Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to G Moser.
Twenty-two cases of volvulus of the colon are reported. The conservative and surgical methods of treatment are discussed. It should be emphasized that a preliminary X-ray study of the colon with Gastrografin is necessary to identify the nature and site of obstruction and any associated lesions.
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A pilot study of 8 cases of lung empyema treated with taurolin, a new bactericidal agent, is reported. Rapid sterilization of exudates and favorable clinical course are discussed. Thanks to the absence of toxicity and its bacteriological efficacy, taurolin is a useful therapeutic agent in pleural empyema. Its use in the prophylaxis of complications in thoracic surgery is suggested.
Sporozoites of rodent malaria, Plasmodium berghei, and simian malaria, Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium cynomolgi, were partially separated from mosquito debris and microbial contaminants by passage of Anopheles material through a DEAE-cellulose column. In addition to eliminating most of the contaminants (80-90%), this simple technic has made it possible to recover rapidly large numbers of viable sporozoites (55-75% yield), which have retained their infectivity, immunogenicity, and capacity to react with known antisera. Mice injected with varying doses of column-purified sporozoites (CS) of P. berghei produced infections which paralleled those seen in the controls. Total protection against challenge with a potentially lethal dose of viable sporozoites was acquired by mice inoculated twice with irradiated CS of P. berghei CS of P. berghei and P. cynomolgi gave positive circumsporozoite precipitation (CSP) reactions, upon inoculation with the respective immune sera. The preservation of the surface antigens of CS was documented by immunofluorescence. It was shown that differences in elution behavior exist among sporozoites of certain species of Plasmodium as well as among sporozoiters of the same species derived from different organs of the mosquito. These results may be attributed to differences in the surface charge of the sporozoites or conditions in sample media. Purified sporozoites obtained by the method described in this report provide an adequate source of parasites for a variety of in vitro studies.
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Report on surgery in 100 patients with acute sigmoiditis (54 females, 46 males). The overall average age was 65.5 years; that of females was 68.5 years and of males 61.5 years. Of the total of 100 cases, one third had one or more attacks prior to hospitalization. One third of cases were treated by conservative methods and did not undergo surgery. Surgery (resection or simply derivation) was performed in 63 patients. Eleven patients died: from rupture of anastomosis in 1 case and from general causes or superinfection in 10. The surgical indications and type of surgery are discussed. As far as possible, the affected segment of sigmoid must be resected, with or without establishment of continuity. Terminal colostomy is imperative.
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Basophil counts were done in children with rheumatoid arthritis, using a special staining method. Basophils were increased in absolute number and in percentage in 11 of 16 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This increase was particularly significant in children with active polyarticular arthritis.
The diameters of circulating peripheral lymphocytes were measured in 28 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. These were compared with lymphocyte measurements in 68 normal children, 19 children with asthma, and 12 children with cystic fibrosis. The average diameter of lymphocytes in normal children was found to be 11.2 microns. In contrast, the average diameter of lymphocytes in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis was 12.7 microns (P less than 0.0001). There were more lymphocytes with a diameter of 13 to 15 microns in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis than in normal children.
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Recent reports of and our own experience with biochemical alterations of liver function secondary to salicylate therapy stimulated this prospective study. Thirty-four children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, 6 children with acute cartilagenous necrosis of the hipfollowing slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and 2 children with ulcerative colitis and hip disease who were on salicylates were followed over a period of 1-27 months with serial determinations of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), bilirubin, and serum salicylate. Prothrombin time was measured in 14 children. Twenty-two of 34 children with rheumatoid arthritis and none of the 8 controls demonstrated abnormalities of various liver functions at serum salicylate levels between 7.0 and mg%. Three children demonstrated severe abnormalities characterized by marked elevation of SGOT, SGPT, LDH, and AP, prolongation of prothrombin time, and epistaxis. This type of reaction occurred within 5-14 days of initiation of aspirin therapy and occurred at serum salicylate levels between 18 and 43 mg%. Moderate changes in various liver function tests were observed in 19 other children. None of those children who were tested showed prolongation of prothrombin time. The serum salicylate level in this group varied between 7.0 and 38.2 mg%. The abnormal liver function tests returned to normal in 6 children upon withdrawal of aspirin and in 12 others even when salicylates were continued. Therefore, despite the occurrence of biochemical abnormalities following chronic salicylate therapy, it does not appear to be necessary to discontinue their use except in those children who develop bleeding.
The long-term bed-rest was organized by ESA and CNES, in order to simulate the physiological effects of weightlessness: eight volunteers had to stay 42 days in bed, in a head down tilt position (-6 degrees). There were two subjects in a room, they could not be alone and it was difficult for them to have their own personal space and intimacy. In these circumstances, as in outer space, interpersonal relationships were of prime importance. This situation enabled us, through systematic observation, to analyze the evolution of the relational behavior in dyads, and to quote some social indicators of adaptation. Results show significant withdrawal, and the time spent alone was marked by the emergence, during the experiment, of specific preferential activities. Behavioral contagion was observed in each dyad (people engaged in the same activities at the same time), except in the one case of abandon. Moreover, the highest rates of inactivity and withdrawal were noted in this case. Verbal indicators were useful to comment these results and showed that, for all the dyads, one of the two subjects always played a regulating role by expressing a very positive perception of the situation. These results emphasize the importance of psycho-sociological factors in isolation and confinement. Thus, it appears that different modalities of interpersonal relationships, and not only verbal interactions, play a significant role in adaptation to stress situations.
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From a study of 27 operations for common vertebral sciatica in the elderly, certain specific features stand out. L5 sciatica is predominant though curiously, the pain relieving posture is less frequent than in the S1 variety. The condition is usually most painful at night. In 50% of cases there is a motor deficit which to a great extend determines the decision to operate. Finally, there is very good correlation between clinical features and the discovery of a prolapsed disc. Osteoarthrotic lesions are much more common than in the general sciatica population but the disc protrusion always keeps its localising value. Surgical intervention reveals that the disc plays an equally important role at this age as a prolapsed disc was found in 26 cases (11 extruded herniated discs and 2 ruptured). These lesions are less common in the general sciatica population. In about two thirds of patients a herniated disc alone is found and in the others, it is associated with osteoarthrotic lesions although these do not appear to compromise the success of the operation. Amongst the 9 post-operative complications, there was one death due to pulmonary emboli and 2 cases of reflex algodystrophy of the foot on the operated side. With a mean delay of more than 1 year, a frank improvement was noted in 85% of cases as against 80% immediately following surgery. Only one case of recurrence was reported.