Biomedical subjects

C Vest

Publications and source records attributed to C Vest.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Rating method for evaluating distribution-system odors compared with a control.

A new sensory method was developed and tested at a full-scale water treatment plant. The method evaluates changes in aesthetic water quality during transit in the distribution system. A paired comparison format is used to determine if the odor of a distribution-system sample is different from that of a control sample. The control sample represents the "ideal" water, such as treated water leaving the plant. The method can rapidly determine whether or not a problem exists in the distribution system, and, if one does exist, it allows for characterization of the problem. Over a three-month period a 4-member odor panel evaluated 118 distribution samples by this new procedure. Among the 118 samples tested, 39 samples yielded a consensus among the analysts as to the odor characteristics of the sample; 35 were rated "not different from the control" (about 90%), and only 4 were rated "different from control" (about 10%). The 79 samples for which no consensus was generated had only slight rating differences between analysts and for odor intensity. No taste-and-odor problems were reported by consumers during the time period for this study and the method indicated that no major odor problems existed in the distribution system.

Community Participation↗

PubMed1999

An MRI study of the basal ganglia in autism.

1. High-resolution MRI scans were obtained from 35 relatively high-functioning persons with autism and 36 healthy controls, comparable in age, gender, and IQ. 2. Volumetric measurements were obtained from manual tracing of the bilateral caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus. 3. An increased volume of the caudate nuclei was found in subjects with autism. Caudate enlargement was proportional to increased total brain volume in subjects with autism. 4. Caudate volume was associated with compulsions and rituals, difficulties with minor change, and complex motor mannerisms in autism. 5. Based on evidence of caudate abnormalities, a second MRI study was completed which replicated the finding of caudate enlargement in autism using an independent sample. 6. The caudate may be part of an abnormal distributed neural network in autism and involved in the ritualistic--repetitive behaviors of the disorder.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1979

Herpes zoster oticus. Uncommon but recognizable cause of facial paralysis.

Three cases of herpes zoster oticus illustrate the manifestations of this relatively uncommon cause of facial paralysis. Topographic analysis, in which functions of facial nerve branches are assessed, helps establish the level of facial nerve involvement. Sequential faradic stimulation testing often is a sensitive prognostic indicator of recovrey of facial nerve function, particularly if nerve excitability persists. A few recent reports support the use of systemic steroid therapy for herpes zoster oticus; opinions vary regarding the efficacy of surgical decompression for facial paralysis. Although general principles cannot be deduced from three cases, each case discussed exemplifies an important aspect of management. The prognostic significance of results of nerve stimulation tests is illustrated by the complete return of facial nerve function in our first patient. Our second patient's response to systemic steroid therapy supports recent reports of the value of such agents in herpes zoster oticus. Partial return of facial nerve function in our third patient two months after onset of paralysis accentuates the importance of a period of observation before a nerve graft or other rehabilitative procedures are undertaken.

Adult↗