Introduction of fast MR imaging in the assessment of hepatic steatosis.

We determined the utility of fast gradient echo techniques (modified Dixon method) in the assessment of hepatic fat content. Fast spoiled gradient echo was performed on bovine liver/corn oil homogenates with known fat fractions (FFE) to assess the accuracy of fat quantitation (FFMRI). The pulse sequence was manipulated via alterations in TE (echo time), TR (repetition time), and alpha (flip angle). In vivo studies were then performed using breath-holding maneuvers on normal adult volunteers and subjects at risk to develop hepatic steatosis, with cystic fibrosis or morbid obesity. At out-of-phase, TE, TR, and alpha were 2.1 ms, 7.3 ms, and 30-50 degrees and in-phase TE, TR, and alpha were 4.2 ms, 9.3 ms, and 30-50 degrees; FFMRI correlated well with FFE. An elevated fat fraction was observed in a high percentage of subjects with cystic fibrosis and morbid obesity. Fast gradient echo techniques were used successfully in the assessment of hepatic steatosis. The reduced acquisition times permitted in vivo analysis on adults and children using breath hold maneuvers.

Socio-demographic profile of substance users seeking treatment.

This study was conducted to obtain a personality profile and a descriptive analysis of a typical substance user who is presently enrolled in a treatment center and is receiving professional help for his or her substance use at one of four participating treatment centers in a southwestern city in the United States. According to the findings, a typical substance abuser is a thirty-one year old male who is third born and has parents who are more frequently non-professional. Most respondents became involved with substance use because of peer influence and reported feeling bored/unhappy. First substance use experiences were more frequently with marijuana, although at the time of enrollment at the treatment center, alcohol, cocaine/crack, heroine, marijuana, and a combination of substances were typically used. When ranking the major problems they perceive having in their lives, respondents reported most frequently, substance use and being bored/unhappy in life. When assessing respondent's family type, a difference was found between the balanced and midrange families when considering their plans on having children. Of the substance using respondents, most were planning children in their lives and of this group, many were from extreme (low functioning) families.

A longitudinal cost analysis of primary and team nursing.

Cost findings from a 4-year (1984-1989) externally funded, empirical study, comparing primary and team nursing on medical units in a tertiary care teaching hospital, demonstrates that primary nursing is less costly than team nursing. An average savings of 6.5% was realized for the duration of the study. Three factors are identified as being responsible for the difference on a cost per patient per day basis. Overall, cost analysis per DRG from primary nursing suggests cost differences related to high DRG volume and average length-of-stay. An administrative review of the study's implications highlights the relevancy of these findings in relationship to nurse retention and cost savings.

Binding of human IgG to cultured urogenital tumor cells.

Binding of human IgG by the Fc portion of the immunoglobulin molecule was detected on established human tumor cell lines by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, cytofluorography, quantitative absorption, and rosette formation with the use of antibody-coated erythrocytes. Of the nonlymphoid tumors tested, IgG binding was restricted to the cell membranes of certain prostate and urinary bladder tumor cell lines. Although most cell lines tested shared a common antigenic determinant with monocytes and granulocytes, these cells did not express T- and B-cell antigens, the complement 3b receptor, or bind a monoclonal antibody specific for the Fc receptor expressed on human neutrophils. The facts that IgG binding was present on long-term established tumor lines and was not influenced by in vitro passage provide evidence that these properties are intrinsic to the tumor cells and may play some role in the pathophysiology of these tumors.

Supportive nursing: a critical review of the literature.

Nurses have long thought that providing support was a part, if not a central part, of their nursing practice. In the literature, nurses have described their ability to provide support and have discussed their inability as well as their reasons why they have been unable to give support. Support for nurses has at least three parameters: physical, social, and emotional. The emotional parameter has received the most attention by nurses. The meaning of support in nursing needs to be clearer and more precise. Although several nurses, either through theoretical discussions or exploratory research studies, have begun to further define support, this construct warrants more thought and investigation by nurses. Once an operational definition is determined and supportive behaviors identified, nurses can further investigate the influence of support to the promotion of health.