Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 65, No. 4, 1988)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 65, No. 1, 1988)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 65, No. 2, 1988)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Corticosteroid Effects And Senescence In Cultured Endothelium, Stephen A. Gudas

Theses and Dissertations

Cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with heparin-corticosteroid combinations to determine effects on cellular growth. Standard proliferation assays, colony formation assays, and cytoflourometric analysis were the methods employed. Dexamethasone (DEX) and hydrocortisone (HC) were inhibitory to growth of HUVEC when EtOH was used as a solvent and fully supplemented medium (20% serum) was employed. When DMSO was the solvent, growth enhancement sometimes occurred when (DEX) was the test steroid; growth inhibition occurred with this steroid when a reduced (1%) serum component was used. Since significant inhibition of cell colony formation in response to DEX administration was observed, …

A Medical College Of Virginia Story, Ricki D. Carruth

VCU University History Books

Despite its lack of public acclaim until the 1970s, the Medical College of Virginia provided remarkable medical care since its founding in 1837. With the aim to recognize MCV’s history and progress, this book chronicles the college’s first 150 years. Details of MCV’s development are discussed in context of major historical events including World Wars I and II, the 1918 influenza outbreak, and technological advancements.

School Of Pharmacy, A History, Warren E. Weaver

VCU University History Books

Since the beginnings of the Medical College of Virginia (MCV), the School of Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University has been a leader in pharmacy education. This book traces the history of the School of Pharmacy up to the time of its publication in 1988. Topics covered include the merging of MCV and University College of Medicine, the development of bachelors, masters and doctoral programs, changes in curriculum along with advances in the field, and the history of the school’s facilities.

Perceived Stressors Of Hospitalized Antepartal Adolescents, Rita Murphy Ciavarelli

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe adolescents' perception of stress during antepartal hospitalization. The research questions answered in this study were: 1. What are the perceived stressors of hospitalized antepartum adolescents? 2. Are there differences in the perceived stressors among early, middle, and late adolescents?

The study was conducted in a teaching hospital in the southeastern United States. A convenience sample of 14 adolescents participated in this study. The ages of the subjects ranged from 14 to 19 years old, with the majority of the subjects 16-19 years old. The subjects were all unmarried and had …

New Antimuscarinic Agents For Improved Treatment Of Poisoning By Cholinesterase Inhibitors, Robert Lee Hudkins

Theses and Dissertations

Poisoning by organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitors results in a rapid rise in acetylcholine (ACh) in the synapse and many pronounced pharmacological effects in numerous tissues in the body. The treatment for organophosphorus poisoning involves administration of a cholinesterase—reactivating oxime to restore the activity of the cholinesterase and an antimuscarinic agent to block the response to the excess ACh. Presently atropine is the standard antimuscarinic agent used clinically as an antidote. This research was directed toward finding an antimuscarinic agent better than atropine as an antidote.

Since caramiphen and aprophen have been reported to be effective antidotes we synthesized numerous structural variations …

The Financial Performance Of System Acquired Hospitals, Janet Lynch

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the financial performance of not-for-profit hospitals in 10 Southern states acquired by either the for-profit or not-for-profit multihospital systems between the years 1978 through 1982. The impact of system affiliation on acquired hospitals was investigated by looking at average financial performance from the two years before acquisition to 1984/1985. Differences between the performance of hospitals acquired by for-profit and not-for-profit multihospital systems were examined as well. with regard to the latter, major findings revealed both for-profit and not-for-profit multihospital systems increased debt in acquired hospitals and made improvements to plant and equipment. For-profit multihospital systems additionally increased …

Glucocorticoid-Responsive Hepatic Cytochromes P-450 In The Rat: Multiplicity And Differential Regulation, Keith Alan Hostetler

Theses and Dissertations

The multiplicity of glucocorticoid-responsive hepatic cytochromes P-450 in the rat was investigated by developing a series of monoclonal antibody probes directed against purified steroid-inducible isozymes from the rat (P-450p) and man (HLp). Two antibodies, termed 1G8 and 13-7-10, showed unique specificity for purified cytochromes P-450 upon immunoblot analyses. These antibodies were further characterized in terms of their reactivity toward proteins in liver microsomes from untreated and xenobiotic-treated rats. Three P-450p-related proteins were identified using 1G8 and 13-7-10 to monitor the expression of P-450p family subtypes. In untreated rats, members of this family exhibited sex-specific expression. Treatment with various chemicals resulted …

The Relationship Between Position And Incidence Of Spinal Headache Following Spinal Anesthesia In The Young Adult Female, Royce A. Fishell

Theses and Dissertations

This investigation determined the difference in the incidence of spinal headache in 33 patients placed in 30 degrees (°) head-up position versus 33 patients who remained flat for four hours following the administration of spinal anesthesia. An experimental design was used. The two randomly assigned groups presented for elective postpartum tubal ligation under spinal anesthesia. Group A was placed flat and group B had the head of their beds elevated 30° postoperatively. Strict procedural protocol was adhered to prior to and during the administration of the spinal anesthetic. To determine if the patients had any symptoms consistent with spinal headache, …

The Effect Of Pre-Emergence Gastric Aspiration On Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting Following Abdominal Surgery, Marc Alan Friedberg

Theses and Dissertations

An investigation was undertaken to determine the effect of pre-emergence gastric aspiration on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in abdominal surgery patients. Thirty female ASA I and ASA II patients were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 16) or a treatment group (n = 14). Those patients in the treatment group received pre-emergence gastric aspiration with a suction catheter; those patients in the control group did not. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was determined at various time intervals. Data were analyzed using Student's t test and the Chi-square statistic. Results indicated that there …

Treatment Of Cryptococcal Meningitis With Combination Amphotericin B And Flucytosine For Four As Compared With Six Weeks, William E. Dismukes , M.D., Gretchen Cloud , M.S., Harry A. Gallis , M.D., Thomas M. Kerkering , M.D., Gerald Medoff , M.D., Philip C. Craven , M.D., Lisa G. Kaplowitz , M.D., John F. Fisher , M.D., Clark R. Gregg , M.D., Cynthia A. Bowles , R.N., Smith Shadomy , Ph.D., Alan M. Stamm , M.D., Robert B. Diasio , M.D., Leo Kaufman , Ph.D., Seng-Jaw Soong , Ph.D., William C. Blackwelder , Ph.D.

Internal Medicine Publications

Abstract

One hundred ninety-four patients with cryptococcal meningitis were enrolled in a multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy and toxicity of four as compared with six weeks of combination amphotericin B and flucytosine therapy. Among 91 patients who met preestablished criteria for randomization, cure or improvement was noted in 75 percent of those treated for four weeks and in 85 percent of those treated for six weeks. The estimated relapse rate for the four-week regimen was higher — 27 as compared with 16 percent — whereas the incidence of toxic effects for the two regimens was similar …

Tryptase Levels As An Indicator Of Mast-Cell Activation In Systemic Anaphylaxis And Mastocytosis, Lawrence B. Schwartz , M.D., Ph.D., Dean D. Metcalfe , M.D., Jeffrey S. Miller , M.D., Harry Earl , M.D., Timothy Sullivan , M.D.

Internal Medicine Publications

Abstract

Better methods are needed to assess mastcell activation In vivo and to distinguish the activation of mast cells from that of basophils. Tryptase, a neutral protease selectively concentrated in the secretory granules of human mast cells (but not basophils), is released by mast cells together with histamine and serves as a marker of mast-cell activation.

In 17 patients with systemic mastocytosis, concentrations of tryptase in plasma were linearly related to those of histamine (P<0.01). Eleven of the 17 patients had tryptase levels of 4 to 88 ng per milliliter, indicating ongoing mast-cell activation. In each of six patients who experienced corresponding anaphylactic reactions after penicillin, aspirin, or melon ingestion, a wasp sting, exercise, or antilymphocyte globulin injection, tryptase levels in serum ranged from 9 to 75 ng per milliliter, indicating mast-cell activation during each of these events. In contrast, serum tryptase levels were less than 5 ng per milliliter in all patients presenting with myocardial disease (n = 8, 6 with hypotension) or sepsis (n = 6, 3 with hypotension) and in the controls (n = 20). One patient had a myocardial infarction after anaphylaxis in response to a wasp sting and an elevated tryptase level of 25 ng per milliliter. Thus, the plasma or serum tryptase level is a diagnostic correlate of mast-cell-related events. (N Engl J Med 1987; 316: 1622–6.)

Effect Of Hemorrhagic Shock On Cefazolin And Gentamicin Pharmacokinetics In Dogs., Paul L. Dickson, Joseph T. Dipiro, Katherine A. Michael, Richard P. F. Cheung, Edward M. Hall

Publications from the Office of the Dean

The physiologic response to traumatic injury may alter the disposition of drugs and thereby affect their therapeutic or toxic potential. A study was conducted in 10 mongrel dogs to determine theeffect of experimental hemorrhagic shock with resuscitation on the pharmacokinetics of gentamicinand cefazolin. Single simultaneous intravenous doses of gentamicin (3 mg/kg) and cefazolin (25 mg/kg) were administered to each animal on an initial study day, after which serial blood and urine collections were performed. After 1 week, a standard hemorrhagic shock model was applied to each animal. Shock was continued for 1 h, after which the animal was resuscitated with …

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 64, No. 3, 1987)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 64, No. 2, 1987)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 64, No. 4, 1987)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Virulent And Avirulent Legionella Pneumophila And Evaluation Of Fish As A Potential Environmental Reservoir/Experimental Model, Sandra Reading Sommer

Theses and Dissertations

Legionella pneumophila was first recognized as a cause of human pneumonia in 1976 . Since then, much has been learned about the microbiology, pathophysiology and epidemiology of this organism. The features which permit one strain but not another to invade human lung tissue and produce disease remain incompletely understood. This study e valuated several attributes of a virulent and an avirulent strain of L. pneumophila in an attempt to identify characteristics which would distinguish the two. Evaluation of a new medium, buffered egg yolk agar, showed that virulence was maintained after 26 passages, which was the same as the buffered …

The Effect Of Utilization Controls On Hmo Enrollees' Health, Satisfaction With Care, And Disenrollment, Barbara Stewart Brown

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this prospective study is to examine the effects of differences in utilization controls on HMO enrollees' health, satisfaction with quality of care and access, and disenrollment. Previous studies of alternative care systems have shown that they are able to decrease costs (Luft, 1981; Anderson, Herald, Butler, Kohrman, & Morrison, 1985), but have not examined the organizational structure within the organization that oversees utilization. No prior studies have examined the effects of different types and degrees of utilization controls on the health, satisfaction, and access of enrollees.

For this investigation, Williamson's (1975) theory of organizations, transaction costs economics, …

Extent Of Participation In The Strategic Planning Process By Executive Nurses In Virginia's Acute Care Hospital, Mary R. Pippin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which executive nurses participate in strategic planning for their institutions,and the extent to which these executive nurses utilize the strategic planning process for their nursing departments. The effect of ownership, size, and educational level of the executive nurse on the extent of participation in institutional strategic planning and the utilization of the strategic planning process for their nursing departments was also examined.

The population of the study included all executive nurses employed in short-term, nonmiltary, Virginia hospitals, which were members of the Virginia Hospital Association. Questionnaires were mailed to …

An Assessment Of Pain Responses During Stages Of Pregnancy, Ann H. Dunbar

Theses and Dissertations

As physical therapists are becoming more involved with the pregnant population both in traditional patient care as well as in childbirth education, a better understanding of the influence of pregnancy on the pain system is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine if an endogenous analgesia system is present in pregnant humans as has been shown to be present in animals (Ginzler, 1980). Women's affective and intensity responses were measured during late pregnancy, labor and post-partum. Using a repeated measures design, fifteen women responded to thermal stimuli (43-52 degrees C) by marking a visual analogue scale. No significant …

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 64, No. 1, 1987)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of A Substance Abuse Awareness And Prevention Program Developed For Use With University-Level Varsity Student-Athletes, Robert Joseph Marcello

Theses and Dissertations

Substance abuse problems affect all segments of society including collegiate athletics. Drug testing programs are viewed as one method of combating this problem, however, more emphasis should be placed upon developing effective prevention programs. Towards this end, the first purpose of this study was to draw from available literature to design a prevention program which would cater to the specific needs of student- athletes. The position is taken that since multiple factors such as genetic predisposition, the pharmacological properties of various substances, psychological variables, and environmental/socio-cultural influences are implicated in the etiology of substance abuse difficulties, multi-focused/broad-spectrum intervention programs would …

Development Of The Analytical Methodology For Pyrimethamine And Its Application To Studies Of Partitioning And Binding In The Subcompartments Of Blood, Anita C. Rudy

Theses and Dissertations

An original HPLC assay was developed for pyrimethamine (PYR) in plasma, RBCs, and buffer for the purpose of studying its plasma protein binding and RBC partitioning.

Equilibrium dialysis (ED) was used to study protein binding. Isotonic phosphate buffer used in ED did not prevent small volume shifts. The pH of the plasma affected the protein binding of PYR although it was not significant for the comparison of binding at pH 7.4 vs. 8.0. PYR at 1000 ng/ml averaged 93.1% bound to plasma proteins. Binding to pure human albumin was 86.5% at lower levels of albumin and PYR (350 ng/ml). There …

The Effect Of A Cardiovascular Risk Factor Education Program On Health Behaviors Of Selected School Age Children, Terry M. Tuck, Sharon K. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

This study, using a quasi-experimental design, was conducted to explore the effect of a cardiovascular risk factor education program on the health behaviors of a group of fifth grade children. The following hypothesis was tested:

There will be a statistically significant improvement in self-reported health behaviors of school age children who receive a cardiovascular risk factor education program as compared to the self-reported health behaviors of those school age children who do not receive a cardiovascular risk factor education program.

One hundred and nineteen subjects, 63 in the experimental group and 56 in the control group, were tested using the …

Health Locus Of Control Belief And Health Behavior In Patients With Job Related Injuries, Elnora H. Allen

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between an individual's health locus of control belief and four variables: previous job injury experience, the duration of work absence due to previous job injury, appointment keeping behavior, and the wage replacement ratio. Seventy-two subjects with job related injuries referred to an industrial physical therapist were administered the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC). There was an uneven distribution of subjects according to MHLC belief patterns with more subjects demonstrating a "pure internal" health locus of control belief. No significance (Q > .05) was found between our four variables associated with a job injury and …

Alternative Pharmacokinetic Models In End Stage Renal Disease During Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, Eugenio Cefali

Theses and Dissertations

An important principle of pharmacokinetic modeling is to use the least complicated model possible that adequately describes the process studied. Pharmacokinetic studies in peritoneal dialysis often attempt to describe the time course of drug concentration in the dialysate. Peritoneal dialysis patients are subjected to the inconvenience and risk of infection associated with sampling peritoneal fluid. Alternative pharmacokinetic models were used to study drug distribution during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Efficient pharmacokinetic models of distribution in the peritoneal cavity were described for three drugs and the classes they represent.

Procainamide pnarmacokinetics were determined in six CAPD patients. The time course …

Nurse Practitioners' Perceptions And Behavioral Intent Toward Private Practice And Professional Autonomy, Steven David Mitnick

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine: 1) the perceptions of nurse practitioners toward private practice and professional autonomy, and 2) nurse practitioners' behavioral intent towards private practice and professional autonomy. Data were collected with a questionnaire designed by the researcher to measure demographic data, nurse practitioners' perceptions and behavioral intent toward private practice and professional autonomy, and knowledge of legal issues pertaining' to private practice. Of 153 possible respondents, 100 (64%) nurse practitioners in the State of Maryland participated in the study.

Data were presented descriptively by number and percentage. The typical nurse practitioner was 31 to 40 …

Control Of Hospital Strategy In Small Multihospital Systems, Lora Hanson Warner

Theses and Dissertations

Hospitals are joining multihospital systems (MHSs) with growing frequency. About 80% of MHSs are small, composed of 2-7 hospitals. An important management issue in MHSs is the extent to which member hospitals retain control over their own strategic directions.

Using a contingency framework, this study uses both system and hospital—level determinants to explain the extent to which hospital members of MHSs control their own strategies. Survey and secondary data from 272 member hospitals of 62 small multi hospital systems (size 2-7 hospitals) are analyzed. System dispersion, size, ownership, strategic type, and age along with hospital occupancy, size, relationship to the …