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R Higgins

Publications and source records attributed to R Higgins.

215 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1977

The pathogenesis of leptospirosis I. Hemorrhages in experimental leptospirosis in guinea pigs.

In experimental infections of guinea pigs with a virulent strain of Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae widespread hemorrhages were observed. Thrombocytopenia, prolongation of prothrombin, thrombin, partial thromboplastin and coagulation times, decrease of plasma fibrinogen, factor V, factor VIII and the presence of fibrinogen degradation products were demonstrated. Treatment of infected guinea pigs with heparin prolonged life for two to three days. The histological observations revealed that the main lesion is a severe injury of the vasculature, mainly arteries, arterioles and capillaries. Most of the endothelial cells are affected or destroyed and the muscular fibers of arteries and arterioles are injured. With Martius-Scarlet-Blue, Weigert or Picro-Mallory stains it was demonstrated that the organization seen in the vessels is not all made of fibrin. The conclusion reached was that the hemorrhages observed in experimental leptospirosis in guines pigs are due to disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Animals↗
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Antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus suis isolates.

The antimicrobial activities of penicillin (PEN), ampicillin (AMP), cephalothin (CT), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), streptomycin (STM), and gentamicin (GM) against 122 representative strains of Streptococcus suis, were compared by the agar dilution procedure. The current US National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) breakpoints for non-enterococcal streptococci were used for PEN, AMP, CT, and TMP-SMX. Overall, 50% of strains were not fully susceptible to PEN, whereas these percentages for AMP and CT were 9% and 6% respectively. One strain was resistant to TMP-SMX. High-level GM resistance could not be detected, but more than 46% of strains were highly resistant to STM (MIC > 2000 mg l-1). This high percentage of resistance to STM precludes the use of this aminoglycoside-penicillin combination as empiric therapy in severe S. suis infections. These results should prompt microbiology laboratories to carry out antimicrobial susceptibility tests on a routine basis on S. suis isolates.

Animals↗
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'To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war': the role of the International Court of Justice.

The International Court of Justice is the judicial arm of the United Nations. Its provenance and role in keeping international peace and security is described. Its role in settling disputes between states and giving advice to the UN organs and specialized agencies is illustrated from a series of past cases where it has contributed to the maintenance or restoration of international peace and security. Possible limitations to its contributions, arising from the need for consent to its jurisdiction, and from the process of international law are discussed, and it is concluded that decisions under international law are for realization of values. Finally, its relationship with the UN Security Council is examined.

Altruism↗
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Isolation of ornithobacterium rhinotracheale from turkeys in Quebec, Canada.

In the spring of 1997, three large white hybrid turkey layer flocks of 52 wk of age experienced a severe respiratory condition. During the outbreak, the turkeys showed respiratory signs, an increased mortality rate, and an important drop in egg production. Macroscopic and histopathologic examinations were carried out on several carcasses, as well as bacteriologic analyses on different tissues. Colonies of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (OR) were detected after 24 hr of incubation, and the isolate appeared to be serotype A. The identification of the species was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of whole-cell proteins. Since 1993, several cases of OR infection have been diagnosed in the United States and more recently in Canada. Monitoring of this emerging infection is recommended.

Animals↗
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Studies on the dissemination of Salmonella in nine broiler-chicken flocks.

The salmonella status of nine different broiler-chicken flocks was studied from the day before the chickens were placed in the house until their sixth week of age. The presence of salmonella serotypes in dust, litter, feces, water, and feed was investigated. Dust from different sites was sampled and appeared to be contaminated with salmonellae even after six of the nine houses were disinfected. Defects in the cleaning and disinfection of air inlets and fans seemed to be an important factor for the recontamination of the house. Chickens were often contaminated at the hatchery, and in two houses the percentage of contamination had increased to as much as 82 7% and 88 8% at six weeks of age. Swabbing of intact and fresh feces appeared to be a more reliable technique than culturing the litter for evaluating the shedder state of the flock, and it appeared also to be more rapid and simple than the collection of cloacal swabs.

Animal Feed↗
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Airway stenoses after lung transplantation: management with expanding metal stents.

Success in lung transplantation has been hindered by airway complications, usually as a result of anastomotic ischemia and stenosis. We report our experience with expanding metal stents in managing airway stenoses after lung transplantation. From April 1984 through November 1993, 46 single lung, 5 double lung, and 154 heart-lung transplantations were performed at Papworth Hospital. All patients received immunosuppression with azathioprine, cyclosporine, methylprednisolone, and induction antithymocyte globulin. Fourteen patients (nine single lung, two double lung, and three heart-lung) had an airway stenosis requiring a stent. The most common features were shortness of breath, wheezing or stridor, and a fall in pulmonary function tests (11 patients). Three patients had pneumonia. Airway stenosis was diagnosed on bronchoscopy an average of 61 days after transplantation (range 3 to 245 days). Stent placement occurred an average of 18 days after the diagnosis (range 2 to 84 days). One heart-lung transplant recipient received a silicone rubber stent. All other patients received expanding metal stents. Six patients required multiple stent placements. After stent placement the average increase in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 117%. Infection complicated the stenoses in 12 patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus were the most common pathogens, each occurring in six cases. Multiple pathogens were isolated in seven cases. Three patients died as a direct consequence of their airway problems. Two died of pneumonia despite stenting, and a third died of acute occlusion of the silicone rubber stent. Expanding metal stents are an effective treatment of airway stenoses in lung transplant recipients. Patients with suspected airway problems should be referred for early bronchoscopy with the potential for stent placement.

Adult↗
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Community Mental Health Services↗