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Biomedical subjects

G Ferguson

Publications and source records attributed to G Ferguson.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

An assembly defect as a result of an attenuating mutation in the capsid proteins of the poliovirus type 3 vaccine strain.

The molecular basis of the temperature-sensitive (ts) phenotype of P3/Sabin, the type 3 vaccine strain of poliovirus, was investigated in light of the known correlation between ts and attenuation phenotypes. A phenylalanine at residue 91 of the capsid protein VP3 was a major determinant of both phenotypes, and attenuation and ts could be reverted by the same second-site mutations. The ts phenotype was due to a defect early in the assembly process that inhibited the formation of 14S pentamers, empty capsids, and virions. It was further shown that capsid proteins that were not incorporated into higher-order structures had short half-lives at the nonpermissive temperature.

Capsid↗
PubMed1990

Rectal motility studies in faecally incontinent geriatric patients.

Rectal motility was assessed in three groups of geriatric patients (faecally incontinent, continent faecally impacted and control patients) to determine whether 'uninhibited' rectal contractions are a cause of faecal incontinence. The incidence of rectal contractions in response to rectal distension did not differ between the three study groups. Two-thirds of the incontinent patients were unable to retain a condom distended with water (soft-stool model) during a proctometrogram. Involuntary expulsion of this device was correlated with the presence of rectal contractions and low anal resting pressure. Involuntary expulsion of an airfilled balloon (firm-stool model) from the rectum occurred less frequently and was correlated with low resting pressure but not with rectal contractions. The contribution of 'uninhibited' rectal contractions to faecal incontinence is insignificant except for a minor role in the expulsion of liquid stool.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Cytomegalovirus cholecystitis and colitis associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important cause of acalculous gangrenous cholecystitis in immunocompromised persons. We report a case of acalculous acute cholecystitis and active colitis associated with CMV in a patient suffering from the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The condition was treated successfully with surgery and 9-(1,3,-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine intravenously.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

Anal function in geriatric patients with faecal incontinence.

The association of faecal incontinence with constipation and confusion in the elderly is well recognised but the anal function of faecally incontinent geriatric patients is poorly understood. Anal studies were therefore performed on 99 geriatric patients (49 with faecal incontinence, 19 continent patients with faecal impaction and 31 geriatric control patients with normal bowel habit) and 57 younger healthy control patients. An age related reduction in anal squeeze pressure but not resting pressure was identified. A reduction in anal resting pressure was detected in the faecally incontinent geriatric patients but squeeze pressure did not differ significantly from that found in the other geriatric patients. Anal sensation was impaired in the faecally incontinent patients. No difference was found between the groups as measured by pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. Gross neuropathy of the distal part of the pudendal nerve does not account for the observed external anal sphincter weakness in geriatric patients or for their faecal incontinence. Internal anal sphincter dysfunction is an important factor in faecal incontinence in the elderly.

Aged↗
PubMed1987

Benefits and costs of a control program for an epizootic of Staphylococcus aureus mastitis.

In response to an epizootic of Staphylococcus aureus mastitis, the owner of a 2,000-cow dairy instituted a treatment, prevention, and control program (hereafter, "intervention program") consisting of teat dipping, bacteriologic culturing of milk from all fresh cows and from cows with clinical signs of infection, and culling cows found to be infected. The program was highly beneficial, yielding $2.40 in direct benefits for every $1 invested.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Management of acute subdural hematomas from aneurysmal rupture.

Subdural hematomas (SDH) from ruptured aneurysm (RA) are much less common than intracerebral (ICH) hematomas or subarachnoid (SAH) or intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). With computerized tomography, preoperative diagnosis is now made more often. The authors have collected 18 such cases from a review of 897 cases of RA admitted to eleven medical centers in 1980 and 1981. Nine (50%) of these patients died prior to discharge from hospital. Four (22%) had surgery and died postoperatively and 9 (50%) were operated upon and survived. Thirteen (72%) of the patients showed anisocoria, decreased consciousness and unilateral weakness prior to surgery. Eight (89%) of the fatalities had shown preoperative herniation as opposed to only 5 (56%) of the survivors. The overall incidence of delayed ischemia due to vasospasm was 11% (2 cases). Those who died had greater midline shift and larger SDH on the admission CT scan. Sixteen (89%) of these patients were female. Thirteen (72%) had ruptured aneurysms on the internal carotid artery. All of these hematomas were unilateral and uniformly hyperdense, and the convexity hematomas were crescentic in shape. Seventeen (94%) had evidence of blood in locations other than the subdural space. If the patient is potentially salvageable and has a midline shift, the SDH should probably be evacuated immediately and the aneurysm clipped at the same operation since the development of a tentorial herniation has such an adverse effect on outcome.

Acute Disease↗