Showing papers by "Veterans Health Administration published in 1974"
TL;DR: The results demonstrate the need for careful transport and processing of pleural-fluid specimens to ensure recovery of oxygen-sensitive forms in patients with empyema fluid.
182 citations
TL;DR: In a group of 20 consecutive patients hospitalized with severe traumatic shock, mean plasma glucagon levels averaged 328±65μμg/ml, significantly above the normal fasting levels, and insulin concentration was normal, and plasma glucose levels averaged 188 (±14) mg/100 ml, significantlyabove normal.
Abstract: In a group of 20 consecutive patients hospitalized with severe traumatic shock, mean plasma glucagon levels averaged 328±65μμg/ml, significantly above the normal fasting levels. Insulin concentration was normal, and plasma glucose levels averaged 188 (±14) mg/100 ml, significantly above normal. Insulin-glucagon molar ratio was low in 17 of the 20 patients. In three patients undergoing major surgery without associated hypotension, glucagon concentrations did not rise comparably. Hyperglucagonemia without a proportional rise in insulin may be the usual islet cell response to severe trauma and possibly could contribute to survival.
119 citations
TL;DR: A prospective study of bacteriology and therapeutic outcome in 26 cases of primary lung abscess, although 2 patients died from concurrent conditions before their pulmonary infection was cured, which was judged successful in all cases.
Abstract: A prospective study of bacteriology and therapeutic outcome in 26 cases of primary lung abscess is reported. Bacteriologic results were based on percutaneous transtracheal aspirates obtained before antimicrobial therapy. Anaerobic bacteria were recovered from 24 patients. The principal isolates were Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides melaninogenicus, and anaerobic gram-positive cocci. Bacteroides fragilis, of interest for its unique antibiotic susceptibility pattern, was recovered from 4 patients. Aerobic or facultative bacteria were present in 10 patients but were the exclusive isolates in only 2. Antimicrobial therapy was selected on the basis of the bacteriologic findings. This was judged successful in all cases, although 2 patients died from concurrent conditions before their pulmonary infection was cured.
104 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that the reason for the enhanced clinical effect of imipramine when given together with T3 is not due to the hormone exaggerating the effect of the antidepressant on NE stimulated adenylate cyclase, but for NE to produce maximal stimulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP, uptake of the catecholamine is necessary.
90 citations
80 citations
Journal Article•
62 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that early abnormal diastolic filling and inadequate coronary perfusion may perform significant roles in the precipitation of heart dysfunction after endotoxin.
Abstract: : The purpose of the study was to explore the separate roles of aortic hypotension and endotoxin in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Experiments were performed on isolated canine hearts supported by blood from anesthetized animals. The first series of hearts (experimental group) was subjected to four hours of coronary hypotension plus endotoxin administered to both heart and support dog, while the second series (control group) was subjected to low pressure alone. Approximately 90% of experimental hearts and 40% of the controls demonstrated dysfunction at four hours, as evidenced by increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure at afterloads between 50 and 125 mm Hg. Negative dP/dt (-dP/dt) became less negative in experimental hearts at four hours while coronary blood flow, heart rate and oxygen uptake were elevated in relation to the control group. Findings suggest that early abnormal diastolic filling and inadequate coronary perfusion may perform significant roles in the precipitation of heart dysfunction after endotoxin. (Modified author abstract)
57 citations
56 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that intracellular cAMP may play a role in regulation of adhesiveness of human basophil, eosinophils, and neutrophils.
Abstract: Human granulocyte adhesion to glass capillary tubes was tested in the presence of agents that increase intracellular levels of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Adhesion was significantly reduced by 10(-3)-10(-4) M dibutyryl cAMP, 10(-4)-10(-6) M prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)), 10(-4)-10(-6) M histamine, or 10(-3) M theophylline. Adhesion was not suppressed by 10(-4) M theophylline unless it was combined with PGE(1) or histamine. Eosinophil and basophil adhesion was especially sensitive to suppression by the above agents. These findings suggest that intracellular cAMP may play a role in regulation of adhesiveness of human basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils.
53 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A positive correlation is shown to exist between endogenously maintained blood glucose levels and survival in dogs administered an LD70 E. coli endotoxin and results document progressively developing hypoglycemia in canine endotoxin shock.
Abstract: : Current interest has centered around the role of glucose metabolism in shock and trauma. The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationships of arterial blood glucose levels to hemodynamics, acid-base parameters and survival in dogs administered an LD70 E. coli endotoxin. In summary, results document progressively developing hypoglycemia in canine endotoxin shock. A positive correlation is shown to exist between endogenously maintained blood glucose levels and survival. Exogenously administered glucose which maintains blood glucose levels constant in dogs after endotoxin improves certain cardiovascular and metabolic parameters and prevents death.
50 citations
TL;DR: A clonal strain of epithelial cells has been established from the transplantable Morris hepatoma 7800 and is designated 7800C1, which has maintained measurable activities of all the enzymes of the urea cycle during 17 months in continuous culture.
Abstract: A clonal strain of epithelial cells has been established from the transplantable Morris hepatoma 7800 and is designated 7800C1. The cells grow with a population doubling time of about three days in serum-supplemented synthetic medium. Cells of the 7800C1 strain have maintained measurable activities of all the enzymes of the urea cycle during 17 months in continuous culture. The activity of argininosuccinate lyase is approximately that found in normal rat liver, while argininosuccinate synthetase, carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, arginase and ornithine carbamoyl transferase activities are, respectively, 40%, 28%, 6%. and 1% of normal values. Treatment of 7800C1 cells with glucagon, dibutyryl 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate or hydrocortisone did not increase the activity of any of the five enzymes.
TL;DR: There is no generalized defect in alpha adrenergic responses in depressed male patients, and the dose-dependent stimulatory response of prostaglandin E1 on the net synthesis of 3H-adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in platelets whose adenine nucleotide pools had been labelled by prior incubation with3H-adenine was measured.
Abstract: The dose-dependent stimulatory response of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on the net synthesis of 3H-adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in platelets whose adenine nucleotide pools had been labelled by prior incubation with 3H-adenine was measured. Also, the dose-dependent inhibition produced by norepinephrine (NE) on this stimulatory process was evaluated. Platelets were obtained from eleven moderately depressed male patients and from eight non-depressed normal male control subjects. No difference was noted between the two groups of subjects either in the stimulation produced by PGE1 or in the inhibition caused by NE. Subdividing the patients into different subgroups (e.g., bipolar or unipolar) did not produce any significant differences. This finding suggests that there is no generalized defect in alpha adrenergic responses in depressed male patients.
TL;DR: It is concluded that amphotericin B and rifampin are synergistic against various yeasts under widely differing experimental conditions.
Abstract: Amphotericin B and rifampin were tested for synergism against Candida albicans in a synthetic medium. The test was based on viability studies in which fungicidal activity was monitored during the first few hours of drug exposure. A fungistatic concentration of amphotericin B (0.1 µg per ml) in combination with an inactive concentration of rifampin (25 µg per ml) resulted in rapid loss of viability (kill > 99.9 per cent in 8 hours). Rifampin alone at 50 µg per ml was inactive, and amphotericin B alone at 0.25 µg per ml was not as effective as the synergistic combination. Pretreatment of cells with amphotericin B did not render them susceptible to rifampin alone. On the basis of these and earlier studies, it is concluded that amphotericin B and rifampin are synergistic against various yeasts under widely differing experimental conditions.
TL;DR: The interaction of coronary artery disease with hypertension is particularly important in the pathophysiology of so-called hypertensive heart failure.
Abstract: The heart contributes to the maintenance of hypertension by generating an increased arterial pressure. At the same time, the increased left ventricular wall tension leads to striking structural, biochemical, and physiological changes in the myocardium. As hypertrophy develops because of RNA-mediated protein synthesis, the increased myocardial mass helps to maintain left ventricular stroke volume, but dilatation of the left ventricle and eventually frank congestive heart failure may supervene. Heart failure may be attributed not only to the primary functional changes in the hypertrophied myocardium but to the interaction of a number of factors that further increase resistance to left ventricular ejection, increase venous return to the heart, or secondarily alter myocardial function. The interaction of coronary artery disease with hypertension is particularly important in the pathophysiology of so-called hypertensive heart failure.
TL;DR: 24-hour basal gastric acid collections were obtained from 14 healthy, young adult male volunteers and the hourly secretary pattern, which described a circadian rhythm, was compared to serial plasma gastr.
Abstract: 24-hour basal gastric acid collections were obtained from 14 healthy, young adult male volunteers. The hourly secretary pattern, which described a circadian rhythm, was compared to serial plasma gastr
TL;DR: The effects of *HzO on Na+, K+ATPase and some of its partial reactions are reported and deuterated water ('HzO or DzO) provides a useful tool for studies designed to examine the role of HzO in biochemical reactions.
Abstract: One of the well known approaches to the understanding of biochemical reactions involves the use of selective inhibitors or modifiers of those reactions. In this context, numerous fruitful studies of the action of inhibitors on the Na', K+ATPase have been undertaken. It is the aim in such investigations to explain the results in terms of the models for the reaction mechanisms of the enzyme system. The complexities of the Na+, K+-ATPase system, such as (1 ) the requirement of numerous ligands for its operation, and (2) the importance of a certain amount of structural integrity, add further problems to this approach, and the task of interpreting results is not without difficulties. Recently, we attempted to examine whether HzO played a role in the operation of the Na', K+-ATPase especially with respect to the microenvironment of specific ionic interactions in the active center.' There are indications that water does not just act as an inert solvent in biological reactions, but rather that it may also play an important functional role in the operation of these processes, although there is a paucity of information in this area and the deductions about the role of water remain somewhat speculative. However, a continually growing interest in this problem should improve the situation (see, for example, References 2 and 3). Deuterated water ('HzO or DzO) provides a useful tool for studies designed to examine the role of HzO in biochemical reactions. Substitution of z H 2 0 for H2O in the reaction is known to alter or modify the activity of several biochemical reactions (see reference 1 for numerous citations). Some studies of the action of 2 H z 0 on nerve and muscle membranes have been and have been interpreted in terms of membrane stability and/or conformational changes. It is of interest to note that Svensmark' observed an inhibition of muscle ATPase by 2Hz0 . Further, it has also been reported that 2H20 inhibits the coupling between excitation and contraction in single muscle fibers of the barnacle.8 Other indications of the action of ZHzO on transport are obtained from the work of von Euler and Lishajko' who observed that 2 H z 0 inhibited the ATP-Mg2+dependent uptake of noradrenaline in partially depleted nerve granules. Another interesting facet of the action of 2 H 2 0 concerning its action on enzymes relates to its alteration of the association-dissociation equilibrium in regulatory proteins, and this has been considered as one of the possible mechanisms to explain some of the potent inhibitory effects of ?H20 on biological systems. lo In the present communication, we report the effects of *HzO on Na+, K+ATPase and some of its partial reactions. Other investigators, notably, Mayer
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Results suggest that in pulmonary hypertension there are significant changes in the pulmonary vascular input impedance and that these changes are compatable with a more proximal major reflecting site indicative of the obstruction of small pulmonary arteries by emboli or arteriolar narrowing.
TL;DR: Ethananol dependence in the rat is demonstrated following 2–4 days of intragastric intubation with 8–12 g/kg/day, and nutritional deficiency is shown to be an insufficient explanation of the withdrawal symptoms produced.
Abstract: Ethanol dependence in the rat is demonstrated following 2–4 days of intragastric intubation with 8–12 g/kg/day. Withdrawal symptoms include tremulousness, hyperactivity, and seizures. Nutritional deficiency is shown to be an insufficient explanation of the withdrawal symptoms produced.
TL;DR: A 15-yr-old male is described who developed triiodothyronine thyrotoxicosis following pharmacological doses of iodide and a spontaneous remission occurred several weeks following iodide withdrawal, the first such case reported.
Abstract: A 15-yr-old male is described who developed triiodothyronine thyrotoxicosis following pharmacological doses of iodide. A spontaneous remission occurred several weeks following iodide withdrawal. To our knowledge this is the first such case reported.
TL;DR: Maintenance of the arterial pressure in the face of a reduction in cardiac output implies an increase in peripheral resistance that may, in part, represent the vascular consequence of activation of the analsis during acute myocardial infarction.
Abstract: Recent interest in pharmacologic interventions to alter the course of acute myocardial infarction has led to the consideration of arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance as factors controlling left ventricular function In the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, the circulatory pattern of extensive transmural acute myocardial infarction is characterized by increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, reduced stroke volume and normal or even elevated arterial pressure1 Maintenance of the arterial pressure in the face of a reduction in cardiac output implies an increase in peripheral resistance that may, in part, represent the vascular consequence of activation of the
TL;DR: It is concluded that countercurrent exchange does not influence passive absorption of highly diffusible substances from the small intestine of the rabbit.
Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to quantitate the influence of countercurrent exchange on passive absorption of highly diffusible substances from the small intestine of the rabbit. The absorption of carbon monoxide, which is tightly bound to hemoglobin and therefore cannot exchange, was compared to the absorption of four unbound gases (H2, He, CH4, and 133Xe), which should exchange freely. The degree to which the observed absorption of the unbound gases falls below that predicted from CO absorption should provide a quantitative measure of countercurrent exchange.
CO uptake at high luminal Pco is flow-limited and, assuming that villus and central hemoglobin concentrations are equal, the flow that equilibrates with CO (Fco) was calculated to equal 7.24 ml/min/100 g. The observed absorption rate of the unbound gases was from two to four times greater than would have been predicted had their entire uptake been accounted for by equilibration with Fco. This is the opposite of what would occur if countercurrent exchange retarded absorption of the unbound gases.
The unbound gases have both flow- and diffusion-limited components, and Fco should account for only the fraction of absorption that is flow limited. A simple model of perfusion and diffusion made it possible to calculate the fraction of the total uptake of unbound gases that was flow limited. This fraction of the total observed absorption rate was still about 1.8 times greater than predicted by CO absorption. A possible explanation for this discrepancy is that plasma skimming reduces the hemoglobin of villus blood to about 60% of that of central blood. Thus, Fco is actually about 1.7 times greater than initially calculated, and with this correction, there is close agreement between the predicted and observed rates of absorption of each of the unbound gases. We conclude that countercurrent exchange does not influence passive absorption under the conditions of this study.
TL;DR: Citrate lyase from Klebsiella aerogenes has been shown to contain 3 different subunits by SDS gel electrophoresis, and each of these polypeptides is found to migrate in the same manner as it did in the first electrophoreis.
TL;DR: Excerpt To the editor: Spontaneous spinal epidural hemorrhage causing acute spinal cord compression is a relatively rare occurrence, with slightly more than 100 cases reported.
Abstract: Excerpt To the editor: Spontaneous spinal epidural hemorrhage causing acute spinal cord compression is a relatively rare occurrence, with slightly more than 100 cases reported (1). We report here a...
TL;DR: Myocardial performance was evaluated in rhesus monkeys after endotoxin shock, and the responses to fluid loading with colloid measured in both anesthetized control and experimental groups showed that fluid loading produced comparable pulmonary edema in both groups, but endotoxin produced ultrastructural capillary lesions.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Results showed that zinc exerted its effect only when added concomitantly with complement, suggesting that it interferes with the binding and/or activation steps necessary to form the complete complement complex.
Abstract: SummarySeveral transition series and IIB group metals were evaluated for effects on complement hemolysis of sheep red blood cells in vitro. Zinc and copper (10-4M) strongly inhibited complement activity by 83% and 66%, respectively. However, while manganese inhibited slightly (17%), neither cobalt nor cadmium had effect in this concentration range. Further results showed that zinc pre-treatment did not inactivate individual reaction components, and that zinc did not affect the membrane-lysis step. Rather, zinc exerted its effect only when added concomitantly with complement, suggesting that it interferes with the binding and/or activation steps necessary to form the complete complement complex.
Journal Article•