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Biomedical subjects

J C Melo

Publications and source records attributed to J C Melo.

52 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1978

Anaerobic osteomyelitis.

We have presented eight case histories of patients with anaerobic osteomyelitis and have reviewed an additional 193 cases from the world literature. The incidence, predisposing factors, clinical localization, bacteriology, modes of presentation and natural history of anaerobic osteomyelitis are discussed. This disease entity appears to be more common than has been previously recognized. Seven distinct clinical syndromes of anaerobic osteomyelitis are described and related to the anatomical locations in which they tend to occur. The signs and symptoms of these entities have been outlined to aid in their recognition by practitioners. An approach to the therapy of anaerobic osteomyelitis is outlined. Emphasis is placed on adequate surgical intervention combined with antimicrobial agents chosen for each particular clinical situation. The lack of definitive data upon which to base a decision regarding dosages and duration of antimicrobial therapy is discussed and the authors' own preferences enumerated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Brain abscess due to Streptococcus MG-intermedius (Streptococcus milleri).

Three cases of brain abscesses due to Streptococcus MG-intermedius are reported, and the literature pertaining to this subject is reviewed. The importance of careful and complete identification of these etiological agents of infection is stressed. The clinical presentation, the origin of S. MG-intermedius producing brain abscess, and its relation to hepatic abscesses and endocarditis are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

Effect of intracerebroventricular bradykinin and related peptides on rabbit operant behavior.

The dose-effect relationships of intraventricularly injected bradykinin, Gly-Arg-Met-Lys-bradykinin (GAML-bradykinin), synthetic substance P and angiotensin II on lever-lifting behavior of rabbits in a variable-interval (VI) 72-second schedule of sweetened water presentation were determined. All peptides used caused dose-dependent decreases in overall rates of VI responding during the experimental session in the following order of potency: angiotensin II greater than bradykinin = substance P greater than GAML-bradykinin. The angiotensin II dose-effect curve was less steep than those of the other peptides. The administration of nearly equimolar doses of the bradykinin potentiating peptides, BPP5a and BPP9a, slightly decreased overall VI response rates and caused a 10- to 20-fold potentiation of the rate-decreasing effect of bradykinin on VI responding. Both angiotensin II and bradykinin caused pauses in responding of dose-dependent duration at the beginning of the experimental session that were followed by normal VI responding. The effect of GAML-bradykinin on VI performance was similar to that of bradykinin and angiotensin II but had a delay of onset of 3 to 6 minutes. In contrast, substance P caused actual decreases in response output and pauses of variable duration interspersed between periods of regular VI responding. At the doses used, both bradykinin-potentiating peptides caused uniform decreases in VI responding throughout the experimental session. Gross behavioral changes caused by the peptides were also observed. After the intraventricular injection of bradykinin or GAML-bradykinin, rabbits showed decreased motility, ptosis, miosis and lowered ears; after angiotensin II, animals remained motionless but with wide open eyes, fully raised ears and no miosis. In turn, substance P caused restlessness and increased locomotion. These results together with reported evidence on other powerful central actions of bradykinin, angiotensin and substance P and on the existence of components of their releasing and destroying enzymatic systems in the brain suggest that linear peptides may play a role in the functioning of the central nervous system.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Anaerobic osteomyelitis of long bones.

Nine cases of anaerobic osteomyelitis of long bones are reviewed, and data are tabulated for an additional 52 cases from the literature. Three major clinical presentations of this disease entity include an acute hematogenous form usually involving previously normal bones in younger patients; a chronic infection in which the anaerobic bacteria superinfect a fracture site already compromised by osteomyelitis due to aerobic organisms, usually Staphylococcus aureus; and an indolent infection at the site of indwelling prosthetic devices. This last form appears to be initiated at the time of surgery by the introduction of normal cutaneous anaerobic flora into the wound, but disease does not become apparent until months to years later. The responsible organisms, pathophysiology, and clinical presentations of these three forms are discussed; and the therapeutic necessity to remove all devitalized tissues, reestablish vascularity, graft bony defects, and combine this with long-term antibiotic therapy, preferably bactericidal against the causative organisms, is emphasized.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Metronidazole treatment of Bacteroides fragilis infections.

Seven patients with Bacteroides fragilis infections were treated with intravenous and/or oral metronidazole. Infections treated included endocarditis, osteomyelitis, lung abscess, empyema, peritonitis, septicemia, and pelvic infection. Some patients had failed to respond to therapy with chloramphenicol or clindamycin or both. Metronidazole was used alone or in combination with aminoglycosides. Serum levels of metronidazole several times in excess of the minimal inhibitory concentrations for the organisms were easily achieved and in one patient the CSF metronidazole level was equal to that of the serum. Response to therapy with metronidazole was considered to be excellent. The only serious side effect noted was hypotension, which occurred in the last patient. Therapy was discontinued, and therefore therapeutic results could not be evaluated. Metronidazole appears to be a safe and effective agent in the treatment of B fragilis infections.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The terminal patient and psychotherapeutic approach].

The end stage situation, namely AIDS and malignant diseases, patients are analysed by the authors from the psychiatric and psychologic standpoint. A multidisciplinary clinical approach is pointed out and psychotherapeutic attitude and action parameters are referred to achieve both the understanding of persons in those situations, and the correct clinical praxis towards them.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Schizophreniform characteristics and schizophrenia illustrated with a Kafka story].

Kafka's literary work is the author's basis to illustrate the nature, function and evolution of schizophrenia related psychotic processes. Classical (Sobral Cid), psychoanalytic (Fairbain, Winnicott, Cortesão) among other author's contributions, are referred. The literary work analysis allows a link to be made between the symptoms (as referred in the APA'S D.S.M. III), and their understanding, and also elements for the therapeutic process.

Drama↗