[A canine when you have us!].
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Adolescent↗
Biomedical subjects
R Garcia
Publications and source records attributed to R Garcia.
Allergic conjunctivitis to chamomile tea.
Eye washing with chamomile tea is a folk remedy used by the general public to treat conjunctivitis and other ocular reactions. Chamomile is also found in many cosmetic products. Some cases of contact dermatitis (but not reactions of type I) were reported following its topical applications. We present seven hay fever patients that suffered from conjunctivitis; two of them also had lid angioedema after eye washing with chamomile tea. All seven patients had positive skin prick tests to the chamomile tea extract, Matricaria chamomilla pollen and Artemisia vulgaris pollen extracts. Positive conjunctival provocations were also observed in all the patients with the chamomile tea extract. In contrast, no symptoms were observed after oral challenges with this infusion. IgE activity against chamomile tea and Matricaria and Artemisia extracts (composite pollens) was detected by ELISA in the seven patients' sera. A cross reactivity among the above extracts was observed by an ELISA inhibition study. In all cases, the IgE activity to chamomile tea could fully be absorbed by Matricaria pollen extract. Skin prick tests and conjunctival provocation tests also performed in 100 hay fever controls revealed a positive immediate skin response to Artemisia in 15 patients, eight of them also to Matricaria pollen and five of them to Chamomile tea as well. Only two of the last patients had a positive conjunctival response. The results were negative in the rest of the controls. We conclude that the chamomile tea eye washing can induce allergic conjunctivitis. Matricaria chamomilla pollens contained in these infusions are the allergens responsible for these reactions.
Administration, Oral↗
Intraoperative intra-arterial urokinase infusion as an adjunct to Fogarty catheter embolectomy in acute arterial occlusion.
Sixteen patients, seven men and nine women (mean age of 66 years), with acute arterial ischemia were treated with operative thromboembolectomy by Fogarty catheterization and urokinase. Seven patients were diabetic, ten were hypertensive and six had prior vascular surgical treatment. The operative arteriograms confirmed vascular occlusive phenomenon. The ankle to brachial ratio was a mean of 0.02. Perioperatively, patients had anticoagulation with heparin systemically. All patients underwent transfemoral embolectomy using a Fogarty catheter. An initial retrieval of clots was accomplished, with documentation by arteriography, instillation of urokinase (50,000 units) and clamping of vessel for 15 minutes. Subsequent passage of the Fogarty catheter and repeat urokinase infusion resulted in further retrieval of clots and improvement by repeat intraoperative arteriography. All interventions resulted in clinical restoration of perfusion to the affected limb. Six patients had amputations of the lower extremities (one transmetatarsal and one below the knee) during the 30 day postoperative period. Improvement in distal run-off was demonstrated by intraoperative arteriography and increases in the ankle to brachial ratio from 0.1 to 1.04, with a mean of 0.54, were noted. No complications from bleeding occurred. One patient died postoperatively because of myocardial infarction. Salvage of the limb may increase with combined embolectomy and thrombolytic therapy.
Acute Disease↗
Long-term danazol therapy in autoimmune thrombocytopenia: unmaintained remission and age-dependent response in women.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term benefit and side effects of danazol therapy, and to delineate factors influencing the responses in patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia. DESIGN: Before and after trial. SETTING: Referral-based hematology clinics and the University of Miami teaching hospitals. PATIENTS: Data were collected on 96 patients (60 women and 36 men, 45 of whom had had splenectomies) receiving danazol therapy for autoimmune thrombocytopenia and analyzed. INTERVENTION: Danazol was added to the previous therapy or begun as an initial therapy. Glucocorticoids were tapered gradually. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The overall response rate to danazol was 61.4%. Among responders, the platelet counts (mean +/- SD) before and after danazol treatment were 36 +/- 24 x 10(9)/L and 145 +/- 77 x 10(9)/L, respectively, and the time to response was 2.7 +/- 3 months. Sex, age, and the status of the spleen (absent or present) influenced the responses to danazol. In women, but not in men, response rates improved with advancing age, especially in the nonsplenectomized women. This may be because estrogen levels are high in younger women and low in older women and men. Danazol, when given longer than a year, induced remissions lasting for years even after its discontinuation, but early relapses were frequent when danazol was administered for less than 6 months. Platelet-associated IgG returned to normal range during unmaintained remission. CONCLUSION: Danazol is best suited for long-term medical management of autoimmune thrombocytopenia. It is well tolerated, and lasting, unmaintained remissions often occur after prolonged danazol administration. Age, sex, and the status of the spleen influence the responses. When danazol therapy is used, glucocorticoids can be substantially reduced in dosage or withdrawn. Danazol is a good alternative to splenectomy in elderly persons, especially in women.
Adolescent↗
Characterization of renal glomerular endothelin receptors in the rat.
Specific receptors for Endothelin (Et) have been identified in the glomerulus of rat kidney. Human 125I-ET binds to a single population of high affinity receptors in glomerular membranes from normal rats with a mean equilibrium dissociation constant of 200 pM. The binding was time and temperature-dependent, saturable and reversible. The Et-receptor complex was not affected by either vasopressin, atrial natriuretic factor or angiotension II.
Animals↗
[Preprosthetic orthodontics].
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Adolescent↗
Imaging of metal-coated biological samples by scanning tunneling microscopy.
A method for imaging biological samples by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is presented. There are two main difficulties in imaging biological samples by STM: (1) the low conductivity of biological material and (2) finding a method of reliably depositing the sample on a flat conducting surface. The first of these difficulties was solved by coating the samples with a thin film of platinum-carbon. The deposition problem was solved by a method similar to a procedure used to deposit biological molecules onto field ion microscope (FIM) tips. STM images of bacteriophage T7 and filamentous phage fd are shown. The substrate on which the samples were absorbed was atomically flat gold. The images do not show molecular detail due to the metal coating, but the gross dimensions and morphology are correct for each type of virus. Also, the surface density of virus particles increases and decreases in the way expected when the conditions of deposition are changed. These methods allow reliable and reproducible STM imaging of biological samples.
Bacteriophages↗
Atrial natriuretic factor in the impulse-conduction system of rat cardiac ventricles.
A complex network of atrial natriuretic factor-producing cells has been delineated by biochemical and morphological techniques in the rat ventricular myocardium. The chordae tendineae spuriae (CTS; false tendons) contain ANF mRNA and the ANF propeptide (Asn 1-Tyr 126) as assessed by Northern blot analysis, high-pressure liquid chromatography and immunohisto- and -cytochemistry, using three different affinity-purified antibodies: monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against C-terminal ANF (Arg 101-Tyr 126) and polyclonal antibodies against N-terminal ANF (Asp 11-Ala 37). Two types of cells harboring ANF-containing secretory granules constitute the CTS: the majority (Purkinje type I) have ultrastructural similarities with both atrial and classical Purkinje fibers. Purkinje type-II fibers resemble working ventricular cardiocytes. Both cell types harbor a large paranuclear Golgi complex. The subendocardial Purkinje network is also made up of these two cell types. In this location, Purkinje type-I fibers form cable-like structures while Purkinje type-II fibers are either located beneath the former or abut directly on the endocardium. The latter are not separated from adjacent working ventricular cardiocytes by connective tissue septa. Coronary arteries and arterioles, as in birds, are surrounded by a cushion of Purkinje type-II fibers which blend with the surrounding myocardium. These results indicate that, in the rat, the entire intraventricular conduction system is constituted of endocrine cells producing ANF.
Animals↗
Quantitative studies on ipsilateral type 2 retinotectotectal (IRTT) units in frogs: homologies with R3 ganglion cells.
Contralateral and ipsilateral responses from deep layers of the rostral neuropil of the optic tectum of Rana esculenta were recorded extracellularly and quantitatively analyzed. Effects of the velocity and diameter of the stimulus on the neuronal response (measured as the mean firing frequency, R) were mainly tested in this work. 1. Among the population of changing contrast or event ganglion cells, R3-like units (with a weak response to background off-on stimulation) were defined in addition to typical R3 ganglion cells. 2. A power function relating R and the stimulus velocity (v) was established in all units (R = k v alpha), with alpha = 0.80-1.07 and k = 2.1-9.5 for R3 units, alpha = 0.55-0.77 and k = 5.8-15.2 for R3-like units, and alpha = 0.80-1.16 and k = 1.3-5.1 for ipsilateral I2 units. 3. The area function was expressed by a logarithmic function. In all classes the maximal response was obtained with 4.4 degrees-7.5 degrees targets, independent of the test velocity. 4. Both the velocity and the diameter of the stimulus influenced the value of the dynamic receptive field diameter. 5. Finally, results show that qualitative and quantitative properties of I2 units are similar to those of R3 ganglion cells.
Action Potentials↗
Metal content of neutrophil granules is altered in chronic inflammation.
The mass fraction of certain elements was measured in isolated granulocytes and isolated granulocyte granule fractions from patients with active inflammatory arthritides (N = 6) and healthy controls (N = 6). The patients had significantly increased amounts of Ca in the granulocytes, in the specific and light azurophil granules, but normal Ca amounts in the dense azurophil granules. Sr was below the detection limit in the granulocytes and granule fraction from controls, but it appeared in high concentrations in the granulocytes and all granule fractions from the patients. The patients had considerably increased granulocyte amounts of Mn but only slightly increased Mn concentrations in the specific granules. Mn was not detectable in azurophil granules from patients and controls. A prominent accumulation of Fe was seen in the granulocytes from the patients, together with an Fe accumulation in the specific granules. Fe was below the detection limit in azurophil granules from patients and controls. The patients had reduced granulocyte Zn and reduced amounts of Zn in the dense and light azurophil granules but normal Zn amounts in the specific granules. The results obtained indicate that the granulocyte accumulation of Ca, Sr, and Fe observed during chronic inflammation is associated with corresponding granule accumulation of these metals; the considerable Mn accumulation in granulocytes during inflammation is not localized in their granules; and the granule subpopulations differ in their capacity to store certain metals.
Arthritis↗
Acute bioassays with benthic macroinvertebrates conducted in situ.
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Animals↗
Incorporation of magnesium into rat dental enamel and its influence on crystallization.
The incorporation of magnesium into the enamel of immature rats was studied by chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction. Magnesium solutions were injected subcutaneously and later intra-orally into growing rats. Increased magnesium was detected in the enamel at the late developmental stage, and a delay in enamel mineralization resulted from increased magnesium uptake. Incisal enamel from the Mg-injected rats had significant line-broadening on X-ray diffraction, characteristic of poorly crystallized enamel.
Animals↗
Snug tubular enclosures reduce extrafascicular axonal escape at peripheral nerve repair sites.
A method of fascicular nerve repair utilizing silicone rubber tubes has been developed and tested in the dog whose nerves, like those of man, have a thick epineurial sheath. The closely fitting tubes provide a noncompressive enclosure which minimizes axonal escape and facilitates axon regeneration in at least two ways: First, they provide an impermeable conduit for endoneurial fluid whose constituents create an environment favoring the regeneration of axons and Schwann cells. Second, the biocompatible tube induces rapid development of a highly organized capsule which isolates the repair site, prevents adhesions, and strengthens the discontinuity. Enclosure of coapted fascicles also improves alignment of endoneurial components while providing space for the resolution of edema. The inert, noncompressive enclosures appear to minimize unregulated axonal growth at the site of injury by providing a qualitatively distinct environment from that in loose or open tubes.
Animals↗
The organ distribution of liposome-encapsulated and free cobalt in rats. Liposomes decrease the cardiac uptake of the metal.
Rats were administered intravenously liposome-encapsulated or free cobalt, and the organ distribution of the metal was explored using Co57 tracer. Two hours after administration, the cobalt level in the heart was about 40% of the control when given in sphingomyelin (SM)/cholesterol (CH) (1:1 mole ratio) liposomes. These vesicles also tended to decrease the uptake of cobalt in the kidney and the carcass, and to increase it in the spleen and the bones. Liposomes prepared from soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC)/CH (1:1) had no effect on the uptake of cobalt in the heart, whereas increased its level in the spleen, liver and lung. The time-course of cobalt deposition in the organs displayed substantial variation with the different preparations. Most importantly, no buildup of cobalt level was observed in the heart when the metal was administered in SM/CH vesicles. While confirming known effects of liposomes on the organ-distribution of entrapped drugs, our findings suggest that administration of cobalt in SM/CH liposome-encapsulated form may result in decreased cardiotoxicity and thus increased safety of cobalt-treatment in some anemias.
Animals↗
Anaphylactic reaction after the ingestion of chamomile tea: a study of cross-reactivity with other composite pollens.
We report a case of an 8-year-old atopic boy in whom ingestion of a chamomile-tea infusion precipitated a severe anaphylactic reaction. The patient suffers from hay fever and bronchial asthma caused by a variety of pollens (grass, olive, and mugwort). This severe reaction was developed after his first ingestion of chamomile tea. Studies revealed the presence of immediate skin test reactivity and a positive passive transfer test to chamomile-tea extract. Moreover, both specific antichamomile-tea extract and anti-Matricaria chamomilla-pollen extract IgE antibodies were detected by an ELISA technique. Cross-reactivity among chamomile-tea extract and the pollens of Matricaria chamomilla, Ambrosia trifida (giant ragweed), and Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort), was demonstrated by an ELISA-inhibition study. These findings suggest a type I IgE-mediated immunologic mechanism as being responsible for the patient's anaphylactic symptoms and also suggest that the patient cross-reacted the pollens of Matricaria chamomilla contained in the chamomile tea because he was previously sensitized to Artemisia pollen.
Anaphylaxis↗
Quantitative stimulus-response studies on sustained ganglion cells in the frog retina.
"Sustained" visual units, i.e. nonerasable (R1) and erasable (R2) units as commonly described, were recorded in the superficial layers of the rostral optic tectum of Rana esculenta and their neuronal activity (expressed as the mean firing frequency R) was quantitatively analyzed. The mean value of the exponent alpha of the velocity function of the erasable R1 units was found to be 0.46 and the constant k to be about 24.7. The optimal stimulus diameter was equal to 2.6 deg. For the whole population of the erasable units, the exponent alpha was found to be between 0.36-0.75 (mean value approximately 0.56, i.e. largely different from the values currently reported for such units) and was independent of the stimulus diameter (D = 0.6-6 deg). However, the constant k of the velocity function (range: 8.2-37.7) varied with D. Most of the erasable units (called "mixed R1-R2" units) therefore showed an R1-type velocity function with an exponent alpha approximately 0.5 and a constant k approximately 25 but reacted to other parameters as did "typical" R2 units: (i) their neuronal response was related to the stimulus diameter by a logarithmic function with a maximum obtained for D = 2.4 deg; and (ii) a variation of about 4-17% on either side of the average value of R was observed, independent either of the stimulus velocity or of the diameter of the stimulus. Results are compared to known quantitative data, and the use of stimulus-response relationships as a tool for classification is discussed.
Animals↗
Fay-Prince trap baited with CO2 for monitoring adult abundance of Aedes sierrensis (Diptera: Culicidae).
The Fay-Prince trap augmented with carbon dioxide (F-P/CO2) collected high numbers of male and female Aedes sierrensis (Ludlow). The F-P/CO2 trap collected 15-20 times more males, but statistically similar numbers of females as did a rabbit-baited CO2 trap (R/CO2). Carbon dioxide was essential to the successful operation of the F-P/CO2 trap for the collection of male and female Ae. sierrensis. A repeated measures ANOVA with polynomial contrasts found no significant differences in the population trends of female Ae. sierrensis measured by the two traps. Trap location also was a major source of variability, with one of the four locations accounting for 50% of all Ae. sierrensis collected. These results indicated that the F-P/CO2 trap was a simple but effective method for sampling Ae. sierrensis.
Aedes↗
Meal-induced peptide tyrosine tyrosine inhibition of pancreatic secretion in the rat.
In the present studies we examined the distribution, release, and biological actions of peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) in the rat. The concentration and distribution of PYY was highest in the ileum and colon as determined by both radioimmunoassay of rat tissue extracts and immunocytochemistry. An ultrastructural comparison of rat and dog colonic PYY cells revealed a bipolar distribution of peptide-containing secretory granules in both species. Serum PYY and pancreatic exocrine secretory responses were monitored after presentation of a meal to meal-trained rats (n = 12). A significant increase in PYY concentrations was not observed until 120 min after meal presentation, a delayed response similar to that previously observed in the dog. PYY responses were also observed in rats after perfusion of the intestine at the level of the duodenum and ileum with an 80 mOsm micellar solution of sodium oleate. Duodenal instillations of the fatty acids resulted in a maximum PYY response after 120 min, whereas rats subject to ileal perfusion of fat exhibited maximum PYY release within the first hour. In other experiments, infusion of exogenous PYY at 100 pmol.kg-1.h-1, which reproduced plasma PYY levels observed after a meal and perfusion of the gut with fat, significantly inhibited CCK-stimulated bile pancreatic volume (P less than 0.02), protein (P less than 0.01), and amylase (P less than 0.01) output. These studies demonstrate a bipolar distribution of PYY-containing secretory granules in cells of the jejunal, ileal, and colonic mucosa, and show that PYY is released in response to a meal in amounts sufficient to inhibit cholecystokinin-stimulated pancreatic secretion. Evidence is presented that PYY may mediate the delayed inhibition of pancreatic secretion that is observed in the rat after ingestion of a meal.
Animals↗