THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF PLANTS TO 2,4-D.
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Journal Article↗
Biomedical subjects
S Kelly
Publications and source records attributed to S Kelly.
In-vitro activity of piperacillin/tazobactam relative to other antibiotics against blood culture isolates.
Resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is an increasing problem in many countries. Accurate locally relevant information is essential for detection and control of emerging resistance and to facilitate choice of empirical antibiotic therapy in the immediate management of seriously ill patients. We have determined the minimum inhibitory concentration of piperacillin/tazobactam for 97 strains of bacteria (55 Enterobacteriaceae, 13 non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli, 22 Staphylococcus aureus, 6 Enterococcus faecalis and 1 Bacillus cereus) isolated from blood cultures and compared its activity to that of amoxycillin, co-amoxiclav, cephalothin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, piperacillin, cefotaxime. The strains were consecutive non-fastidious isolates with the following qualifications: coagulase negative staphylococci and diphtheroids were excluded and the number of Staphylococcus aureus isolates was limited to 12 methicillin-resistant and 10 methicillin-sensitive strains. Multiple isolates of the same species from individual patients were not included. The minimum inhibition concentrations of methicillin, penicillin, teichoplanin and vancomycin were also determined for specific groups of organisms. MICs were determined by the Etest method (AB Biodisk, Solna, Sweden) on Mueller Hinton agar. The MICs of appropriate American Type Culture Collection control strains were determined. Based on the interpretative criteria of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (USA), 87 per cent of Gram-negative bacilli were susceptible to piperacillin/tazobactam compared with amoxycillin 26 per cent, cephalothin 35 per cent, co-amoxiclav 54 per cent, piperacillin 56 per cent, cefotaxime 69 per cent, ceftazidime 84 per cent, gentamicin 85 per cent and ciprofloxacin 91 per cent. Of all isolates 75 per cent were sensitive to piperacillin/tazobactam, compared with amoxycillin 22 per cent, cephalothin 35 per cent, piperacillin 41 per cent, co-amoxiclav 52 per cent, cefotaxime 59 per cent, ceftazidime 60 per cent, gentamicin 74 per cent and ciprofloxacin 77 per cent. Two isolates (1 E. coli and 1 Klebsiella pneumoniae) with antibiograms consistent with the relatively new resistance phenomenon of extended spectrum beta-lactamase production were identified. The spectrum of activity of piperacillin-tazobactam for empirical antibiotic therapy is significantly greater than that of piperacillin alone and is similar to that of ciprofloxacin and gentamicin.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
The sinister significance of dysphagia.
BACKGROUND: The majority of patients presenting with oesophageal cancer have symptoms for more than three months and advanced disease at presentation. Most appear unaware of the significance of dysphagia as a symptom. Cancer awareness programmes focus on symptoms such as lumps and bleeding. AIM: To sample the level of public awareness of the potentially sinister significance of the symptom of dysphagia. METHODS: A community survey was conducted using a questionnaire to evaluate the subjects' impression of the significance of dysphagia, and compare it with their perception of the significance of breast lump. Patients were stratified to male and female, under and over 45 years. RESULTS: There were 164 subjects interviewed. Seventy-five per cent stated that they would visit their doctor within one week of developing dysphagia compared with 87 per cent questioned about a breast lump (96 per cent females, 80 per cent males). Only 17 per cent felt that cancer was a probable explanation for dysphagia compared with 80 per cent who would consider cancer a likely cause of breast lump. CONCLUSION: There is evident need of an awareness programme of the potential significance of dysphagia if prognosis for oesophageal cancer is to be improved.
Adult↗
Control of haemoglobin switching by a developmental clock?
The pattern of haemoglobin production changes at the embryonic, fetal and postnatal stages of human development, reflecting the expression of different globin genes in both the alpha-like and beta-like gene clusters. Recent studies have identified alterations in the state of DNA methylation and sensitivity to nuclease digestion associated with developmental expression of the globin genes in red blood cell precursors, but the mechanism initiating these changes remains unknown. Despite the screening of large numbers of blood samples from newborn infants, no mutants have been found which affect the timing of these changes (with one possible exception involving a chromosomal translocation), thus necessitating alternative approaches to analysing the cellular basis for the timing of haemoglobin switching. Although many mechanisms are possible, the initiation of the switch from fetal to adult haemoglobin could be regulated essentially either by a developmental clock inherent to haematopoietic stem cells or by an inductive environment, and in an attempt to distinguish between these possibilities, we have transplanted sheep fetal haematopoietic tissue into adult animals. Although previous experiments of this type produced conflicting results, the accumulated results presented here demonstrate that the pattern of haemoglobin production after transplantation is determined largely by the gestational age of the fetal donor cells.
Animals↗
Carbon-dioxide-induced exocytotic insertion of H+ pumps in turtle-bladder luminal membrane: role of cell pH and calcium.
The contents of endocytic vesicles and other intracellular organelles (such as Golgi and microsomes) are acidified by an electrogenic proton-translocating ATPase that is remarkably similar to that found in urinary epithelia. We recently found that the number of H+ ATPases in the apical plasma membrane of these epithelia is regulated by exocytotic insertion of endocytic vesicles whose membranes contain this H+ pump. Carbon dioxide, a major stimulus for urinary acidification, causes rapid fusion of these vesicles with the luminal membrane, thereby inserting these pumps there and increasing the rate of net transepithelial H+ secretion; CO2 also inhibits endocytic retrieval of the pumps from the luminal membrane. Such reciprocal regulation of endocytosis and exocytosis by a physiological modulator makes this system particularly attractive for studying the cellular events regulating membrane fusion. Here we present evidence that CO2 induces exocytosis by a cascade of events, the first step of which is cytoplasmic acidification. Cell acidification then increases calcium activity, which causes the fusion event.
Animals↗
Instrumental assessment and treatment of hypernasality, following maxillofacial surgery, using SNORS: a single case study.
The super nasal oral ratiometry system (SNORS) is a commercially available system which measures both nasal and oral airflow during speech, allowing the very rapid movement of the velum to be measured. SNORS uses a modified oxygen mask, which houses the airflow sensors and microphones, and a standard personal computer. By calculating nasalance (the percentage of airflow that is nasal), an estimation of velopharyngeal closure, which is independent of speech intensity, is achieved. SNORS can be used for objective assessment, where the subject is required to speak a number of words selected to demonstrate velopharyngeal function. SNORS also provides biofeedback, using a simple realtime display of nasal and oral airflow. Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is the inability to make adequate velpharyngeal closure, and may be the result of either neurological or, as in this case, structural abnormalities. It results in abnormal speech characteristics, such as omissions, substitutions or weak articulation of consonants, and hypernasality. T.W., a 52 year old male, had very hypernasal speech following extensive maxillofacial surgery, for the removal of a tonsillar carcinoma. SNORS was successfully used as both an assessment and a therapy tool in the treatment of this patient. The effectiveness of conventional speech and language therapy vs. SNORS biofeedback therapy was compared. Initially, while there was some movement of the velum, the patient could not achieve velopharyngeal closure. Conventional therapy aimed to strengthen and improve the function of the velum and following this there was some minimal improvement: the patient could now achieve, but not maintain, closure. Reassessment, following a non-treatment period, showed little further change. SNORS biofeedback therapy was then given. This raised the patient's awareness of his velopharyngeal function, thus helping him to maintain closure, thereby reducing hypernasality. SNORS therapy proved significantly more effective than conventional speech and language therapy, in this case. Further intervention is outlined, and the benefits of multiparameter assessment of speech are discussed.
Biofeedback, Psychology↗
Association of differing dietary, metabolic, and clinical risk factors with macrovascular complications of diabetes: a prevalence study of 503 Mexican type II diabetic subjects. I.
Macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes may be associated with different environmental factors. To investigate this further, a prevalence study of 503 Mexican type II diabetic subjects was carried out while their patterns of nutrition were constrained by government food subsidies. Average daily dietary intakes were 1866 kcal; 46.5% as carbohydrate, 13.7 mmol cholesterol, 8.7 g fiber, and a polyunsaturated/saturated fat ratio of 0.98. With respect to macrovascular disease, 49.3% of patients had evidence of peripheral vascular disease, and 21.6% myocardial ischemia, 6.0% angina, 10.8% EKG evidence of ischemia, 4.8% EKG evidence of myocardial infarction. Only 1.2% (six patients) had a clear history of completed stroke, and all were hypertensive. Six patients had also undergone amputations for diabetic gangrene. Tabulation of the means of clinical characteristics according to presence or absence of myocardial ischemia showed that higher cholesterol, calorie, and fat intake, higher mean blood pressure, higher serum cholesterol, and serum triglyceride levels were found in those with myocardial ischemia. Patients with peripheral vascular disease were more commonly smokers. Stepwise logistic regression revealed significant positive associations between myocardial ischemia and dietary cholesterol, serum cholesterol, and mean blood pressure. In contrast, the presence of peripheral vascular disease was significantly related only to smoking and retinopathy. There were no associations between macrovascular complications and duration of diabetes in the multivariate analysis, and they occurred with equal frequency in men and women. Prospective studies of atherosclerosis in maturity-onset diabetes should assess and seek to modify dietary cholesterol, serum cholesterol, and hypertension.
Cholesterol↗
Association of differing dietary, metabolic, and clinical risk factors with microvascular complications of diabetes: a prevalence study of 503 Mexican type II diabetic subjects. II.
The overall prevalences of microvascular complications and their association with dietary, clinical, and metabolic characteristics have been studied in 503 Mexican type II diabetic subjects. Average daily dietary intakes were 1866 kcal, 46.5% as carbohydrate, 13.7 mmol cholesterol, 8.7 g fiber, and a polyunsaturated/saturated fat ratio of 0.98. Prevalence rates of microvascular and metabolic complications were as follows: background retinopathy 12.3%, exudative retinopathy 24.2%, proliferative retinopathy 8.1% (1% blind, 4% able to read large print only), 9.1% of patients had cataract, 15.9% nephropathy, and 40.8% peripheral neuropathy. In addition, 3.6% had experienced transient lower motor neuron facial paralysis and 0.2% oculomotor paralysis. Patients with retinopathy had a longer mean duration of diabetes, were less obese at the time of examination, and had higher initial and mean blood pressures and higher mean fasting blood glucose levels when compared with those without retinopathy. Similar differences were observed between groups with and without nephropathy except that mean blood glucose levels were similar in the two groups. The presence of peripheral neuropathy was associated with longer duration of diabetes, less obesity, higher mean blood pressure and mean blood glucose levels, and lower hemoglobin concentration. Patients treated with diet alone had significantly lower prevalences of all three microvascular complications but they also had significantly shorter duration of diabetes and lower mean blood glucose levels. However, multivariate analyses on the subgroup of 360 patients who had repeated fasting blood glucose measurements for at least 5 yr demonstrated associations between retinopathy and duration of diabetes, mean blood pressure and mean blood glucose, and percent calories from carbohydrate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Blood Glucose↗
Dose-response effects of atropine and HI-6 treatment of organophosphorus poisoning in guinea pigs.
HI-6 (1-2-hydroxyiminomethyl-1-pyridino-3-(4-carbamoyl-1-pyridino -2- oxapropane dichloride) has been evaluated as an oxime alternative to pralidoxime, and toxogonin in the treatment of organophosphorus (OP) poisoning. The dose response effects of atropine (ATR) and HI-6 were investigated to more fully explore the interaction of these compounds in the treatment of OP poisoning. ATR, HI-6 and various combinations of the two drugs were evaluated against lethal poisoning by soman (GD) and tabun (GA) in guinea pigs. The effect of adjunctive diazepam treatment on the efficacy of atropine and HI-6 against soman was also investigated. Animals of either sex were challenged s.c. with OP and treated i.m. 1 min later with ATR and/or HI-6. When used, diazepam was injected immediately after ATR+HI6. LD50s of each treatment were calculated from probit models based on 24-hour survival against 5 levels of nerve agent and 6 animals per challenge level. A protective index (PI) was calculated by dividing the nerve agent LD50 in the presence of treatment by the LD50 in the absence of treatment. Treatment with HI6 alone had little effect on the toxicity of either OP. Treatment with ATR alone was more effective than HI-6 alone and was significantly more effective against soman than against tabun. When used in combination atropine and HI-6 had a strong synergistic effect against both agents. The dose of atropine used with HI-6 was critical in determining the efficacy of HI-6 against either agent. The slopes of the dose-lethality curves were minimally affected by the dose of ATR or HI-6. Adjunctive treatment with diazepam enhanced the efficacy of HI-6 and atropine against soman. It is concluded that 1) ATR has a large effect on the efficacy of HI-6 against OP poisoning, 2) the dose of ATR must be carefully selected in studies investigating the efficacy of HI-6 against OP poisoning, 3) the effective dose of ATR in the guinea pig is approximately 16 mg/kg, and 4) diazepam is a useful adjunct to atropine and HI-6.
Animals↗
Interactive static image analysis: a major enhancement to histopathology and cytology.
Recent developments in computerized data processing and digital video technology have made it possible to perform cytology and histopathology in quantitative as well as qualitative terms. The most common method for studying the DNA content of tumors in clinical laboratories is flow cytometry. The development of image analysis (IA) to study DNA content by Feulgen staining and microspectrophotometry actually preceded the development of flow cytometry, but the complexity of the method was so great that it never received widespread usage. In recent years computerized interactive static IA on microscope-based instruments has been developed. These instruments involve microscopy, a television camera and monitor, and a computer to analyze the data. They can be put together from separate components or are available as complete instrument packages from commercial companies. In addition to the study of DNA content, software is also available to perform quantitative immunoperoxidase determination and morphometry. These commercial instruments emphasize user-friendly software. Companies such as CAS (Cell Analysis Systems, Elmhurst, Illinois) provide operator training and annual user meetings. There is a growing interest among laboratories in bringing this technology into their institutions. This review will deal with the following aspects of IA: what it can do, how it works, what skills and training are required for an operator to use it, financial considerations, and how image cytometry compares to flow cytometry.
Cell Biology↗
Family preservation: a potential not yet realized.
When they received widespread promotion and support beginning in the 1980s, family preservation services seemed to hold much promise for the child welfare field, and for the lives of families and children. Unfortunately, this promise has never been fully realized throughout the United States. This article traces the recent history of family preservation services, examines some of the reasons why efforts to implement family preservation services have been less than completely successful, and proposes a strategy for ensuring that these services reach their potential in the future.
Child↗
Lowering the odds.
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Reproducibility of self-reports of chronic disease.
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Adult↗
Childhood lead exposure in Trail revisited.
We sought to identify modifiable determinants of elevated blood lead levels in preschool children; to compare the current situation with past information; to determine historical trends in environmental lead contamination in Trail; and to find a basis for identifying appropriate precautions and protection against future lead exposure. In Phase 1, blood samples were drawn from all children aged 2 to 5. In Phase 2, children in the highest and lowest quartile of blood leads were surveyed by questionnaire. Environmental samples of drinking water, paint, housedust, soil and vegetables were taken from their residences, and soil samples were collected from nearby parks. The average blood lead level was 13.8 micrograms/dl, range 4 to 30 micrograms/dl. This is approximately 40% lower than in 1975, when a previous survey was done, but is high compared to other places in Canada. The study of environmental determinants of lead revealed that soil lead levels and, secondarily, housedust lead levels are the principal determinants of high blood lead. Children with high blood leads also tended to concentrate in neighbourhoods near the lead-zinc smelter.
British Columbia↗
Impact of fraudulent claims on health care costs.
The U.S. health care system, considered one of the best in the world for technological sophistication and availability of services, is being seriously threatened by continually escalating costs. Although there are many reasons for this, fraud within the industry accounts for 10 percent of the nation's annual health care bill. By the end of the decade, the fraud factor may cost the industry $160 billion a year. Health insurers and state and government agencies are joining forces to share information and intensify their efforts in the battle against fraud. MetLife's in-house efforts include a specialized unit devoted entirely to the prevention, detection and prosecution of fraud. In 1990 the company's vigilance saved its policyholders over $38 million.
Data Collection↗
Sources of dioxins and furans in British Columbia.
A recent Canadian study of the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in adipose tissue suggested higher levels in British Columbians than in other Canadians. This led to concerns about the sources of these compounds in B.C. In this paper, we review scientific publications to generate a list of possible sources of PCDDs and PCDFs. We outline which of these are likely to be found in British Columbia, and develop hypotheses concerning their potential contribution to an individual's "PCDD/PCDF load". Further sampling and analysis of British Columbians' adipose tissue could test hypotheses about occupational and environmental exposures to dioxins and furans.
British Columbia↗
Assessment of peroxisome proliferation and liver growth-stimulating potential by nondirectly genotoxic compounds in cultured hepatocytes.
Previously, we have established that some peroxisome proliferators, a class of nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogens, are able to induce replicative DNA synthesis (RDS) in cultured hepatocytes. Hepatomegaly observed after short-term in vivo treatment correlated better with the ability to induce RDS than with the potency as peroxisome proliferator assessed in vitro. To clarify the challenging question of the limited sensitivity of primates to peroxisome proliferators, primary cultures of marmoset hepatocytes have been treated with nafenopin for some days. As expected from in vivo observations, no evidence for peroxisome proliferation could be observed. However, nafenopin induced a dose-dependent increase in the amount of RDS, but this induction was measurable only when the serum was absent from the culture medium. These results confirm that peroxisome proliferation and mitogenicity might be independent properties of peroxisome proliferators. Since in vivo the ability of compounds to induce RDS in liver cells is relevant to at least one key parameter of the hepatocarcinogenic response, it is suggested that measurement of RDS inducibility in cultured hepatocytes from different species might be relevant and useful to assess species differences in the liver tumor potency of nondirectly genotoxic compounds.
Animals↗
The use and preliminary results of the Troutman surgical keratometer in cataract and corneal surgery.
The Troutman microsurgical keratometer has been shown to be useful in monitoring intraoperative procedures, and it has been demonstrated in the case of cataract and keratoplasty to have a significant influence on the control of operatively induced astigmatism. It is applicable to any surgical procedure which has the potential of altering permanently and unpredictably the corneal curvatures. Intraoperative keratometry has clearly demonstrated some inadequacies of our current cataract and keratoplasty techniques. It is now being used to guide our efforts toward a more rational control of the vexing problem of astigmatism.
Astigmatism↗