Fetal movement and fetal outcome in a low-risk population.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
S Fischer
Publications and source records attributed to S Fischer.
Information processing in working memory and event-related brain potentials.
Information processing in working memory was investigated in a paradigm with a pseudo-random sequence of visually presented consonants. The subjects' task was to memorize seven sequentially presented letters per trial and to recall the sequence (MEMORY task). Even-related potentials (ERPs) were selectively averaged for each of the seven positions of consonant presentation within a trial. The later a consonant was presented within a trial the smaller the P300 amplitude elicited by the consonant. The number of recall errors increased, however, from first to last presentation position. In a control task identical to the MEMORY condition consonant were presented. To limit the working memory load to one element, subjects had to count the number of letters within trials showing a specific physical criteria. P300 amplitude did not depend on presentation position. P300 was shown to covary with the amount of processing resources available for a task. We assume that increasing working memory load consumes processing resources that are not available for the processing of the incoming stimuli presented later in the trial.
Adult↗
Therapeutic touch. A viable link to midwifery practice.
Through the use of their hands, their intelligence, and their compassion, midwives have traditionally taken a noninterventionist approach to labor and childbirth. Therapeutic Tough, known by its practitioners as simply TT, is a contemporary healing modality through which a practitioner's hands are used to facilitate healing. Midwives and practitioners of TT share an appreciation of the value of a holistic and noninterventionist approach to maintaining patient health. This article explores the potential use of TT as a tool to complement the practice of midwifery. It provides an explanation of the theories underlying TT, the history of its development, and the process involved in its practice. Additionally, the results of studies both supportive and critical of the practice of TT are analyzed. Finally, possible applications of TT to the practice of midwifery are suggested.
Female↗
Prostaglandin I3 is formed in vivo in man after dietary eicosapentaenoic acid.
Greenland Eskimos who live on a traditional marine diet rich in long chain omega 3-polyunsaturated fatty acids have a low incidence of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction. In their plasma and platelet lipids, arachidonic acid, the precursor of dienoic prostanoids, is partly replaced by eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5, omega 3; EPA), the precursor of trienoic prostanoids. Studies with an Eskimo diet or a Western diet supplemented with sea fish or fish oil rich in EPA resulted in an 'Eskimo-like' pattern of plasma and platelet lipids. Moreover, less reactive platelets, a reduced ex vivo formation of proaggregatory thromboxane A2 and a blunted circulatory response to pressor hormones were reported. These favourable functional effects may be induced by a shift of prostanoid formation from the dienoic to the trienoic series. We show here that the major urinary metabolite of endogenous prostaglandin I3 is present in subjects that have ingested either cod liver oil (approximately 4 g EPA per day) or mackerel (approximately 10-15 g EPA per day). Our studies provide the first direct evidence for in vivo formation of prostaglandin I3 in man.
Blood Coagulation↗
In defense of genuine ignorance: supporting vitality and relevance in graduate curricula.
Genuine ignorance, defined by John Dewey as curiosity and openmindedness in opposition to repetition of catch phrases and familiar propositions, is nurtured in graduate nursing curricula in which the educational process is congruent with course content. Preparation for advanced practice in the mental health environment of the foreseeable future required abandonment of the familiar medical model in favor of conceptual models consistent with current thinking in psychiatric nursing and exposure to current problems (homelessness, family violence, AIDS) and current problem solving strategies (brief treatment, family preservation). Involvement in practice-based research and operationalizing new perspectives on familiar clinical problems, are suggested as strategies for developing the advanced practitioner. Two of the authors, former graduate students, describe the impact of changed perspectives and research activity on their own practice.
Curriculum↗
Transport of L-citrulline in neural cell cultures.
Uptake of L-[(14)C]citrulline was studied in cell culture models of the main neural cell populations, in astroglia-rich primary cultures derived from neonatal rat brain, in rat glioma cells C6-BU-1, in cells of the murine microglial clone N11 and in the glioma x neuroblastoma hybrid cell line 108CC15 with neuronal properties. For comparison, cells of the peripheral macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 were also investigated. A saturable component of uptake was found in all cases with K(M) values between 0.4 and 3.4 mM and V(max) values between 15 and 35 nmol.min(-1).(mg protein)(-1). A nonsaturable component dominated uptake at high concentrations of extracellular citrulline. Rates of uptake of L-citrulline were not affected when Na(+) or Cl(-) were omitted from the incubation medium or in the presence of depolarizing concentrations of K(+). Saturable uptake of citrulline was strongly inhibited by an excess of histidine or beta-2-aminobicyclo-(2.2.1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid; excess amounts of arginine, creatine, glutamate, cysteic acid or N-methyl-alpha-aminoisobutyric acid did not reduce citrulline uptake. Preincubation of the cells with bacterial lipopolysaccharide and interferon gamma did not stimulate transport of citrulline. The results suggest that at physiological concentrations citrulline is taken up by neural cells with the help of transport system L for large neutral amino acids. Therefore, in the brain, effective utilization of extracellular citrulline as part of an intercellular trafficking of intermediates of an NO/citrulline cycle depends on the concentrations of all neutral amino acids present.
Animals↗
cDna cloning and characterization of a cross-reactive birch pollen allergen: identification as a pectin esterase.
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Allergens↗
Total nutrient admixtures appear safer than lipid emulsion alone as regards microbial contamination: growth properties of microbial pathogens at room temperature.
BACKGROUND: The extraordinary growth properties of most microorganisms in 10% and 20% lipid emulsions has led to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation that if lipids are given through an i.v. line, the administration set should be replaced every 24 hours rather than the usual 72-hour interval used for crystalloid solutions, including those used for conventional total parenteral nutrition. For nearly 15 years, parenteral alimentation has been given as a total nutrient admixture (TNA), with the glucose, amino acids, and lipid mixed within the same bag and infused continuously over 24 hours. METHODS: We prospectively studied in a representative TNA (17.6% glucose, 5% amino acids, 4% lipid; pH 5.6, osmolality 1778) and in a control solution, 5% dextrose-in-water (D5%/W), the growth properties at 4, 25, and 35 degrees C of three isolates each of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Serratia marcescens, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia, Flavobacterium spp, and Candida albicans, and two isolates of Staphylococcus saprophyticus, the species that are most likely to contaminate TNA during preparation or administration and that have been implicated in >95% of all outbreaks and sporadic cases of nosocomial bloodstream infections traced to contaminated parenteral admixtures reported in the world literature. RESULTS: Growth in TNA at 25 and 35 degrees C occurred with only two species, C. albicans and S. saprophyticus, and only after 24 to 48 hours; D5%/W allowed growth at 25 degrees C of two gram-negative species, S. marcescens and B. cepacia. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that TNA is a poor growth medium for most nosocomial pathogens and is no better than D5%/W. The need to replace administration sets every 24 hours with TNA should be reconsidered and ideally be studied in a prospective randomized trial.
Acinetobacter↗
Stabilization of actin filaments by ATP and inorganic phosphate.
Both inorganic orthophosphate and ATP stabilize actin filaments. This is reflected by a reduced nucleotide exchange and by a protection against filament breakdown by SDS or KI. When the filament-stabilizing effect of ATP was maximal, only about 15% of the actin subunits of the filament had bound one molecule of the nucleotide offered in the stabilizing solution.
Actin Cytoskeleton↗
Closure of a rapidly exchanging calcium compartment in rat cardiac myocytes by lanthanum.
Enzymatically isolated myocytes from adult rats were used to measure 45Ca-uptake from salt media of reduced Ca2(+)-content (0.1 mM) with normal (4 mM) or elevated (20 mM) potassium concentrations. Ca2(+)-uptake was interrupted by filtration followed by rapid chasing the filter with salt solutions containing no Ca2+, 2 mM Ca2+ or 2 mM La3+. Rate and extent of 45Ca-uptake of resting cells were found to be 3-fold enhanced when chasing was performed with La3(+)-containing media. In contrast La3+ does not affect Ca2(+)-exchange of depolarized cells, the fluxes of which approximate rates sufficiently high for contraction activation and that are sensitive to Ca2(+)-channel blockers. The effect of La3+ on resting cells suggests the existence of a small rapidly exchanging La3(+)-sensitive Ca2(+)-compartment located adjacent to the plasma membrane. This compartment is though to be either closed or has become La3(+)-insensitive in activated cells. The subsarcolemmal cysternae of the SR, the so-called "peripheral couplings" are most likely the morphological substrate of this compartment.
Animals↗
Effects of flooding and temperature on Aedes albifasciatus development time and larval density in two rain pools at Buenos Aires University City.
Aedes albifasciatus is a floodwater mosquito that breeds in temporary waters. This semi-domestic species, widely distributed in Argentina, is a competent vector of the western equine encephalitis. The present study was carried out in two rain pools of the city of Buenos Aires, from April 1998 through March 1999. Samples were taken twice a week during the cold season and daily during the warmer months, starting from October. Immature mosquitoes were collected with a dipper, being the number of dippers proportional to the flooded area. The estimated rainfall thresholds to initiate cohorts of Ae. albifasciatus were: 16-17 mm in the fall-winter period, 25 mm in the spring, and 30 mm in the summer. The development time of the different cohorts and the mean air temperature of their respective periods were estimated in all seasons, ranging from six days (at 24 degress C) to 32 days (at 13 degrees C). The equation that best expresses the relationship between development time and mean air temperature is dt =166,27.e(-0,1435.T) (R(2)=0,92). Significantly shorter development times were recorded for larvae of the first three stages as compared to the fourth larval stage and pupae.
Aedes↗
Clinical significance and neuropathology of primary MADD in C34-T and G468-T mutations of the AMPD1 gene.
OBJECTIVE: Primary myoadenylate deaminase deficiency (MADD) is probably the most frequent inborn metabolic myopathy with a prevalence of up to 2%. It is the result of mutations in the AMPDI gene, the most common of which is a C34-T transition in exon 2. The importance of the more rare mutation G468-T in exon 5 is uncertain. Primary objective was to elucidate the clinical significance of the enzyme disorder, which remains unclear since its first description in 1978. We further examined the existence of an association of MADD with other muscle disorders, such as malignant hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis, as was suspected in earlier studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a large collection of 1673 muscle biopsies that had been stored deep frozen we identified 33 cases of primary MADD, 12 of which without any other coinciding muscle diseases, by histochemical, biochemical and molecular genetic examinations. Clinical and laboratory data was collected. By additional examination of randomly chosen blood samples we identified one person carrying the rare compound heterozygosity C34-T/ G468-T, who was examined in clinical respects and a muscle biopsy was taken. RESULTS: As underlying mutation, the most common transition C34-T/C 143-T was detected in 33 cases. One patient carried the compound heterozygosity C34-T/G468-T. The overall frequency of MADD in the contingent was 1.8%. Only three patients out of 12 with isolated primary MADD suffered from muscle complaints, one of whom did not experience the typical symptoms of exercise related myalgia, muscle cramps and weakness as described by Fishbein. The patient carrying C34-T/G468-T was a fully healthy female. She had never experienced any muscle complaints. Any association with other neuromuscular disorders, if not completely ruled out, was found to be very unlikely. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that MADD itself is unlikely to be solely responsible for the manifestation of muscular symptoms. It is probable that either the loss of a compensation mechanism or coexistent disturbances in muscle metabolism which are unidentified so far are required for the emergence of complaints.
AMP Deaminase↗
Weekend scheduling: the 12-hour shift.
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Nursing Service, Hospital↗
Adhesives for retaining prefixed urothelial cells on slides after imprinting from cellulosic filters.
Cells of prefixed urine specimens collected on Millipore filters can be imprinted onto labelled microslides coated with adhesives. The proportion of cells transferred to the slides and recovered from the filters was investigated using three different adhesives. Egg albumen-glycerin and Apathy's syrup did not increase the transfer of cells as compared with experiments without adhesives; the proportion of transferred cells varied from less than 10% to more than 70%. Gelatin-chrome alum had, with minor variations, a pronounced adhesive effect: at least 94% of the cells was always recovered after the cells were transferred from filters to slides. Practical details, including advantages of the filter imprint method, are discussed.
Cell Count↗
Increased abnormal urothelial cells in voided urine following excretory urography.
A prospective study of 45 consecutive patients scheduled for excretory urography demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the proportion of abnormal urothelial cells, including pseudomalignant cells, recovered in the urine between three hours and seven days after urography. The total number of urothelial cells recovered in the urine did not increase at any time. The Millipore filter imprint technique, which allows semiquantitative examination of urothelial cells from urine, is discussed.
Adult↗
Iodine-containing radiographic contrast media in rat bladder mucosa during excretory urography. A possible cause of exfoliation of abnormal epithelial cells.
Iodine in rat urine and urinary bladder mucosa during excretory urography was determined by chemical methods, including histochemistry, autoradiography and x-ray microanalysis. The amount of mucosal iodine varied in parallel with iodine concentration in the urine and was totally cleared after five hours. The findings indicate that iodine damage seen in urothelial umbrella cells probably represents an acute reaction rather than mucosal iodine retention.
Animals↗
Two ways to establish potential At-211 radiopharmaceuticals.
The special radiophysical characteristics of the alpha emitting cyclotron radionuclide At-211 favour its therapeutic application. Studies for therapeutic use have been carried out over the past 15 years. Labelling reactions with this heavy halogen and characterization of the products are important because of the low concentrations used in treatment (non carrier added level). One successful way to produce At-211 radiopharmaceuticals is the labelling of aromatic iodine compounds with At-211 via isotope exchange or reaction of organostannyl precursors with astatine. These products enter the tumour by its metabolism. To a certain extent, the intraarterial application of At-211 labelled particles seems to be a promising alternative to intravenous application, causing selective accumulation of therapeutic At-211 doses as shown by the first alpha endoradiotherapy of a incurable recurrent lingual carcinoma.
Animals↗