Showing papers by "University of Louisville published in 1992"

The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs

Abstract: Introduction A Brief History of Chinese Medicine The Cardiovascular System Herbs with Multiple Actions Cardiac Herbs Antiarrhythmic Herbs Antihypertensive Herbs Antianginal Herbs Antihypercholesteroliemic Herbs Antishock Herbs The Nervous System Anesthetics and Muscle-Relaxing Herbs Sedatives and Hypnotic Herbs Anticonvulsive Herbs Anti-Alzheimer and Nootropic Herbs Analgesic Herbs Antipyretic Herbs Antirheumatic Herbs Central Stimulating Herbs The Alimentary System Stomachic and "Wind"-Dispelling Herbs Herbs Promoting Digestion Antacid and Antiulcer Herbs Laxative Herbs Antidiarrheal Herbs Emetic and Antiemetic Herbs Choleretic and Antihepatitis Herbs Tonics and Supporting Herbs The Respiratory System Antitussives Expectorants Antiasthmatic Herbs The Genitourinary System Diuretic Herbs Herbs Affecting the Uterus Fertility and Contraceptive Herbs The Hematopoietic System Herbs Promoting Blood Formation Immunoenhancing and Immunosuppressing Herbs Hemostatic and Antistasic Herbs The Endocrine System Herbs Affecting the Thyroid Gland Herbs Affecting the Adrenal Cortex Antidiabetic Herbs Chemotherapy Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antifungus Herbs Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Viral (HIV) Herbs Antitubercular Herbs Antiseptics and Disinfectants Anthelmintics Antiamebial and Antitrichomonial Herbs Antimalarial Herbs Anticancer Herbs Appendix Index

Hydrocarbon Biodegradation and Oil Spill Bioremediation

Abstract: Much of the early work on the microbial utilization of petroleum hydrocarbons, conducted in the 1950s and 1960s, was done with the goal of using hydrocarbons as substrates for producing microbial biomass (Shennan, 1984; Champagnat, 1964; Champagnat and Llewelyn, 1962; Cooney et al., 1980; Ballerini, 1978). Petroleum was viewed as an inexpensive carbon source and single cell protein (microbial biomass) was considered as a possible solution to the perceived impending world food shortage for the predicted global population explosion. Applied studies focused on optimizing microbial growth on low- to middle-molecular-weight hydrocarbons. These studies developed fermentor designs for large-scale single cell protein production with agitation and aeration systems that permitted high rates of microbial growth on soluble and highly emulsified hydrocarbon substrates. High-speed impellers (>800 rpm) were used to mix the hydrocarbon substrates and high rates of forced aeration with baffles within the fermentors were used to supply the molecular oxygen necessary for the microbial utilization of hydrocarbons (Hatch, 1975; Prokop and Sobotka, 1975). Optimized microbial growth in these fermentors consumes as much as 100,000 g hydrocarbon/m3 per day (Kanazawa, 1975).

Patterns of recurrence after curative resection of carcinoma of the colon and rectum.

Abstract: Data on 818 patients who had undergone curative resection for Dukes' B2 or Dukes' C carcinoma of the colon and rectum were analyzed to determine the timing and patterns of recurrence based on such tumor characteristics as location, Dukes' stage, grade, ploidy and the presence of obstruction, perforation or adherence to adjacent organs or tissues. Three hundred and fifty-three patients (43 per cent) had recurrent disease. There was recurrence in 52 per cent of patients with carcinoma of the rectum and in 40 per cent of patients with carcinoma of the colon. The median time to recurrence for all patients was 16.7 months, with a range from 1 month to 7.5 years. Dukes' C lesions and the presence of adhesion or invasion, or both, or perforation were associated with significantly earlier recurrence. Among patients with recurrence, the most frequent sites were hepatic in 33 per cent, pulmonary in 22 per cent, local or regional, or both, in 21 per cent, intra-abdominal in 18 per cent, retroperitoneal in 10 per cent and peripheral lymph nodes in 4 per cent. Rectal primary sites, when compared with colonic, had proportionally more local or regional, or both, recurrences (p = 0.00003) and fewer involving retroperitoneal nodes (p = 0.022). Both primaries of the rectum and colon at stage C, when compared with stage B, had fewer local or regional recurrences, or both (p = 0.01), but a greater tendency to involve retroperitoneal or peripheral nodes. Primaries of the colon with adhesion to, or invasion of, adjacent organs had a lesser tendency to pulmonary metastasis (p = 0.036). Whereas the grade of anaplasia and ploidy had a strong influence on the rate of recurrence, they did not influence timing or patterns of recurrence. Patterns of recurrence based on the characteristics of the tumor may facilitate selection of the most appropriate adjuvant procedures, particularly those directed toward local or regional recurrence, or both, and also may guide efforts at early recognition of recurrence.

Counseling for Spiritual Wellness: Theory and Practice.

Abstract: Spiritual wellness is an emerging area of interest in counseling. It still lacks clarity, however, in definition and application. To increase familiarity with and encourage counselor intervention regarding the spiritual dimension, the authors of this article attempt to define more clearly the concept of spiritual health and to describe ways to use techniques for the enhancement of spiritual wellness and the advancement of spiritual development.

The Role of Microvascular Damage in Photodynamic Therapy: The Effect of Treatment on Vessel Constriction, Permeability, and Leukocyte Adhesion

Abstract: Intravital microscopy of the rat cremaster muscle was used to evaluate changes in vessel constriction, vessel permeability, and leukocyte adhesion during and after photodynamic therapy (PDT). Animals were given Photofrin doses of 0–25 mg/kg i.v. 24 h before treatment. Cremaster muscles were exposed to 135 J/cm 2 light at 630 nm. Animals given 5 mg/kg Photofrin showed no vessel constriction or increase in vessel permeability to albumin. Doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg Photofrin caused a dose-related constriction of arterioles which was observed within the first minutes of illumination at the higher drug dose. After the initial constriction, arteriole response to PDT was biphasic in nature, with some vessels relaxing to nearly control levels while others remained fully constricted. Constriction of venules occurred only at the highest porphyrin dose studied (25 mg/kg) and was delayed in comparison to arteriole constriction. Photofrin doses which produced arteriole constriction also caused an increase in venule permeability to albumin, which occurred shortly after the start of light treatment and was progressive with time. Leakage began at specific sites along the venule wall but became uniform along the entire length of the venule by 1 h after treatment. Changes in the adherence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to venule endothelium were also observed with PDT. Photofrin doses of 25 mg/kg and 45 J/cm 2 light were sufficient to cause polymorphonuclear leukocytes to become adherent to the vessel wall. A second group of animals was given indomethacin trihydrate to examine the involvement of cyclooxygenase products such as thromboxane in vessel response to PDT. Animals given 5 mg/kg indomethacin intraarterially 1 h before light treatment showed no constriction of arterioles or venules at all Photofrin and light doses studied. No increases in venule permeability to albumin were seen in this group of animals. This suggests that cyclooxygenase products including thromboxane are important in causing vessel constriction and changes in permeability during PDT. The initiating event which causes the release of these vasoactive agents remains unknown.

Resistance and resilience of lotic algal communities: importance of disturbance timing and current'

Abstract: We examined effects of disturbance timing on resistance and resilience of epilithic algal communities growing in fast- (29 cm/s) and slow- (12 cm/s) current outdoor experimental stream channels in Kentucky, USA that were either left undisturbed (control) over 33 d following a simulated spate, or were subjected to an additional spate after either 9, 18, 27, or 33 d. On day 33, all channels were subjected to a final spate to assess effects of short-term disturbance history on resistance, independently of seasonal influences. Suc- cession proceeded from a sparsely populated community dominated by a small, monora- phid diatom (Achnanthes minutissima) immediately after the initial spate, to dominance by dense floating mats of filamentous green algae (Zygnematales: Mougeotia and Spirogyra) and Synedra spp. by day 21-24. Resistance was generally lower in slow-current commu- nities, both in terms of cell-density reduction and displacement of taxonomic structure, than in fast-current communities. Resistance in slow-current communities varied tem- porally, with communities least resistant on day 18, when community composition and physiognomy was changing rapidly, and on day 33, when green algal mats began to senesce. On day 33, slow-current communities that had not been recently disturbed (control, D9) exhibited greatest spate-induced loss of algal biomass. Additionally, slow-current com- munities with high pre-disturbance phaeophytin content (an indicator of algal senescence) also changed most in diatom assemblage structure across the final spate. No such rela- tionship was noted in fast current, suggesting that autogenic factors influenced communities in slow current more than those in fast. Resilience was higher in slow-current communities than in fast current, with disturbed communities reaching biomass and taxonomic structure similar to controls after 3-9 d. High resilience in slow current resulted from enhanced reproduction in some populations following spate-induced biomass reduction and pre- sumed release from nutrient and light limitation, and low shear stress relative to fast- current channels where biomass accrual was limited by current. Interactions between dis- turbance timing, successional state, and habitat affect the susceptibility of epilithic algal communities to disturbance and likely influence temporal and spatial heterogeneity in stream ecosystems.

Multipractice analysis of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1,983 patients☆

Abstract: We analyzed the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1,983 patients from a variety of practice settings in order to evaluate a large, cross-sectional experience for this new procedure. Twenty general surgeons from 9 clinics in 4 states examined the records and outcome of their laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients through March 1991. In 88 patients (4.5%), the operation was converted to an open procedure, usually because of marked inflammation and unclear anatomy. A total of 644 cases were performed with laser dissection and 1,339 with cautery, and the results of these 2 methods were similar. There were 41 complications. Reoperation for repair was necessary in 18 patients, including 5 with common duct injuries, and, to date, the outcome has been good in each patient. Seventy-six patients (3.8%) have had recognized common duct stones; these were removed preoperatively by endoscopic sphincterotomy (ERS) in 20 patients, during cholecystectomy in 46 patients, and postoperatively by ERS in 4 patients. In six patients, common duct stones became apparent 1 to 4 months after cholecystectomy. We conclude that trained general surgeons can perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy safely with risks comparable to those for conventional open cholecystectomy.

Research at marketing interface to advance entrepreneurship theory

Abstract: The knowledge base for the emerging field of entrepreneurship should be interfunctional and interdisciplinary. Yet the functional discipline of marketing has contributed to the entrepreneurship fie...

Use of residual volume as a marker for enteral feeding intolerance: prospective blinded comparison with physical examination and radiographic findings.

Abstract: High gastric residual volumes (RVs) are a frequent cause for cessation of total enteral nutrition (TEN). This study was designed to determine the RV that indicates intolerance or inadequate gastric emptying and to compare the RV findings in a blinded fashion with those findings obtained on physical examination and radiography. Twenty healthy normal volunteers (HNV), 8 stable patients with gastrostomy tubes (GTP), and 10 critically ill patients (CIP) were evaluated prospectively for 8 hours while receiving TEN. No subjects were clearly intolerant (ie, vomiting, aspiration). Of the total RVs recorded, 13.1% were ≥150 mL in the CIP group, whereas only 2.4% of the RVs were ≥150 mL in the HNV group. None of the RVs in the GTP group were ≥150 mL. Objective scores on physical examination failed to correlate with RV (p = .397), as did objective scores on radiography (p = .742). However, objective scores on physical examination were significantly related to scores on radiography (p = .016). Abnormal physical exami...

Invited Review: Use of Indirect Calorimetry in Clinical Nutrition

Abstract: The tremendous variability in resting energy expenditure makes efforts to predict caloric requirements difficult. Indirect calorimetry has provided a valuable tool in assessing energy expenditure, evaluating the way in which the body uses nutrient fuel, and designing nutritional regimens that best fit the clinical condition of the patient. The many indirect calorimetric instruments available vary in their application to clinical nutrition. The best metabolic studies are achieved by controlling the testing environment, accounting for the many clinical factors that may affect measurements, and eliminating potential sources for error. Although indirect calorimetry would seem to reduce the likelihood of complications from overfeeding, its greatest effect may be in cost savings by avoiding unnecessary nutritional support and in providing a means for clinical research.

A randomized prospective clinical trial to determine the efficacy of interferon-γ in severely injured patients☆

Abstract: Many aspects of the normal immune response are depressed after severe injury. Reduced monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) levels have closely correlated with the development of major infection. After a pilot study with recombinant interferon-γ (rIFN-γ) showed restoration of depressed HLA-DR levels after major injury, a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted. Two hundred thirteen trauma patients who were at high risk of infection received either placebo or rIFN-γ (100 μg) subcutaneously each day for 10 days after admission. One hundred ninety-three patients were evaluable with respect to primary end points. Patients treated with rIFN-γ were older (p = 0.10) and had more severe modes of injury (p = 0.02). By the third day, both monocyte HLA-DR antigen expression and outcome predictive score were significantly better in the rIFN-γ-treated group than in the placebo group (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0006, respectively). Nine deaths occurred in patients treated with rIFN-γ compared with 12 deaths in the placebo group (p = 0.46). Major infections requiring surgical drainage or de-bridement occurred in 17 patients treated with rIFN-γ compared with 22 treated with placebo. No difference between treatment arms was noted in overall major or minor infection rates, but there were fewer severe infections that required reoperation or computer tomographic-guided drainage in patients receiving IFN-γ. While these results suggest that rIFN-γ may be useful in some aspects of infection in the patient with severe trauma, a larger trial with longer treatment will be needed to prove the comprehensive value of rIFN-γ.

Antibodies to Recombinant-Derived Glycoprotein B after Natural Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Correlate with Neutralizing Activity

Abstract: Glycoprotein B (gB) of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was partially purified by lentil-lectin column chromatography from cells infected with an adenovirus-gB recombinant. This antigen, which contained specifically reactive proteins of approximately 130 and 55 kDa, was used to investigate gB antibody levels after natural HCMV infection in 48 individuals. All sera had IgG antibody to gB as detected by radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Quantitative RIP showed a strong correlation between gB antibody and neutralizing activity (r = .74, P less than .001) but a weak correlation between gB antibody and total HCMV-specific IgG (r = .36, P less than .02). When gB antibody was specifically absorbed from 20 serum specimens, neutralizing antibody titer was reduced a median of 48% (range, 0-98%). These data confirmed that antibodies to gB are a large component of the neutralizing antibody response to HCMV and support a role for this protein in the development of subunit vaccines.

Defibrillation Threshold: Clinical Utility and Therapeutic Implications

Abstract: Termination of ventricular fibrillation (VF) by passing electrical current through the chest was first described by Kouwenhoven.^ Subsequently, this observation was further refined and applied clinically by ZolP and Lown,* Despite the wide acceptance of the efficacy of defibriiiation for termination of VF, the precise mechanism by which the electrical current terminates VF is controversial. Mower et al.\"* and Zipes et al.'* have suggested that a critical mass of fibrillating myocardium must be depolarized to terminate the rhythm disturbance. Ideker et al,\" have suggested that a sufficient current density must be delivered throughout the ventricles to terminate VF. The relatively recent introduction of implantable cardioverters defibrillators (ICDs] for clinical therapy of recurrent ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation requires an understanding of factors that determine the likelihood of successful defibriiiation. Long-term efficacy of implanted devices depends on their ability to defibrillate successfully in a variety of clinical circumstances, over time. To ensure the device's reliability, adequate testing procedures are required at the time of the device implantation. This includes the testing to determine the minimum effective defibriiiation energy, so that an effective safety margin may be programmed to ensure that the energy output of the implanted ICD is sufficient to defibrillate the heart. This review will focus on the definition of the \"defibriiiation threshold (DFT),\" methods for its determination, the usefulness of various

Single-crystal X-ray structure study of synthetic pyrope almandine garnets at 100 and 293 K

Abstract: The crystal structures of synthetic pyrope (Mg3AI2Si3012),almandine (FeAI2Si3012), and the solid-solution garnet compositions PY8o-Alm2o, PY6o-Alm4o, and PY2o-Alm8o have been refined in space group Ia1d from high-precision X-ray diffraction data with sin 0/>..> 0.4 A-I measured at 100 and 293 K. There is no indication of lower symmetry for pyrope, almandine, or solid-solution members. Experimentally determined atomic coordinates and displacement parameters for the solid-solution compositions are in good agreement with those linearly interpolated from the end-members. Thus there are no apparent structural features that could account for substantial nonideal enthalpies of mixing in the system pyrope-almandine. The tetrahedral rotation angle is inversely correlated with the X-O distance. Fe2t substitution on the eight-coordinated X site of pyrope, or increasing temperature, decreases the rigid tetrahedral rotation in garnet. The large and anisotropic displacement parameters for the X-site cations in garnet are mainly a result of anisotropic thermal vibrations along the longer X-O bonds, which produce nonrigid polyhedral behavior for the dodecahedral site. The tetrahedra and octahedra behave as rigid bodies. These strong vibrations of the former give rise to the relatively large heat capacities and third-law entropies in garnet. Previous proposals concerning subsite dodecahedral ordering in pyrope must be revised.

The expression of human chorionic gonadotropin/luteinizing hormone receptors in human endometrial and myometrial blood vessels.

Abstract: hCG/human LH (hLH) receptors have recently been found in human endometrial and myometrial cells and uterine vasculature. The present study was undertaken to further corroborate the immunocytochemical evidence for the presence of vascular receptors. Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses have revealed that human uterus contains a major 4.3-kilobase and a minor 2.6-kilobase hCG/hLH receptor mRNA transcript and that these transcripts are present in part in endometrial and myometrial vascular smooth muscle cells and vascular endothelial cells. Immunoblot and immunocytochemical analyses have revealed that human uterus also contains a single immunoreactive receptor protein, and that this receptor protein in part is present in endometrial and myometrial vascular smooth muscle and vascular endothelium. The expression of receptor mRNA and/or immunoreactive receptor protein was higher in myometrial than in endometrial blood vessels, and higher in vessels of both uterine compartments from the secretory compared to proliferative phase, postmenopause, or pregnancy. The blood vessels in omentum, broad ligament, and parametrium did not immunostain for hCG/hLH receptors. A blood vessel seen traversing through parametrium immunostained for the receptor protein only after it entered the myometrium. The blood vessels in nontarget tissues did not immunostain, whereas those in some target tissues, but not all of them, immunostained for the receptor protein. In summary, the present study demonstrates for the first time that human endometrial and myometrial vascular smooth muscle and endothelium express hCG/hLH receptor mRNA and immunoreactive receptor protein. These findings suggest that hCG/hLH may directly regulate blood flow in human uterus and other target tissues. The reproductive state dependency of uterine vascular receptors suggests that these receptors are probably regulated by other reproductive hormones.

First Experience Memories: Contexts and Functions in Personal Histories

Abstract: Personal histories are a primary form of organization in autobiographical memory. They organize temporally distributed experience into thematically-related “streams”. First experience stories are a useful source for identifying the kinds of histories commonly constructed in our society. Two types of histories are examined: histories of skill development and relationship histories. The primary function of first experience memories is structural: they organize histories into distinctive units and establish their causaltemporal sequence. First experiences are also utilized in retrospective and prospective evaluations of self and experience. Some histories are more culturally salient than others. Memories of firsts associated with those histories can indicate the extent to which personal meaning is derived from cultural models, and whether that is a deforming or informing influence. Study of personal histories can provide useful clues about the respective contributions of memory and narrative in organizing experience.

Cultural and medical perspectives on geophagia

Abstract: Geophagia, the eating of dirt, usually clay, has been recorded in every region of the world both as idiosyncratic behavior of isolated individuals and as culturally prescribed behavior of particular societies. The behavior has long been viewed as pathological by the medical profession, and it has been claimed to be both a cause and a consequence of anemia. While there is now reason to believe that the consumption of some clays may interfere with the absorption of elemental iron, zinc, and potassium, there is little evidence for the position that geophagia, especially its culturally prescribed form, is caused by anemia. These and other maladaptive consequences of clay consumption may be offset by the adaptive value of its antidiarrheal, detoxification, and mineral supplementation potentials.

Differentiation of Giardia duodenalis from other Giardia spp. by using polymerase chain reaction and gene probes.

Abstract: Giardia spp. are waterborne organisms that are the most commonly identified pathogenic intestinal protozoans in the United States. Current detection techniques for Giardia species in water include microscopy and immunofluorescence techniques. Species of the genus Giardia are classified on the basis of taxonomic criteria, such as cell morphology, and on host specificity. We have developed a polymerase chain reaction- and gene probe-based detection system specific for Giardia spp., which can discriminate between the relevant species of the G. duodenalis type pathogenic to humans and other Giardia species that are not human pathogens. This method can detect a single Giardia cyst and is therefore sensitive enough for environmental monitoring.

Increased expression of cathepsins L and B and decreased activity of their inhibitors in metastatic, ras-transformed NIH 3T3 cells.

Abstract: We previously found that the T24 Ha-ras oncogene induces metastatic ability in NIH 3T3 cells and that this change depends on expression of the ras oncogene. As part of our studies on mechanisms by which ras may induce metastasis, we investigated expression and activity of two cysteine proteinases, cathepsin L (major excreted protein) and cathepsin B, as well as cysteine proteinase inhibitor activity, in ras-transformed NIH 3T3 cells. In a series of cell lines that expressed differing amounts of ras, we found a good correlation between levels of ras expression and cathepsin L expression (r = 0.80). There was also a good correlation between secreted procathepsin L protein levels and experimental metastatic ability (r = 0.88). We found a similar but less strong association between cathepsin B levels and metastatic ability in these cells (r=0.76 and r=0.72 for 2.2-kb and 4.1-kb transcripts, respectively). Functional cathepsin L plus B activity (both secreted and cell-associated) was found to be higher in ras-transformed cells and was dependent on cell confluency in culture. Coupled with increased expression and activity of cysteine proteinases, ras-transformed NIH 3T3 cells showed reduced cysteine proteinase inhibitor activity. We conclude that the balance between expression of cysteine proteinases and their inhibitors may be coregulated by ras expression. Our results suggest that ras-induced increases in production of degradative enzymes such as cathepsins L and B, along with decreased activities of their inhibitors, may contribute to the increased malignant properties of ras-transformed NIH 3T3 cells. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Spaceflight alters immune cell function and distribution

Abstract: Experiments are described which were performed onboard Cosmos 2044 to determine spaceflight effects on immunologically important cell function and distribution. Results indicate that bone marrow cells from flown and suspended rats exhibited a decreased response to a granulocyte/monocyte colony-stimulating factor compared with the bone marrow cells from control rats. Bone marrow cells showed an increase in the percentage of cells expressing markers for helper T-cells in the myelogenous population and increased percentages of anti-asialo granulocyte/monocyte-1-bearing interleulin-2 receptor bearing pan T- and helper T-cells in the lymphocytic population.

Inhibition of p34cdc2 Kinase Activation, p34cdc2 Tyrosine Dephosphorylation, and Mitotic Progression in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells Exposed to Etoposide

Abstract: p34cdc2 kinase, an enzyme essential for mitosis in mammalian cells, may play a role in etoposide-induced G2 phase arrest of Chinese hamster ovary cells. In this study, etoposide is shown to cause inhibition of a specific p34cdc2 kinase activation pathway, that of tyrosine dephosphorylation. Exposure of asynchronously dividing cells to etoposide caused a simultaneous rapid decline of both mitotic index and p34cdc2 kinase activity, suggesting that the kinase was not activated and that the arrest point was in late G2 phase. Using synchronized cells, p34cdc2 kinase exhibited maximal activity at the G2/M transition. Activation of the kinase and the onset of mitosis were accompanied by increased electrophoretic mobility and tyrosine dephosphorylation of the p34cdc2 protein. A 1-h exposure to etoposide during early G2 phase inhibited p34cdc2 kinase activation, its shift in electrophoretic mobility, and its tyrosine dephosphorylation, all of which correlated with a delay in mitotic progression. The interaction between the p34cdc2 and cyclin B proteins appeared unaffected under etoposide exposure conditions which resulted in greater than 70% inhibition of p34cdc2 kinase activity and almost complete cessation of transition into mitosis. These data suggest that mammalian cells express a DNA damage-responsive mechanism which controls mitotic progression at the level of p34cdc2 tyrosine dephosphorylation.