Biomedical subjects

S Dembinski

Publications and source records attributed to S Dembinski.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1986

High-level resistance to gentamicin in Streptococcus faecalis: risk factors and evidence for exogenous acquisition of infection.

Between November 1981 and October 1984, 48 of 3,456 clinical isolates of Streptococcus faecalis that were studied showed high-level (greater than 2,000 micrograms/ml) resistance to gentamicin. A case-control study comparing patients with gentamicin-susceptible (MIC less than 64 micrograms/ml) and -resistant S. faecalis infections showed significant associations (P less than .01) between the development of infection with highly gentamicin-resistant S. faecalis and prior antimicrobial therapy (particularly with cephalosporins or aminoglycosides), perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, prior surgical procedures, and longer hospitalization. All highly resistant strains appeared to be nosocomial since 12 cases were clustered on a surgical floor and in a burn unit. In vitro transfer of gentamicin resistance by filter mating was observed for 44 of 48 isolates. The use of plasmid content as an epidemiological marker suggested nosocomial transmission and exogenous acquisition of S. faecalis.

Adult↗

PubMed1983

Impaired lymphocyte function in depressive illness.

Mood states and immunity may be related. To investigate the immune status of patients with primary depressive illness, we compared in-vitro lymphocytic responses to three different mitogens in 26 drug-free depressed patients and 20 normal controls of comparable age and sex. We observed a generalized and marked decrease in the lymphocyte mitogenic activity among the depressive group. This defect in lymphocyte function may be indicative of an impairment in cell-mediated immunity in patients with primary depressive illness.

Adult↗

PubMed1983

Effects of subinhibitory antibiotics on bactericidal activity of chronic granulomatous disease granulocytes in vitro.

Experiments were performed on leukocytes from patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), incubated with subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics (clindamycin, methicillin and N-demethyl-lincomycin). Results indicate a minor enhancement of bactericidal activity. This improvement occurred in both CGD homozygotes and one heterozygote and may indicate a future role for the use of low dose antibiotics to augment immune defences such as granulocyte function.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Responsibilities, roles & staffing patterns of nurse practitioners in the neonatal intensive care unit.

PURPOSE: To describe the unique contribution of the NP in caring for critically ill infants through the study of NP responsibilities, roles, staffing patterns, and patient profiles. DESIGN: This prospective descriptive study was conducted in conjunction with a regional multi-site outcomes study. METHODS: Data were collected at five regional level II/III NICUs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Twenty-two NPs were surveyed. Existing data on outcomes of 2,146 very low birth weight infants were used to describe patient profiles. NP care was defined as assignment to an NP at admission. Illness severity was measured using the Score of Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP). RESULTS: NP roles included all levels of NICU care as well as antepartal consultation, delivery room management, transport, and outpatient follow-up. NPs were equally involved with patients of all degrees of complexity and birthweights. Patient assignments were most often made by a rotational system with the resident/fellow or by complexity of infant with the NP in some NICUs caring for sicker smaller babies. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study documents a blended model of NP MD care in the NICU with each provider bringing unique strengths to the team. Nurse practitioners working in the NICU provide an invaluable contribution in terms of parent support and teaching, post NICU follow-up care, and professional education and research. The NP role in the NICU should not be viewed as a substitution for resident physicians.

Humans↗