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Biomedical subjects

S R Hirsch

Publications and source records attributed to S R Hirsch.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

Influence of D-or DL-propranolol and chlorpromazine on habituation of phasic electrodermal responses in schizophrenia.

Propranolol was found to share the properties of the racemate in facilitating habituation of the electrodermal orienting reflex in schizophrenic patients. This effect appeared independent of influences on levels of skin conductance and non-specific responses. Chlorpromazine did not normalise orienting activity. If the findings from open clinical studies that D-propranolol has anti-psychotic properties are confirmed, the fact that dextro propranolol has only minimal cardiovascular effects may give it important advantages as an anti-psychotic agent. Controlled clinical studies to prove its therapeutic action and neurobiological studies to determine its central mechanisms of action are warranted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Filtering hospital air decreases Aspergillus spore counts.

We performed counts of airborne spores in a hospital with filtered air where a decrease in nosocomial infection with Aspergillus organisms had been documented. For comparison, similar studies were performed at a nearby general hospital in a ward with open windows. The total spore count inside the hospital with filtered air was significantly less than inside the ward with open windows. The total count of Aspergillus organisms in the filtered air was significantly less than that in the room with open windows. We conclude that the decrease in nosocomial infections with Aspergillus organisms in the hospital with filtered air is probably associated with fewer airborne spores.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed1979

A comparison of social workers and psychiatrists in evaluating parasuicide.

Sixty parasuicide patients admitted to medical wards were assessed by social workers prior to routine psychiatric assessment. Both disciplines completed a rating schedule. The social workers' and psychiatrists' rating schedule responses were compared, and their decisions were examined against further information obtained by a research psychiatrist, which included standardized mental state assessment. Overall the results show that social workers can safely and reliably assess these patients, but they are more cautious. A management approach involving social workers assessors of parasuicide patients is discussed.

Humans↗
PubMed1979

Depressive and extrapyramidal symptoms and clinical effects: a trial of fluphenazine versus flupenthixol in maintenance of schizophrenic out-patients.

Fifty-seven patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were started on either fluphenazine decanoate or flupenthixol decanoate injections in a double-blind trial just prior to discharge into the community. During the six month follow-up 30 per cent dropped out of the treatment. Of those observed for six months, 7 per cent relapsed, 54 per cent experienced depressive symptoms and 88 per cent extrapyramidial side-effects. Analysis of both clinical data and the ratings failed to discriminate between the two drugs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Effect of central air conditioning and meteorologic factors on indoor spore counts.

We have studied the effect of residential central air conditioning on indoor spore counts. The air of 6 pairs of homes (air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned) was sampled volumetrically 4 times daily for 3 consecutive days at 2-hr intervals in the kitchens, bedrooms, and basements with an Anderson sampler. Nearly simultaneous samples were taken outdoors at the same intervals. The total spore count was significantly lower (p less than 0.05) in the kitchens and bedrooms of air-conditined as compared to non-air-conditioned homes. Logarithmic conversion of the total spore count showed significant reduction in all indoor locations of air-conditioned homes. Multiple regression analysis revealed the lower relative humidity of air-conditioned homes to be associated with the lower spore counts. There was no difference in the percent concentration of the major genera within both types of homes. Since reducing the influx of outdoor spores decreases the total spore count without altering the relative concentration of the genera whereas filtration preferentially removes the larger spores, we conclude that the major mechanism in reducing spore counts in air-conditioned homes is the closed windows, although the lower relative humidity and perhaps filtration are also associated with lower spore counts.

Air Conditioning↗
PubMed1978

Charcoal-induced lipid reduction in uremia.

Charcoal, in divided oral doses totalling 35 g/day, was administered to six patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance of 0 to 45 ml/min). Significant (P less than 0.01) reductions in serum cholesterol and triglycerides were observed in the three most hyperlipidemic patients. Maximal decreases in charcoal responders, as compared with control values, were for cholesterol (43%, 23.4% and 40.4%) and for triglycerides (76%, 60.3% and 64.3%). None of the patients showed altered concentrations of BUN, serum creatinine, uric acid, or vitamin A. Because of its safety and the profundity of its hypolipidemic action, it is suggested that charcoal may find applicability in the management of azotemic diabetic and nephrotic hyperlipidemia.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Circulating basophils in normal subjects and in subjects with hay fever.

The relationship of hay fever symptoms and changes in the number of circulating basophils was studied in 12 subjects clinically sensitive only to ragweed and in 10 nonatopic subjects before, during, and after the ragweed season. Total white blood counts, absolute basophil counts, and symptom scores were recorded twice weekly from mid-June through October, 1974, and compared with the ragweed pollen count. The results indicated that the absolute and relative number of basophils were significantly elevated (p less than 0.001) in the hay fever group when symptoms occurred. As the symptom score of the allergic group increased during the ragweed season, the number of basophils also increased, only to decrease to control values when symptoms subsided. The basophil counts of the atopic group were significantly higher than those of the nonatopic group during the control periods. The nonatopic group also showed a significant elevation of basophils during the ragweed season, but to a much lesser extent than the atopic group. It is concluded that: (1) subjects with symptomatic hay fever have a significantly elevated absolute and relative basophil count which correlates with the exacerbation and remission of symptoms; (2) nonatopic subjects also have a small but significant elevation of basophils during the ragweed season; and (3) the elevation of basophils in the atopic group during symptoms is significantly greater than in the nonatopic group during the ragweed season.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

A one-year survey of mold growth inside twelve homes.

A survey was performed of the mold flora in the air and on the surfaces inside twelve homes throughout four seasons. There were significant variations of the mold flora in homes associated with the outdoor spore count, various rooms, carpeting, central air-conditioning and pets. We conclude that homes may be a source of perennial mold exposure.

Air Conditioning↗
PubMed1975

The Wisconsin Allergy Society fee and practice survey. A study for professional standard review organizations.

Physicians practicing allegy in the State of Wisconsin were surveyed regarding their fees charged and norms of practice relating to the diagnosis and management of patients with allergic diseases. Over 50% of the physicians surveyed responded and the results were compiled and analyzed. The data obtained provide an over-view of the practice of a medical subspecialty and can thus be used for possible peer evaluation.

Fees, Medical↗
PubMed1975

The direct basophil degranulation test and the intracutaneous test: a comparison using food extracts.

The purpose of this study was to compare the direct basophil degranulation test (DBDT) of Hirsch and Zastrow with the intracutaneous (IC) test in subjects with and without histories of food allergy. The DBDT was perfomred by incubating the concentrated leukocytes of subjects with dilutions of the suspected allergenic extract and comparing the number of nondegranulated basophils remaining in the test samples with the number remaining in a control. The test sample with the least number of basophils represents maximal basophil degranulation. The DBDT was perfromed with extracts of the suspected food on 14 subjects with reliable clinical histories and positive IC tests indicative of food hypersensitivity. Thirteen of these 14 food-sensitive subjects also had IC and DDBT8 to the extracts of foods to which they were not clinically sensitive. Fourteen different subjects not allergic to foods were also tested with food extracts by the IC and DBDTS. There was a 92% correlation between the IC test and the DBDT, a 90% correlation between the IC test and the history, and an 86% correlation between the DBDT and the history. We conclude that, in this study of subjects clearly sensitive to foods, the DBDT correlates favorably with the history and IC test.

Allergens↗
PubMed1973

Outpatient maintenance of chronic schizophrenic patients with long-acting fluphenazine: double-blind placebo trial. Report to the Medical Research Council Committee on Clinical Trials in Psychiatry.

A double-blind placebo trial of fluphenazine decanoate, a long-acting phenothiazine, was carried out to determine its value in maintenance therapy of chronic schizophrenic outpatients already established on the drug for a minimum period of eight weeks. In low doses it was significantly more effective than placebo in preventing relapse and admission to hospital. Relapse was accompanied by a resurgence of specifically schizophrenic symptoms and by an increase in abnormalities described by the relatives. There was no difference between the experimental and control groups in the treatment required for depression. The group on active medication required more treatment for Parkinsonism, but this difference did not reach statistical significance.In the context of a well-run special clinic for outpatient follow-up of chronic schizophrenic patients these results confirm the usefulness of long-acting fluphenazine. By inference, the benefit of this treatment highlights the need for adequate community services to deal with the residual chronic disabilities which are characteristic of these patients.

Adolescent↗