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Biomedical subjects

E M Hodge

Publications and source records attributed to E M Hodge.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Sticky windows: chemical and biological characteristics of the organic film derived from particulate and gas-phase air contaminants found on an urban impervious surface.

A novel environmentally derived mixture that integrates exposure to atmospherically derived gas- and particle-phase compounds in urban areas-namely, the organic film that develops as a thin layer on urban impervious surfaces-was investigated for its ability to induce gene expression via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The organic film on window glass from 21 sites in downtown Toronto (Ontario, Canada) was found to contain a complex mixture of environmental contaminants typical of urban environments, notably PAHs, n-alkanes, PCBs, organochlorine (OC) pesticides, and polar constituents. Using a stably transfected reporter cell line, we found that the crude extract of organic film induces AhR-dependent gene expression in a dose-dependent fashion. Three subfractions of the crude extract induced significant luciferase expression: nonpolar aromatic > polar aromatic > nonpolar aliphatic. Recombination of the fractions did not lead to recovery of the full activity of the crude extract, which may indicate that some of the compounds lost during fractionation were significant contributors to the induction observed with the crude extract. The interactions between a tonic dose of B[ a]P (10(-7) M) and each of the aromatic fractions were determined to be antagonistic following analysis by the method of isoboles. Our results suggest that organic film makes up a diverse array of compounds active at the AhR and that these compounds may not interact in a strictly additive manner.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2000

Determination of inorganic cations in brine solutions by ion chromatography.

The method for analysis of inorganic cations in brine solutions was developed. Ion chromatography is a well-established and accepted technique in the determination of a variety of inorganic ions. However, there are significant complications when ion chromatography is used to determine trace concentrations of inorganic ions in brine matrices. The brine solution in our study was made to simulate the solution from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. Instrumental parameters such as eluent composition, flow-rates, and sample loop volumes were investigated to arrive at the optimum condition for the determination of the cations with minimal dilution. Separation was carried out in a Dionex CG12A/CS12A with 8.25 mM H2SO4 as eluent at 1.2 ml/min flow-rate. Our results indicated that ion chromatography is an accurate and a good alternative method for the analysis of cations in brine solution.

Cations↗
PubMed2000

On-line monitoring of wastewater using ion chromatography.

Ion Chromatography (IC) has been used for the on-line determination of anions and cations in a variety of process streams. On-line monitoring of process and wastewater streams optimizes the control of treatment methods by providing early indications of problems that could increase discharges of hazardous compounds to the environment. It is important for the immediate detection and remediation of process upsets in critical streams. The waste flow to the Radioactive Liquid Waste Treatment Facility at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is processed before discharge and requires monitoring. Process chromatography is used to monitor the trends of contaminants in real time. The purpose of this study is to develop an automated on-line IC procedure for the simultaneous determination of anions in LANL wastewater.

Anions↗
PubMed1994

Prospective development of a cost-efficient program for radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: We designed and implemented a broad-based program to decrease costs while maintaining quality of care in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy. METHODS: This program initially involved identification of factors that contribute to patient costs after radical prostatectomy and elimination or control of items that were deemed unnecessary. Patient care was standardized with a collaborative care pathway coordinated by a clinical nurse specialist and that served as a goal for each case. RESULTS: Length of total hospital stay was reduced from a mean of 5.7 days to 3.6 days after full implementation of the program (p < 0.0001). A reduction in operating room time, material utilization, antibiotic use, routine laboratory studies, and refinements in postoperative pain management contributed significantly to cost savings. Overall, the average adjusted total hospital charges were reduced from $13,783 to $7741 (p < 0.0001) by the implementation of this program, with no discernible adverse effect on morbidity rates. CONCLUSIONS: Careful analysis of the critical components of medical care and implementation of a standardized pathway with emphasis on a collaborative approach can substantially increase the cost efficiency of medical care.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

The circadian rhythm of angina pectoris.

Analysis of diary card data from 33,999 angina attacks recorded in 1,022 patients with chronic stable angina showed a clear circadian pattern to the frequency of angina that resembles patterns previously described for myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death, with a peak in the morning. The majority of angina attacks were preceded by physical exertion and the circadian pattern was more pronounced for exertional angina than nonexertional angina. In this study, treatment with beta-blockers did not prevent the morning peak of angina attacks.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1991

The circadian rhythm of angina pectoris. Amlodipine Angina Studies Group.

A clear circadian rhythm exists for angina, with the frequency of attacks increasing during the mid-morning and mid-afternoon hours. This pattern is comparable to circadian rhythms previously reported for the incidence of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. The frequency of angina attacks precipitated by physical exertion showed a more pronounced circadian pattern compared to non-exertional angina. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents did not abolish the circadian rhythm of total angina and exertional angina attacks.

Angina Pectoris↗