Assessment of Oxidative Stress in the Livers of Rats Exposed to 2-Aminoanthracene for Twelve Weeks

Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects many people, and it’s thought that environmental exposure to certain compounds may increase its proliferation. In this study, we examine the dietary effects of 2-aminoanthracene (2AA), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), in rats, specifically as it relates to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in living systems; it has been shown to contribute to type-1 diabetes. To accomplish the study objectives rats were divided into three dietary treatment groups, control (0 mg/kg-2AA), low dose (50 mg/kg-2AA) and high dose (100 mg/kg-2AA). Rats were fed 2AA for three months, and then euthanized using carbon dioxide. Various tissues including the liver and were flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen. To determine 2AA effects in the liver, a portion of the liver was homogenized in phosphate buffered saline solution. The supernatant was analyzed for serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), IgA protein, and antioxidants. Furthermore, genes such as Pdx1, Sod1, Gpx1, Prdx6, Ncf2, Duox1 and Ptgs2 typically used to measure cellular oxidative stress were quantified. The expressions of these genes in the liver show the upregulation of Sod1 and Prdx6, and downregulation of Ptgs2 in treated groups. AST activity was marginally increased in treated groups while the albumin concentration was elevated in the 50 mg/kg group and reduced in the 100 mg/kg-2AA animals. IgA levels were slightly elevated while antioxidant levels were reduced in treated groups. Taken together, these results show that ingestion of 2AA may produce hepatic oxidative stress

George Mathews and John McKee: Revolutionizing East Florida, Mobile, and Pensacola in 1812

It has become conventional to regard the East Florida revolution of 1812 as a singularly colorful and controversial episode in the history of the early republic. Its colorful aspects have lent themselves to the writing of fast-paced narratives that make for good reading because its organizers-United States government agents George Mathews and John McKee-brought to the performance of their duties roughly equal proportions of outright illegality, low intrigue, and not a little incompetence. The revolution they staged has always been controversial because it has been difficult to escape the conclusion that it embodied the desire of the administration of James Madison to enlarge the nation by actively subverting the Spanish regime in East Florida.1 It is now reasonably clear that the actions of Mathews and McKee in Florida and on the Gulf Coast between 1810 and 1812 departed far more from the policies of the administration than they fairly reflected them

Tarantula Hairs as Corneal Foreign Bodies

Purpose: To report a case of tarantula hairs found in the cornea and discuss treatment. Case Report: A 16-year-old male presented with a 6-week history of right ocular irritation that began after letting his pet tarantula crawl on his face. Slit-lamp examination of the right eye revealed the presence of approximately 16 dark foreign bodies that had the appearance of small hairs. The foreign bodies were removed from the nasal region of the right cornea using Jewelers forceps, and the patient was prescribed a combination neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone ointment (Maxitrol®), given 4 times per day. Results: The patient presented for follow-up 2 weeks later, with resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: Effective treatment of keratitis caused by tarantula hairs includes taking a detailed history, conducting a careful slit-lamp examination, removal of any accessible hairs, and initiation of treatment with a topical steroid as determined by the clinical picture

Prevalence of Falls and Fall‐Related Outcomes in Older Adults with Self‐Reported Vision Impairment

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/147783/1/jgs15628_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/147783/2/jgs15628.pd

CAUTI prevention bundles: improving best practices within Western Health for continued success

Background: Persons in acute care settings who have indwelling urethral catheters are at higher risk of acquiring a urinary tract infection (UTI). Other complications related to prolonged indwelling urinary catheters include decreased mobility, damage to the meatus and/or urethra, increase use of antibiotics, increased length of stay, and pain. UTIs in acute care settings account for 30 to 40% of all health care associated infections (HAIs). Of these, 80% are catheter associated UTIs (CAUTIs). Purpose: To utilized the CDC (2009) bundle approach for CAUTI prevention and create a program which supports a multimodal method to improving urinary catheter use, maintenance, and removal, including a continuing competency program where role expansion is anticipated. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted. Physicians were consulted through a power point presentation followed by a letter explaining the project, a questionnaire, and two selections of relevant literature. Nursing staff and allied health professionals from the target units of 3A and 3B medicine attended one of two lunch and learns. They were presented the project via a power point presentation and the same questionnaire as distributed to physicians. Results: Five e-learning modules, a revised policy, and clinical pathway have been developed to support staff with best practice knowledge transfer. Conclusion: Behaviour changes need to be approached with a framework, extensive consultation, and education. Sustainability of any practice change cannot occur without having completed the background work to ensure staff have access to tools to support the change