest that softening if related to controlled tissue hydration. Cervices were also removed from 3 groups of rats killed at different times during the 3-h parturient period and creep rate measured by continuous loading. A nearly 3-fold increase in creep rate over this period indicates that there is a second stage of cervical softening in pregnancy which precedes dilatation at parturition.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Some preliminary observations of the nephrotoxicity of the male antifertility drug (+/-)alpha-chlorohydrin.

(+/-)alpha-Chlorohydrin (80 mg kg-1) given by mouth to group-housed adult male Sprague Dawley rats produced an increase in the weight of the kidneys which persisted for at least 7 days, but there were no deaths. This dose administered to Sprague Dawley rats caged singly killed 3 out of 8 animals. The toxicity was studied in more detail using Wistar rats caged singly in metabolic cages. 4 out of 9 animals died with oliguria and anuria after 120 mg kg-1 (+/-)alpha-chorohydrin, 100 and 120 mg kg-1 (in the surviving animals), produced a loss in appetite and body weight, proteinuria, a dose-related diuresis and an increased water intake. Urinary glucose was dramatically elevated after 100 mg kg-1 but after 120 mg kg-1 the glucosuria was not as marked. By day 7 all parameters were returning to their pre-injection values. A dose of 80 mg kg-1 had no effect upon any of the parameters studied. The results are discussed in relation to the basic biochemical mechanism by which the drug exerts its antifertility action, which is achieved at much lower doses.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

A concept of loneliness in the elderly.

The author's concept of loneliness is described, especially as it concerns the elderly. An attempt is made to develop an understanding of the word, with its implications for guidance in the nursing profession. The nurse's defenses against her own feelings of loneliness and depression can inhibit therapeutic interactions with lonely or depressed patients. Appropriate nursing action depends upon the knowledge, correlation and use of many other concepts such as those related to dynamics of behavior, personality structure and development, or problem solving. Practical recommendations for nursing intervention are outlined. Emphasized is the necessity for the nurse to understand the concept of loneliness so that she may render effective service.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The Emory cubicle bed: an alternative to restraints for agitated traumatically brain injured clients.

As traumatically brain injured (TBI) clients emerge from coma, there may be transitory periods of agitation during which they pull at feeding tubes and intravenous catheters and thrash about, thus placing themselves at high risk of injury. During these periods, staff traditionally have resorted to restraints. But chemical restraints actually may be detrimental to cognitive recovery, and physical restraints often serve to increase agitation and foster dependence. Another approach is to modify the environment. The Emory cubicle bed, a modification of the Craig bed used at Craig Hospital in Colorado, allows for freedom of movement while blocking the client's field of vision. In reducing both tactile and visual stimulation, the bed also reduces agitation.

Beds↗