Some Characteristics of Free Cell Population in the Airways of Rats after Intratracheal Instillation of Copper-Containing Nano-Scale Particles

We used stable water suspensions of copper oxide particles with mean diameter 20 nm and of particles containing copper oxide and element copper with mean diameter 340 nm to assess the pulmonary phagocytosis response of rats to a single intratracheal instillation of these suspensions using optical, transmission electron, and semi-contact atomic force microscopy and biochemical indices measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Although both nano and submicron ultrafine particles were adversely bioactive, the former were found to be more toxic for lungs as compared with the latter while evoking more pronounced defense recruitment of alveolar macrophages and especially of neutrophil leukocytes and more active phagocytosis. Based on our results and literature data, we consider both copper solubilization and direct contact with cellular organelles (mainly, mitochondria) of persistent particles internalized by phagocytes as probable mechanisms of their cytotoxicity.     

Reduction of wound healing problems after median sternotomy by use of retention sutures

Obese people have a higher risk of sternal wound dehiscence resulting from traction of suprasternal tissue. In such patients we recommend the use of retention sutures with extracorporeal plates to improve tissue connection and to disburden fascia and skin sutures. This augmented closure is simple and effective and, since 1996, has prevented wound healing problems in more than 50 patients with a body mass index greater than 27.     

The use of the hypoglycemic preparation gliquidone in patients with digestive organ diseases combined with diabetes mellitus

A peroral sugar-reducing preparation gliquidone (glurenorm) was tried in treatment of 66 patients with digestive diseases (peptic ulcer, chronic pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver), presenting with diabetes mellitus. The results of the studies made showed glurenorm to be a highly effective preparation in term of both its sugar-reducing effect and its capability to improve energy processes in gastric and duodenal mucosa, pancreacytes, hepatocytes, besides which, it appear to dispel metabolic disturbances and stimulate reparative processes in body organs, improves protein-synthetic processes in the liver, pancreas, mucosa of the gastroduodenal region.     

Normal liver, spleen, and kidney dimensions in neonates, infants, and children: evaluation with sonography

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the normal range of dimensions for the liver, spleen, and kidney in healthy neonates, infants, and children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective study involved 307 pediatric subjects (169 girls and 138 boys) with normal physical or sonographic findings who were examined because of problems unrelated to the measured organs. The subjects were 5 days to 16 years old. All measured organs were sonographically normal. At least two dimensions were obtained for each liver, spleen, and kidney. Relationships of the dimensions of these organs with sex, age, body weight, height, and body surface area were investigated. Suggested limits of normal dimensions were defined. RESULTS: Dimensions of the measured organs were not statistically different in boys and girls. Longitudinal dimensions of all three organs showed the best correlation with age, body weight, height, and body surface area. Height showed the strongest correlation of all. This correlation was a polynomial correlation. CONCLUSION: Determination of pathologic changes in size of the liver, spleen, and kidney necessitates knowing the normal range of dimensions for these organs in healthy neonates, infants, and children. Presented data are applicable in daily routine sonography. Body height should be considered the best criteria to correlate with longitudinal dimensions of these organs.     

Reframing parenting in the 21st century: does nursing have a role?

Parenting has been affected by several 20th century changes. Among the most important changes are a shift from a rural farm family environment to an urban society, the increased impact of the media, an increased number of working mothers, a shift to more nontraditional family forms, and a greater emphasis on personal happiness and self-fulfillment. This article considers the impact of these changes within the context of parental role responsibilities and their potential impact on the quality of life for children. The role of nursing in reframing parenting in response to these changes is considered. It is concluded that the nursing profession needs to specify an action-oriented agenda that addresses parenting issues with consideration of 20th century changes, if improved parenting and child outcomes are to be realized on a broad-scale basis.