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Biomedical subjects

J Mendez

Publications and source records attributed to J Mendez.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

An investigation of sterile immunity against toxoplasmosis in rats.

The non-persistent BK strain was examined for its ability to induce sterile immunity in Wistar rats. Groups of 2-9 Wistar rats were inoculated subcutaneously with 5 x 10(4) BK strain tachyzoites per rat. Two months later, 46 rats were dosed by gavage with 2 x 10(1) cysts of the C, ME-49, Prugniaud, C-56, Elg, M-7741 or M3 strains. Another 26 rats were inoculated with 10(3) oocysts of the ME49, M7741, Bear or Hopa-Hopa strains of Toxoplasma gondii. After 2 months, the rats were euthanized and their brains screened microscopically for toxoplasma tissue cysts and bioassayed in mice if negative. As judged by bioassay, the BK strain of Toxoplasma induced statistically significant protection against reinfection only when rats were challenged with cysts of the C and Prugniaud strains or with oocysts of the ME49 strain. Nonetheless, cysts were detected microscopically only in 23% of brains of immunized rats challenged with oocysts of the Bear and Hopa-Hopa strains of Toxoplasma and none of those challenged with tissue cysts of any strain. Tissue cysts were detected in 43 and 48% of non-immunized control rats infected with tissue cysts and oocysts, respectively. The overall infection in control rats (microscopy and bioassay) was 70 and 72% for rats inoculated with cysts and oocysts, respectively. These results are consistent with the divergent results obtained by other investigators with regard to protection after challenge with different complete strains (cyst and oocysts forming) of the parasite, of rats immunized with incomplete strains.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Spontaneous gangrenous myositis induced by Streptococcus pyogenes: case report and review of the literature.

A 54-year-old man presented with gangrenous myositis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. A review of the literature disclosed 10 similar cases. Their presenting manifestations were spontaneously occurring, localized, excruciating pain; mottling suggestive of ischemic changes; and signs of sepsis. The duration of illness ranged from two to six days, and the outcome was uniformly fatal. This rare but distinct entity resembles clostridial myonecrosis except that it lasts slightly longer and does not involve gaseous crepitus. A definitive diagnosis of myonecrosi scan be established by surgical exploration; early, radical debridement plus penicillin therapy should be undertaken after diagnosis in an attempt to alter the usual devastating outcome.

Gangrene↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Attitudes and issues in treating Latino patients with type 2 diabetes: views of healthcare providers.

The purpose of this study was to explore the concerns of Latino patients with Type 2 diabetes. Focus groups were conducted with healthcare practitioners to chart their perceptions of the issues faced by their Latino patients. One group consisted of professionals working among Mexican American clients in an inner-city clinic; another group was held at an inner-city hospital serving mostly Puerto Rican Americans; and a third group involved providers practicing with more affluent, suburban Mexican Americans. Practitioners agreed that communication with patients was hindered by low reading levels, lack of proficiency in English, and an excessive respect for physicians. Emotional barriers to adequate treatment were often more important than financial concerns, even among low-income patients. Fear of insulin therapy was expressed in Hispanic communities, and folk remedies were commonly used. Because family needs were considered most important, adhering to a treatment regimen might be viewed as self-indulgent. Yet families provided valuable reinforcement and emotional support. Important questions facing Latinos with diabetes were effectively identified using focus groups of healthcare providers.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗