bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Study of the Persistence of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Antibody Levels
Authors: Jones G. R. , Stewart Sheila M. 
Published: January 2017

Sera from 13 patients with initial complement fixation (CF) titres of 160 or above, and from 5 with rising titres to Mycoplasma pneumoniae were tested at 2-monthly intervals for CF antibodies and for cold agglutinins. In an attempt to differentiate between ‘early’ and ‘late’ sera with raised titres, initial sera and those, taken 6 to 8 months later, with a CF titre of 160 or above were tested by the metabolic inhibition test and also treated with 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME). Cold agglutinins were detected in 5 of the 13 initial sera but in none of the 7 ‘late’ sera with raised CF titres. A 4-fold or greater fall in the CF titre after treatment with 2ME occurred in 5 of the 12 initial sera tested, and in one of the 7 ‘late’ sera. Metabolic inhibiting antibodies were present in 7 of the 12 initial sera and in 4 of the 6 ‘late’ sera tested. In only one patient with a raised initial CF titre but no cold agglutinins and no 2ME effect was there later evidence of a current infection with M. pneumoniae. Cold agglutinins were present and/or there was a 2ME effect in the initial sera from all 5 patients with rising titres. It is concluded that a combination of cold agglutinins and the effect of 2ME on the CF titres will help to differentiate ‘early’ from ‘late’ sera with significantly raised CF antibodies.
The Natural History of Bacterial Colonization of the Newborn in a Maternity Hospital (Part II)
Authors: Kerr M. M. , Hutchison J. H. , MacVicar J. , Givan J. , McAllister T. A. 
Published: January 2017

The object of this study was to determine the sources from which the newborn infant derives his bacterial flora during the first 5 days after birth. Detailed bacteriological data was obtained from 193 mothers antenatally and during labour, and from their infants on the day of birth and on Day 5. Organisms were typed by appropriate methods and the 193 mother-baby pairs declared to be a ‘match’ or a ‘non-match’ according as to whether or not identical bacteria were isolated from both members of the pair. Weekly swabs from hands and noses of staff were taken throughout the 12 months of the study. Swabs were also taken from the environment and air samples from different areas in the hospital. In approximately one third of infants the colonizing bacteria are derived from their mothers, in over 70 per cent of instances from the mother's rectum. The mother's birth canal is not a common source of bacteria and there is no direct relationship with the noses or hands of staff. Artificial feeds are not a source of the colonizing bacteria. The overall distribution of the bacterial species in the infants differed from that found in the hospital environment but this does, none the less, constitute a reservoir of bacteria which is being continually replenished from human sources. Pathogens such as Staph. aureus and Strep. pyogenes are no longer commonly found in newborn infants in the modern maternity hospital, but the need for continual vigilance and an efficient bacteriological service in all maternity units has been in no way diminished.
Mode of Action of Beta Blockers in Angina Pectoris
Authors: Åblad B. , Carlsson E. , Ek L. , Johnsson G. 
Published: January 2017

Research Laboratories, AB Hässle, Fack, S-431 20 Mölndal, Sweden The therapeutic effect of beta adrenoceptor blockers in angina pectoris can be ascribed to an inhibition of β1 receptor mediated stimulation of heart rate and myocardial contractility, resulting in an improved oxygen supply-demand balance in the myocardium. When given in equipotent β1 blocking doses, the nonselective blocker propranolol and the β1 selective blocker metoprolol differ markedly as regards inhibition of adrenaline induced β2 mediated vasodilatation. Only propranolol will inhibit this effect. After propranolol, adrenaline therefore elicits a haemodynamic effect pattern characterized by high peripheral vascular resistance, high arterial blood pressure, low cardiac output and increased cardiac size. In view of these findings it is suggested that a β1 selective blocker may be a more efficient antianginal agent than a nonselective blocker in those patients in which the anginal attack is associated with a significant release of adrenaline. The clinical relevance of this hypothesis has not been tested.
Oestrogens and Breast Cancer: Present Position
Authors: Hawkins R. A. 
Published: January 2017

Oestrogen is probably involved in breast cancer in two main ways: (1) in the aetiology of the disease as a promoting substance rather than as a carcinogen; (2) in stimulating the growth of at least some established breast cancers, acting through the oestrogen receptor. Successful modes of endocrine therapy would then be interpreted as interfering with (a) the supply of oestrogen to the tumour (b) the nuclear events in oestrogen action or (c) receptor replenishment.
Long-Term Weight Changes in Treated Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid Patients
Authors: Pears J. , Jung R. T. , Gunn A. 
Published: January 2017

To compare the effect of three treatments for thyrotoxicosis on subsequent body weight, a retrospective survey of 65 patients was performed. The effect of thyroxine replacement on body weight in 25 patients with primary hypothyroidism was also examined. In one year after starting therapy 21 patients treated with carbimazole gained a mean of 5.4kg (95% confidence interval 3.6 to 7.2kg); 20 patients after thyroidectomy gained a mean of 6.3kg (95% c.i. 3.4 to 9.2kg); and 24 patients given radioiodine gained a mean of 7.4kg (95% c.i. 5.2 to 9.6kg), p<0.001 in all three groups. The weight gain in the three groups was not significantly different. 54–67% of the weight gain occurred in the first three months. The patients treated for hypothyroidism had lost an insignificant amount of weight 12 months after starting therapy — Mean change was −0.6kg (95% c.i. −2.2 to +1.1kg) p>0.1. This data suggests that all patients treated for thyrotoxicosis will gain body weight irrespective of the treatment used, but patients treated for primary hypothyroidism will not lose an appreciable amount of weight. Therefore dietary advice should be given, where appropriate, at the onset of any treatment of thyroid dysfunction.
Psychosis and Substance Abuse: Cause, Effect or Coincidence?
Authors: Lawrie S.M. , Hutchison J.K. , Sweeney S.R. , Fernando M.R. , McAdam C.A. , Monsour M.R. , Campbell T.J. , MacLeod CM 
Published: January 2017

An association between substance abuse and major psychiatric illness is increasingly well recognised, but most studies have been conducted in the USA and have focussed upon patients with schizophrenia rather than other disorders. We conducted a survey of 38 consecutively admitted patients with DSM-III-R functional psychoses. A semi-structured substance abuse interview was administered and a urine specimen for drug metabolite screening requested. The prevalence of cigarette smoking (63%) and current illicit drug use (26%) were higher than general population norms. The 16 subjects with schizophrenia and related disorders were more likely to smoke cigarettes than the 22 patients with an affective disorder (p=0.008, odds ratio 8.4, 95% CI 1.3–69.6), and showed tendencies to more illicit drug and alcohol consumption. Illicit drug users were more likely to have a forensic history and less likely to have entered further education. Substance abuse is common among patients with psychoses, particularly in those with schizophrenia and related disorders. All psychotic patients should have a detailed drug history taken, and therapeutic attempts made to reduce consumption.
Defibrillation — A Burning Issue in Coronary Care Units!
Authors: McNaughton G. W. , Wyatt J. P. , Byrne J.C. 
Published: January 2017

Skin burns are accepted to be a complication of defibrillation, however there is no published data on their frequency, cause and treatment. A postal questionnaire survey was designed to assess the relative frequency of defibrillation burns in coronary care units and identify the possible factors contributing to their occurrence. Treatments prescribed in coronary care units were also noted. The questionnaire was sent to the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse in all 263 coronary care units in the United Kingdom. 232 Replies were received (88.2%). Defibrillation burns were seen in 98.7% of CCU's. Ten contributory factors were proposed. The commonest implicated cause was recurrent defibrillation. The most frequently prescribed topical treatment was 1% silver sulphadiazine cream (Flamazine). Defibrillation burns are relatively common in coronary care units. Many result from recurrent defibrillation and may be unavoidable in the patient undergoing prolonged resuscitation. However there are other identifiable factors which, if avoided, may lead to a reduction in the number of burns seen.
Renal Replacement Therapy in the Elderly
Authors: Rodger R. S. C. , Briggs J. D. 
Published: January 2017

Before 1980 few patients over the age of 65 started chronic dialysis, despite the fact that the incidence of advanced chronic renal failure was approximately ten times greater in this group compared to young and middle aged adults.1 Since that time the number of elderly patients starting renal replacement has increased markedly and accounted for 38% of new dialysis patients in Scotland in 1995. (Data supplied by the Scottish Renal Registry). In order to meet the needs of older patients with chronic renal failure there has been considerable expansion in renal services and it has been predicted that this will continue to increase in Scotland until 2010.2 The number of older patients receiving dialysis and transplantation is rising steadily and will continue to rise in the future. There is nowadays no justification for a rigid upper age limit in the selection of patients for dialysis although inevitably more elderly patients will be unsuitable on medical grounds than in the younger age groups in particular due to cardiovascular disease. The majority of elderly patients are best managed by haemodialysis but a considerable number can achieve a reasonable quality of health on peritoneal dialysis. Renal transplantation should be seriously considered in the older patient provided that comorbidity is not present, usually in the form of cardiovascular disease, to a degree which would seriously limit life expectation.
Moisture Sorption of Cross-Linked Cotton Cellulose in Relation to Swelling
Authors: Singh Balkar , Jain C. L. , Pande A. , Chipalkatti V. B. 
Published: January 2017

This paper describes the technique for cross-linking cellulose with formaldehyde in the vapor and liquid phases. It also gives a brief description of an improved method for estimating the degree of cross-linking. Moisture sorption isotherms of cross-linked samples have been obtained at different relative humidities ranging from 0 to 90% and at 25°C by using McBain-Bakr sorption balance. The relationship between swelling and water content in the bath is nonlinear. This may be due to unrestricted swelling at the lower concentrations of water in the bath; in the intermediate range of water concentrations, the swelling does not increase significantly because of primary-wall constraint. Moisture regain of the control samples increases with increase in swelling up to 16%. This change is more pronounced at higher humidities. However, for 19% swelling, possibly because of the breaking of the primary wall, the cellulose chains may so rearrange themselves that hydrogen bonding between OH-groups increases, thereby decreasing the moisture regain. Swollen samples are stabilized by cross-linking. The moisture sorption characteristics of cross-linked swollen samples depend on the degree of swelling at the time of cross-linking and also on the degree of cross-linking.
The Effect of the Glass-Transition Temperature of Conventional and Radiation-Deposited Polymeric Additives on Mechanical Properties of Cotton Fabric
Authors: Walsh W. K. , Siahkolah M. A. , Rutherford Henry A. 
Published: January 2017

The change in properties of cotton fabric produced by polymeric additives with varying degrees of stiffness or softness has been investigated by measuring these properties at different temperatures. It was concluded that changes in crease-recovery angle produced by these polymers were not due to lubrication but were related to the elastic-recovery properties of the added polymer. Changes in tear strength and abrasion resistance were shown to be a function of interyarn mobility by measuring yarn withdrawal forces of the fabrics. Radiation-induced deposition of polymers produced changes that were qualitatively similar to those made by conventional polymer applications, but the changes were not as pronounced. This was attributed to the lower degree of surface deposition and the lack of cross-linking of the radiation deposited polymers.
A Comparative Study of Nylon Fiber Fracture
Authors: Goswami B. C. , Hearle J. W. S. 
Published: January 2017

This investigation deals with the comparative study of the fracture morphology of 15-denier nylon 66 filament subjected to various modes of deformation. The modes of deformation included in the study are simple tensile (low and high rate of extension, low temperature, and room temperature), tensile fatigue, simple torsion, cyclic torsion, flex fatigue, and various combinations of these simple modes. The tensile breaks (dry and in liquid nitrogen) were obtained by extending the fiber to break on an Instron tensile tester. Tensile breaks at extremely high rates of extension were accomplished by the use of a device based on the principle of the “relaxation catapult,” Fiber-fracture experiments in tensile fatigue, simple torsion, and bending fatigue were carried out by the techniques developed at UMIST. In order to obtain fiber breaks in cyclic torsional fatigue, a special apparatus was constructed which was capable of imposing repeated torsion with a high degree of twist at a rate of approximately 5Hz. The biaxial rotation apparatus could not be used with fine filaments; consequently, a new test was developed which simulated filament deformation due to bending fatigue. This test involves the rotation of a fiber around a pin. It is found that a variety of failure mechanisms are operative in nylon. Ductile crack growth dominates in simple tensile and torsion failures. The tensile failure at low temperature and in fatigue studies shows axial splitting of the fiber. The nylon 66 filaments ruptured in the flex-fatigue mode show the formation of kink bands on the underside of the bent filament. However, the failure along these kink bands does not dominate the rupture behavior of nylon.
Sulfonic Acids and Sulfonate Salts as Catalysts in Durable-Press Finishing
Authors: Reinhardt Robert M. , Kullman Russell M. H. 
Published: January 2017

Catalysis by sulfonic acids and sulfonate salts has been investigated for producing durable-press properties in cotton and cotton/polyester fabrics. Several alkyl, substituted alkyl, and aromatic sulfonic acids, as well as certain metal, amine, and ammonium salts of the acids, were used as catalysts in a variety of treatments with N-methyloal amide cross-linking agents. The influences of the type of treatment employed, of the catalyst and its concentration, and of curing conditions on properties of the finished fabrics were determined. The acids provided strong catalysis at low concentrations. They were effective in conventional pad-dry-cure finishing, in finishing with curing at lower-than-usual temperatures, and in mild-cure finishing in the presence of some moisture. Sulfonate salts afforded more moderate catalysis than did the acids, although certain salts were surprisingly versatile. A range of catalytic activities was available among various salts of a given sulfonic acid or among a particular salt of various acids.
Distribution of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate between Fabric and Liquor in Simulated Detergent Liquors
Authors: Rapko J. N. , Kim K. Y. 
Published: January 2017

Adsorption characteristics of cotton, 65–35 polyester/cotton, and 100% polyester fabrics were measured by liquid scintillation counting using C14-labeled linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) as the surfactant. A detergent liquor composed of surfactant, builder, silicate, and hardness ions were used to simulate actual detergent formulations. The effects of water hardness, builder level, temperature, pH, and sulfate and silicate levels on the distribution of LAS between the fabric and the liquor phase were examined. A considerable portion of LAS was found to be adsorbed on the fabrics depending upon the kind of fabric. For a given fabric, hardness ion and builder level are determining factors for adsorption. Detergent builders influence the degree of surfactant adsorption depending on their ability to complex Ca++ and Mg++. Permanent-press finishes were found to cause LAS adsorption to increase relative to corresponding unfinished fabrics. The rate of LAS adsorption under agitation was determined. The amount adsorbed was found to be linear against the logarithm of time. Adsorption “isotherms” were generated for 15-minute data.
The Outbreak and Control of Ebola Viral Haemorrhagic Fever in a Ugandan Medical School
Authors: Bitekyerezo Medard , Kyobutungi Catherine , Kizza Ruth , Mugeni James , Munyarugero Emmanuel , Tirwomwe Francis , Twongyeirwe Eunice , Muhindo George , Nakibuuka Victoria , John Laurence , Ruiz Ana , Frame Karen , Priotto Gerardo , Pepper Larry , Kabakyenga Jerome , Baingana Sheila , Ledo Dennis , Nakate Maimuna 
Published: January 2017

Uganda has just experienced the largest outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF) ever recorded. Mbarara University Teaching Hospital (MUTH) is responsible for training approximately one-third of Uganda's doctors. Mbarara is located in South West Uganda, 614 km from Gulu, the main epicentre of the outbreak. On 23 October a patient was admitted to the medical ward of MUTH with an acute fever. He soon exhibited haemorrhagic symptoms and died. He was later confirmed to have suffered Ebola. Three more patients subsequently contracted the disease. All died. There were no further cases in Mbarara. No members of staff or medical student was infected. We give details of the clinical features of those patients who contracted the disease, the setting up of an Ebola isolation unit, the case surveillance and the search for the source of the outbreak. The implications for similar institutions in East Africa are discussed.
Treatment of Severe Anaemia in Children in a Rural Hospital
Authors: Dorward J A , Knowles J K , Dorward I M 
Published: January 2017

In a rural hospital in Malawi a protocol was developed for the treatment of severely anaemic children to improve the chances of survival of children with haemoglobin levels of 5 g/dl or less (referred to here as severe anaemia), and also to reduce the risks of transmission of human immunodeficiencyvirus (HIV) by blood transfusion in a unit where the routine screening of donated blood for HIV positivity is not available. Comparison of the results of applying the protocol (using digoxin, frusemide and selective delayed transfusion) with the results of using a widely accepted regimen of routine transfusion of all children with haemoglobin (Hb) of 5 g/dl or less suggests that stabilization of a severely anaemic child's cardiac state before transfusion improves the chances of survival. Many children with very low haemoglobin values do not then require transfusion, thus avoiding the dangers of transfusing blood that is potentially HIV positive. Those who do need transfusion withstand the procedure better.
Incidence of Duodenal Ulcer in the Northern Savannah of Nigeria
Authors: Holcombe C , Okolie H 
Published: January 2017

In 4 years, 200 patients were admitted to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, in the Northern Savannah of Nigeria, with a clinical diagnosis of peptic ulcer; 60 had the diagnosis of duodenal ulcer confirmed on barium meal or at operation, giving an incidence of 6/1000 adult admissions (excluding obstetrics). There were no gastric ulcers. Forty-four patients had a ‘simple ulcer’, 10 presented with gastric outlet obstruction, five with peritonitis following perforation and one with haematemesis. There were 44 males, and 16 females, with a mean age of 34 years and mean length of history of 44 months. Contrary to previous published reports improved diagnostic facilities have shown duodenal ulcer to be relatively common in the Northern Savannah of West Africa.
Effects of Skin Contactants on Evolution of Atopic Dermatitis in Children: A Case Control Study
Authors: Macharia W M , Anabwani G M , Owili D M 
Published: January 2017

There is little published literature on the effects of skin contactants during early infancy on eventual development of atopic dermatitis (AD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not a relationship exists between the use of skin care products in early infancy and the subsequent development of AD. We studied a group of 54 Kenyan children with AD and 63 age and sex matched controls. Emollients had been used to lubricate the skin during early infancy in a similar proportion of children in both groups (odds ratio = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.14, 0.80). Similarly, no association was found between the use of toilet soaps or laundry detergents in early infancy and development of AD. These findings suggest that baby soaps and vaseline petroleum jelly can safely be used in the skin care of AD susceptible individuals.
Xerophthalmia in Malnourished Sudanese Children
Authors: Hussain M A M , Ahmed S M , El Sheikh E H A 
Published: January 2017

Two hundred and thirteen Sudanese children (4–60 months old) with malnutrition were examined for signs of xerophthalmia. Sixty-three (29%) of these children were found to have varying stages of xerophthalmia. These included 35 (56%) patients with conjunctival xerosis, 12 (19%) with Bitot's spots, seven (11%) with corneal xerosis, seven (11%) with corneal ulceration and two (3%) with corneal scar. Direct questioning of the parents of these children revealed evidence of night blindness in nine (4%) of all patients. All nine patients had signs of xerophthalmia which showed good response to vitamin A therapy.
Relative Sensitivity of Blood and Bone Marrow Cultures in Typhoid Fever
Authors: Akoh J A 
Published: January 2017

In a prospective study of typhoid fever in Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Zaria, the relative diagnostic sensitivities of blood culture and bone marrow culture were studied. The results in 64 patients with proved diagnosis of typhoid fever (either by recovery of S. typhi from stool, blood and/or bone marrow or by a positive Widal agglutination test) are presented. Forty-four per cent and 59% of the patients yielded S. typhi on blood and bone marrow cultures, respectively. In 31 patients who were investigated by both blood and bone marrow cultures, the yields of S. typhi were 35% and 61% respectively. This difference is statistically significant ( P < 0.05). In this study bone marrow culture proved to be the most sensitive diagnostic test for typhoid fever. A simple technique of bone marrow aspiration is described and its use is recommended for large general teaching hospitals.
Bacteriology of Snakebite Abscess
Authors: Kerrigan Kevin R 
Published: January 2017

Thirty-eight cases of abscess secondary to pit viper envenomation are reviewed. The incidence of abscess formation was 9%. Results of aerobic cultures revealed growth of enteric, coliform organisms in 22 of 25 isolates obtained from previously unopened abscesses. Clinical evidence for co-existent anaerobic infection is presented. No cases of tetanus were encountered. Clinical and laboratory findings of patients in the study are correlated with a review of bacteriologic investigations of the oral flora of venomous snakes. Use of antibiotics effective against aerobic coliforms and histotoxic anaerobic organisms for prophylaxis and/or treatment of infectious complications of pit viper envenomation are recommended.