A grant of $343,850—the largest research grant received in the history of the hospital—has been presented to Touro infirmary.
Announcement of the grant, given by the John A. Hartford Foundation, Inc. of New York, was made Tuesday by Ralph W. Burger, president of the foundation, and Dr. John C. Mackenzie, director of Touro infirmary.
The grant is for a study of 'cardiovascular physiology and disease.
Dr. Mackenzie said, "This is the third research grant received from the Hartford Foundation; $66,666 was received in 11954 and $31,395 in 1958. The] latest Hartford Foundation; award is the largest research grant received in the history of the hospital. It will permit,
among other things, the expansion of three major areas of research."
HEART, BLOOD STUDIED
The overall Touro research program is aimed at achieving a better understanding of the function of the heart, blood ves-jsels, and some of the substances carried by the blood—both kind and amount. Dr. Sam Three-foot, director of research, is coordinating the program.
Accomplishment of the program, in part, will be by the use of X-ray pictures of the heart in action, electro and vec-to cardiography, cardiac cathe-terization, direct visualization and photography of the blood vessels, and measurement of metabolic products and salts carried by the blood.
Study of the role of the various vessels in the accumulation of fluid in the limbs, chest, and abdomen of the body, will be conducted by Dr. Threefoot.
Dr. Threefoot will study vessel reactions to harmful chemicals, drugs used in treatment, heat and cold, and diseases usually associated with aging, such as arteriosclerosis and other diseases.
BETTER METHODS SOUGHT
Dr. Sam Nadler, head of the Touro biophysics department will continue his search for s rapid method of estimating blood volume, which will permil accurate emergency replacement of blood needs in cases oi I hemorrhage, severe burn cases, and cases where an artificial kidney is used.
These studies will lead to better methods of treating the patient with kidney disorders through a more complete understanding of the metabolic products and salts circulating and accumulating in the body and blood stream.
The third area provided for in the John A. Hartford grani will enable a better correlation of the electrocardiograph^ and
vectocardiographic diagnostic tools with the variations from ordinary normal daily activities, such as eating, smoking and exercise.
Other diseases, including con-genital heart disease of children, will be studied. Dr. Manuel Gardberg, principal investigator of the cardiac research laboratory at Touro, will continue his study in this area.
COVERS 3 YEAR PERIOD Touro infirmary researchers claim ^that the results of the! studies* will aid better diagnostic procedures as well as better treatment of heart diseases and ailments.
The grant also provides for the establishment of an instrument shop and a medical illustration department. . The new grant will cover a three-year period.
In issuing an expression of thanks to the Hartford Foundation, Dr. Mackenzie said, "It is hoped that through the re-1 search conducted at Touro, ways will be found to help control heart disease, enabling many to live healthier, happier and longer lives."
The Hartford Foundation was originally established by John A. Hartford to distribute his personal charitable donations. He left the bulk of his estate to the foundation. His brother, George L. Hartford, who died in 1957, left his entire estate to the foundation.
John A. ^Hartford was president of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, and
eorge L. Hartford was chairman of the board.
