scholarly journals THE INFLUENCE OF ACUTE ALCOHOLISM ON THE NORMAL VITAL RESISTANCE OF RABBITS TO INFECTION

1896 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. C. Abbott
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Direct Action ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
Bacillus Coli ◽  
Resistance To Infection ◽  
Acute Alcoholism ◽  
Gastric Mucous ◽  
Macroscopic Examination

The deductions that may be drawn from the results of these experiments are as follows: That the normal vital resistance of rabbits to infection by streptococcus pyogenes (erysipelatos) is markedly diminished through the influence of alcohol when given daily to the stage of acute intoxication. That a similar, though by no means so conspicuous, diminution of resistance to infection and intoxication by the bacillus coli communis also occurs in rabbits subjected to the same influences. And that, while in alcoholized rabbits inoculated in various ways with staphylococcus pyogenes aureus, individual instances of lowered resistance are observed, still it is impossible to say from these experiments that in general a marked difference is noticed between alcoholized and non-alcoholized animals as regards infection by this particular organism. It is interesting to note that the results of inoculation of alcoholized rabbits with the erysipelas coccus correspond in a way with clinical observations on human beings addicted to the excessive use of alcohol when infected by this organism. In the course of the work an effort was made to determine if, through the oxidation of alcohol in the tissues to acids of the corresponding chemical group, the increase of susceptibility could be referred to a diminution in the alkalinity of the blood as a result of the presence of such acids. The number of experiments thus far made on this point is too small to justify dogmatic statements, but from what we have gathered there is but little evidence in support of this view. Throughout these experiments, with few exceptions, it will be seen that the alcoholized animals not only showed the effects of the inoculations earlier than did the non-alcoholized rabbits, but in the case of the streptococcus inoculations the lesions produced (formation of miliary abscesses) were much more pronounced than are those that usually follow inoculation with this organism. With regard to the predisposing influence of the alcohol, one is constrained to believe that it is in most cases the result of structural alterations consequent upon its direct action on the tissues, though in a number of the animals no such alteration could be made out by macroscopic examination. I am inclined, however, to the belief, in the light of the work of Berkley and of Friedenwald, done under the direction of Prof. Welch, in the Pathological Laboratory of the Johns Hopkina University, that a closer study of the tissues of these animals would have revealed in all of them structural changes of such a nature as to indicate disturbances of important vital functions of sufficient gravity to fully account for the loss of normal resistance. The conspicuous influence of the alcohol on the gastric mucous membrane in many of these animals, with the consequent disturbance of nutrition, is undoubtedly the explanation of the marked loss in body weight that was observed in many of the animals employed in these experiments. In this light the susceptibility induced by alcohol to excess is somewhat analogous to that induced by starvation, where we see the resistance of animals to particular forms of infection very markedly diminished.

Influence of Ascorbic Acid on the Structure and Function of Alpha-2- macroglobulin: Investigations using Spectroscopic and Thermodynamic Techniques

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-209
Author(s):  
Syed Saqib Ali ◽  
Mohammad Khalid Zia ◽  
Tooba Siddiqui ◽  
Haseeb Ahsan ◽  
Fahim Halim Khan
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
The Body ◽  
Titration Calorimetry ◽  
Spectroscopic Techniques ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Plasma Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Dietary Antioxidant ◽  
And Function

Background: Ascorbic acid is a classic dietary antioxidant which plays an important role in the body of human beings. It is commonly found in various foods as well as taken as dietary supplement. Objective: The plasma ascorbic acid concentration may range from low, as in chronic or acute oxidative stress to high if delivered intravenously during cancer treatment. Sheep alpha-2- macroglobulin (α2M), a human α2M homologue is a large tetrameric glycoprotein of 630 kDa with antiproteinase activity, found in sheep’s blood. Methods: In the present study, the interaction of ascorbic acid with alpha-2-macroglobulin was explored in the presence of visible light by utilizing various spectroscopic techniques and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Results: UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy suggests the formation of a complex between ascorbic acid and α2M apparent by increased absorbance and decreased fluorescence. Secondary structural changes in the α2M were investigated by CD and FT-IR spectroscopy. Our findings suggest the induction of subtle conformational changes in α2M induced by ascorbic acid. Thermodynamics signatures of ascorbic acid and α2M interaction indicate that the binding is an enthalpy-driven process. Conclusion: It is possible that ascorbic acid binds and compromises antiproteinase activity of α2M by inducing changes in the secondary structure of the protein.

Local cold acclimatization in man

Polar Record ◽  
1956 ◽  
Vol 8 (52) ◽  
pp. 13-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. H. Mackworth
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Protective Mechanism ◽  
Cold Environment ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Cold Acclimatization ◽  
Protective Devices ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
Whole Number ◽  
Arctic Conditions ◽  
Effective Function

Increased complexity in organisms narrows the range of body temperature within which effective function is found. The organism responds to this problem by developing both internal and external mechanisms for keeping a steady body temperature independent of the environment. However, there comes a point at which these protective devices break down; the study of the response to arctic conditions involves the study of these three aspects, namely, external protection, internal changes, and the nature of the failure to resist the cold. Bodily functions fail, as does the protective mechanism, from the outside inwards, the vital functions naturally being the last to fail. Recent advances in engineering, particularly developments in aviation, have tended to draw attention to the fact that the limits to arctic activities are usually set by the extent to which man can adapt himself rather than his machines. The adjustments made by people living in very cold regions include a whole number of changes in behaviour which can be grouped under the general heading of the techniques of arctic living. Such changes in behaviour are obviously of the first importance for success and survival, especially when directed to the provision of a satisfactory private climate by the use of special clothing and shelter. Adjustments of a rather different kind from these can also be found in human beings attempting to adapt to arctic surroundings, and it is these other changes in human beings that are being considered here—the physiological and psychological changes that help men to meet the challenge of a cold environment.

The Emblems of the 1949 Geneva Conventions: their Content and Meaning

2000 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 258-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zidane Meriboute
Keyword(s):  
Human Beings ◽  
Common Heritage ◽  
Geneva Conventions ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
The Common ◽  
Graphic Images

From time immemorial, human beings have communicated using signs of one kind or another, among them gestures and graphic images. Knowledge of these different forms of communication gradually spread, and they became part of the common heritage of peoples and of humanity as a whole. The respect inspired by signs and symbols stems from the fact that they perform vital functions, such as channeling knowledge, helping survival and protecting individuals and their communities.

scholarly journals VACCINATION OF MONKEYS AND LABORATORY WORKERS AGAINST PSITTACOSIS

1934 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Rivers ◽  
Francis F. Schwentker
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Active Agent ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Serious Infection ◽  
Laboratory Workers ◽  
Resistance To Infection

Monkeys that have recovered from psittacosis pneumonia have an increased resistance to infection with the virus and possess neutralizing antibodies in their sera. Large amounts of active psittacosis virus can be introduced intravenously and intramuscularly into monkeys without the production of a serious infection such as pneumonia. Relatively small amounts of virus introduced intratracheally into monkeys usually lead to psittacosis pneumonia. Monkeys vaccinated intramuscularly with unattenuated psittacosis virus have an increased resistance to the active agent and possess neutralizing antibodies in their sera. The intramuscular introduction of active psittacosis virus in moderate amounts into human beings is relatively harmless, and repeated inoculations lead to the appearance of neutralizing antibodies in the sera of vaccinated individuals.

In Vivo Caries Models-Mechanisms for Caries Initiation and Arrestment

1994 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Thylstrup ◽  
C. Bruun ◽  
L. Holmen
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Mechanical Forces ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Mechanical Removal ◽  
Mineral Deposition ◽  
Partial Lesion ◽  
Lesion Regression ◽  
Clinical Experiments

The effects of intra-oral mechanical forces on caries initiation, progression, and arrestment are evaluated by examination of different in vivo caries models. The models are grouped in four categories: (1) a population study, (2) short-term clinical trials, (3) clinical experiments, and (4) controlled clinical observations. Taken together, these in vivo studies convincingly demonstrate that partial or total elimination of the intra-oral mechanical forces operating during mastication or toothbrushing leads to evolution of cariogenic plaque, resulting in localized carious enamel dissolution. In addition, they show that re-exposure to the partly or totally eliminated mechanical forces not only arrests further lesion progression, but also results in partial lesion regression. The data from in vivo caries studies also show that the clinical and structural changes associated with lesion arrestment or partial regression are not related to any salivary repair mechanism, but are solely the result of mechanical removal of the cariogenic biomass which is physically interrelated with the eroded surface of the active, dull-whitish enamel lesion. No indications of superficial mineral deposition or "blocking" of the external intercrystalline spaces are seen in the surface layer of lesions arrested in vivo. For this reason, the conventional usage of the terminology 'remineralization' is considered absolutely misleading when used to describe the mechanisms responsible for the arrest of lesion progression in vivo.

scholarly journals A systemic explanation of denial of pregnancy fitting clinical observations and previous models

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Sandoz
Keyword(s):  
Life Story ◽  
Sufficient Conditions ◽  
Conflict Theory ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Tension Response ◽  
Social Species ◽  
Intrapersonal Conflict ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Dual Character

Introduction: The etiology of denial of pregnancy remains poorly understood. Neither necessary nor sufficient conditions can be synthesized from the risk factors identified from psychological analyses. Furthermore, the involvement of mother-fetus interactions cannot result only from psychology causes in the mother. Although instructive, the few available evolutionary and systemic explanations proposed remain insufficient. This article synthesizes and extends previous knowledge within a systemic model which is fully compatible with clinical observations. Methods: A systemic intrapersonal conflict theory opposing primitive, evolutionary-inherited forces to psycho-sociological forces embodied across individual’s childhood is developed. Results: As members of a social species, human beings have a dual character of independent organisms and of social group members that is a source of customized intrapersonal conflicts. Authors explain denial of pregnancy as a standby-in-tension response to such an unresolved intrapersonal conflict between forand against-pregnancy forces. As long as the woman’s brain is unable to renounce one option in favor of the other, denial of pregnancy offers a standby-in-tension means to postpone conflict resolution. It may thus be considered as temporarily adaptive response. Conclusions: The proposed systemic psycho-evolutionary explanation of denial of pregnancy is fully consistent with clinical observations. It brings into agreement the previously reported models with the advantage of being more synthetic. It is thus compatible with a large diversity of causative events in accordance with the actual life story of each woman concerned. The systemic intrapersonal conflict approach developed herein provides a new means of investigating body-mind problems, especially pseudocyesis.

scholarly journals THIAMIN DEFICIENCY IN THE RHESUS MONKEY

Blood ◽  
1948 ◽  
Vol 3 (12) ◽  
pp. 1453-1459 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. F. RINEHART ◽  
L. D. GREENBERG ◽  
L. L. GINZTON
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Dramatic Improvement ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
Thiamin Deficiency ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Nuclear Structures ◽  
Time Required

Abstract Seven rhesus monkeys were subjected to one or more episodes of acute thiamin depletion. It is clear that significant metabolic inadequacies preceded demonstrable structural changes. Diminished food consumption and weight loss were manifest about two weeks after thiamin was removed from the diet. When the deficiency was prolonged the animals became apathetic, inactive and progressively weaker. This was followed by ataxia and at times ptosis and tremors. Even in such advanced states of depletion, administration of thiamin produced dramatic improvement in locomotion, appetite and reactivity. The blood thiamin content of normal monkeys ranged from 5.5 to 10γ per 100 ml. of whole blood, values which are comparable to those of healthy human beings. Following withdrawal of thiamin the blood concentration fell to values of 4γ or less. The tissue content of thiamin was correspondingly reduced in depleted animals. The minimum daily requirement for thiamin calculated on the basis of the time required to redeplete a deficient monkey following a small dose of thiamin was approximately 15γ per kilogram body weight. Characteristic degenerative changes in the heart muscle and severe retrogressive changes in the nuclear structures of the central nervous system previously reported were noted. Based on careful hematologic studies in 4 animals it is concluded that thiamin is essential for normal erythropoiesis. Acute or chronic depletion results in anemia due to suppression of red blood cell formation as indicated by severe depression or absence of reticulocytes in the blood.

scholarly journals XIII. On the action of light upon plants, and of plants upon the atmosphere

1836 ◽  
Vol 126 ◽  
pp. 149-175 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Carbonic Acid ◽  
Direct Action ◽  
The Other ◽  
Chemical Changes ◽  
Specific Stimulus ◽  
Metallic Oxides ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
Saline Solutions

The researches of Priestley, Ingenhousz, Senebier, Ellis, and above all of the younger Saussure, have long put us in possession of the leading facts appertaining to the influence of light upon the green parts of plants; and Professor Decandolle has embodied the substance of all that had been ascertained on this subject, up to the year 1831, in his admirable work on Vegetable Physiology. But there appear, by the confession of this latter naturalist, to remain certain subordinate questions respecting this same function, which, though perhaps occasionally touched upon by the above-cited experimentalists and by others, can scarcely be said to have as yet obtained a satisfactory reply. The first of these questions relates to the nature of the influence which, in the cases alluded to, is assignable to light. As this agent often produces chemical changes by its direct action upon inorganic bodies, decomposing saline solutions, discolouring oils, and reducing metallic oxides, so it may be supposed to operate directly upon the air, and to possess the power of decomposing carbonic acid, when this substance is presented to it within the pores of the vegetable tissue. And, on the other hand, as light appears to be a specific stimulus to the vital functions of animals, so it may be imagined to act in a similar manner on those of plants, thus enabling them to secrete from the carbonic acid presented to them the carbon required for their nutrition.

scholarly journals To transmit genes without becoming mother: An evolutionary conflict behind denial of pregnancy

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Sandoz
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
Evolutionary Biology ◽  
Sufficient Conditions ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Women Health ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Social Species ◽  
Evolutionary Conflict ◽  
Primitive Species ◽  
Pregnancy Denial

Aim: The etiology of pregnancy denial remains poorly understood. Neither necessary nor sufficient conditions can be synthesized from the risk factors identified from psychological analyses. In accordance with clinical observations, we aim to explain denial of pregnancy from an evolutionary conflict perspective. Methods: Authors investigate evolutionary biology aspects and emphasize on the transition from solitary animal species to social species. The possibility of conflicts between primitive species-perpetuation forces and subjective social-identity forces are explored. Results: As members of a social species, human beings have a dual, contradictory character of independent organisms but interdependent people. This results in evolutionary inherited conflicts that, with respect to women's reproduction, distinguish between primitive and social-identity issues: i) to transmit genes by giving birth and ii) to become mother. Authors explain denial of pregnancy as a standby-in-tension response to a conflicting attempt to transmit genes without becoming mother. It may thus be considered as temporarily adaptive response by postponing conflict resolution. This model, based on subjective internal appraisals, is compatible with a huge diversity of causative events as expected from the specificity of each woman's life course. Conclusions: The proposed etiology is consistent with clinical observations and brings prior models into agreement. From a clinical practice perspective, the ability to explain denial of pregnancy rationally may favor understanding and acceptation by concerned women. Health professionals' information may also be facilitated and psychotherapeutic follow up may gain in efficiency with reduced recidivism. More generally, this evolutionary conflict approach provides a supplementary perspective to explore psychosomatic dysfunctions.

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