Biomedical subjects

B Whitson

Publications and source records attributed to B Whitson.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Strength over time of a resorbable bioscaffold for body wall repair in a dog model.

The change in strength over time of a biomaterial derived from the small intestinal submucosa (SIS) was determined in a dog model of body wall repair. Full-thickness body wall defects measuring 8 x 12 cm were surgically created and then repaired with a multilaminate eight-layer form of SIS in 40 dogs. Five dogs were sacrificed at each of the following time points: 1 day, 4 days, 7 days, 10 days, and 1, 3, 6, and 24 months. Ball burst tests that measured biaxial ultimate load-bearing capability were performed on the device prior to implantation and on the device/implant site at the time of sacrifice. The strength of the device at the time of implant was approximately 73 +/- 12 pounds. The strength of the implant site diminished to 40 +/- 18 pounds at 10 days, and then progressively increased to a value of 156 +/- 26 pounds at 24 months (P < 0.05). The clinical utility of a degradable biomaterial such as SIS depends on a balance between the rate of degradation and the rate of host remodeling. Naturally occurring extracellular matrix scaffolds such as SIS show rapid degradation with associated and subsequent remodeling to a tissue with strength that exceeds that of the native tissue when used as a body wall repair device.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Nosocomial pneumonia in the noncritical care setting.

The optimal approach to the recognition, management, and prevention of nosocomial pneumonia is evolving. A broad spectrum of potential pathogens is recognized in the hospital setting, and more invasive procedures have been developed in attempts to improve diagnostic accuracy. Newer, broad spectrum antimicrobial agents are continually introduced, yet the presence of resistant organisms is increasingly recognized. The reports released in the past year show physicians are making advances toward gaining a better understanding of this common infection.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1994

Community-acquired pneumonia: new outpatient guidelines based on age, severity of illness.

Pneumonia is a common and important infectious disease in all age groups but especially in the elderly. Mortality and morbidity are quite high when associated with certain risk factors such as comorbid medical conditions and clinical features that implicate more severe disease. In the absence of such features, patients can be treated quite safely out of the hospital, as long as followup and compliance issues are not a problem. Therapy should be directed toward gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic bacteria and, at times, be further expanded to cover atypical organisms such as Legionella sp. Appropriate antimicrobial agents are those that not only cover expected microorganisms but are compatible with each patient's existing medical regimen.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1991

The failed appointment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine reasons for failed internal medicine clinic appointments. DESIGN: A retrospective telephone survey of patients within one month of a failed appointment. SETTING: An ambulatory teaching clinic for indigent patients staffed by 30 internal medicine residents where patients have scheduled visits every 30 minutes. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: From the 1,622 scheduled patient visits, the names of 405 patients who failed their appointments were selected for further contact. Successful contact was established with 100 patients. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The patients completed a telephone survey administered by residents and students regarding demographics, general health, reasons for failed appointment, and satisfaction with the clinic. Transportation problems accounted for 13% of missed visits, forgetfulness accounted for 11%, personal or family illness and rescheduling problems accounted for 8% each. Miscellaneous reasons accounted for the remainder. Seventeen percent of patients who missed their appointments feared the encounter, but none volunteered this as a reason for their no-show. Fifty-one percent of patients felt that the failed appointments could not have been prevented. Ninety percent of those surveyed were satisfied with their clinic physician, and 82% were seen on-time when appointments were kept. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of transportation appeared to be the most prohibitive factor in continuity of care among this indigent population. Patients are generally seen on-time and are satisfied with their care. Financial pressure does not appear to keep people away. Fear of the physician encounter and forgetfulness may be areas for improved patient education.

Adult↗