Poly I:C (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid) stimulated hyaluronic acid production by rheumatoid and non-rheumatoid human synovial fibroblasts. Stimulation was dose dependent and was inhibited by acetylsalicyclic acid and indomethacin. Poly I and Poly C, when separately added, had no stimulatory effect on hyaluronic acid production, and Poly A:U had only a slight effect on this parameter. Cells grown with Poly I:C were virus resistant and interferon was detected in their medium. Human interferon had also a dose-dependent stimulatory effect on hyaluronic acid production by synovial cells. A possible interferon-mediated relationship between virus infection and pathologic accumulation of joint fluid is suggested.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Interrelationship between stimulation of prostaglandin E and hyaluronate production by poly (I) . poly (C) and interferon in synovial fibroblast culture.

The interferon-inducer, polyinosinate . polycyctidylate [Poly (I) . Poly (C)] stimulated both prostaglandin E (PGE) and hyaluronic acid (HA) production by human cultured synovial fibroblasts. Increased accumulation of PGE in the medium was noted within 3 hours of culture, while accumulation of HA was observed only after a 24 hour lag period. The stimulation of PGE and HA production by Poly (I) . Poly (C) was prevented by aspirin and indomethacin. Human interferon was also effective in stimulating both PGE and HA production. Concomitant addition of cortisol to culture medium abrogated the stimulatory effect of Poly (I) . Poly (C) and interferon on both PGE and HA production. Exogenous PGE2, however, overcame the inhibitory effect of cortisol on HA production. The present results suggest that the stimulatory effect of both interferon and Poly (I) . Poly (C) on HA production may be mediated by PGE. Prostaglandins may thus play a role in the inflammatory process associated with viral infections.

Aspirin↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Equipment organization in the emergency department adult resuscitation area.

It is important to design the resuscitation area in the emergency department to avoid restrictions to movement of personnel around the patient and to enable rapid and efficient access to equipment. The delivery of monitors and gases from above will reduce interference to flow by mechanical components. Preassembled airway equipment and the organization of equipment using an intuitive system, such as anatomic arrangement, aids in the rapid location of needed equipment.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Measuring the accuracy of the infrared tympanic thermometer: correlation does not signify agreement.

This prospective study assessed the accuracy of the infrared tympanic thermometer (ITT) compared to the rectal thermometer (RT) using statistical measures of agreement. In a convenience sample of 100 adult emergency department patients, ear examinations to assess for cerumen or otitis were followed by temperature measurements using the First Temp 2000A thermometer in both ears and the IVAC 2000 rectally. Left and right ITT temperatures showed high correlation and agreement; therefore, only right ITT results are reported. Both the ITT and RT recorded similar mean temperatures, standard deviations, and ranges. The correlation of the ITT and RT and agreement were below the 0.8 level, indicating excellent agreement. The mean temperature difference (RT-ITT) between the two devices was 0.1 +/- 0.7 degrees C; in 10% of patients, the temperature difference was > or = 1 degree C. Among 10 patients identified as febrile by RT (RT > or = 38.5 degrees C), 6 were febrile by ITT. Significant differences occurred between the temperature measurements using the ITT and RT; these devices do not demonstrate excellent agreement.

Adolescent↗