PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

G L Gibson

Publications and source records attributed to G L Gibson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Child abuse: a time for new awareness.

There were 7602 cases of confirmed child abuse and neglect in Oklahoma in 1989. Twenty-five children died from abuse during the fiscal year. Physician training in diagnosis and management of child abuse must be expanded. Physicians are required by state statute to report all cases of suspected abuse to the Department of Human Services. Sexual abuse of children appears to be increasing. A coordinated multidisciplinary effort which involves physicians can help manage this threat to childrens' health.

Child

Streptobacillus moniliformis isolated from blood in four cases of Haverhill fever.

During February, 1983, an outbreak of an unusual febrile illness occurred in over 130 children attending a boarding school in Chelmsford, Essex. The clinical features included fever, an erythematous rash that was most prominent on the hands and feet, arthralgia, and the subsequent development of a sore throat. The nature and distribution of the rash varied considerably between patients and at different stages of illness. At first a viral aetiology was regarded as most likely. When Streptobacillus moniliformis was later isolated from the blood of 4 of the patients with moderately severe illnesses it became apparent that an outbreak of Haverhill fever had occurred at this school. The most probable source of the outbreak was raw milk, since all 4 patients had consumed raw milk at the school shortly before the onset of symptoms and there was no evidence of person-to-person spread of infection.

Adolescent

Campylobacter enteritis associated with consumption of unpasteurised milk.

In October and November 1978 two outbreaks of enteritis occurred in the north of England. Symptoms lasted two to over eight days but in no case necessitated admission to hospital. Faecal specimens from most of the patients were found to contain thermophilic Campylobacter sp. Inquiry disclosed that all patients had consumed unpasteurised milk from local farms. Examination of rectal swabs from the cattle concerned and milk socks yielded strains of Campylobacter sp indistinguishable from those isolated from the patients. It was therefore concluded that, since campylobacters are not known to be excreted in milk, faecal contamination of the milk had probably occurred and had led to these outbreaks. Evidence suggests that thermophilic Campylobacter sp is an occasional contaminant of milk. So long as unpasteurised milk continues to be distributed further outbreaks will probably occur.

Animals

A survey of treatment modalities used by mental health clinicians and activity therapists.

An art therapist conducted a survey of 150 mental health clinicians and activity therapists to find which of ten treatment modalities they preferred to use with ten types of psychiatric patients. The final sample consisted of 68 respondents: 34 clinicians, 17 activity therapists, and 17 art therapists. The three respondent groups agreed on the same optimum treatment modality for five patient groups. Art therapists felt art therapy was most effective in treating the youthful drug abuser, the child with educational problems, and the moderately depressed patient. Clinicians and activity therapists agreed on other treatment modalities for those patients.

Art Therapy

A disposable bedpan system using an improved disposal unit and self-supporting bedpans.

A system using totally disposable self-supporting bedpans requiring no carrier was examined in use in two hospitals. The bedpans and their contents were disposed of by destruction and flushing to waste carried out in a modified Haigh Sluicemaster disposal unit. This incorporates a positively closing and locking lid with refinements to avoid the lid slamming and has effective safety devices. The new bedpans and the improved disposal units reduce the risk of transfer and dispersal of pathogenic organisms to an acceptable level in ward and sluice room.

Air Microbiology

Bacteriological hazards of disposable bedpan systems.

A system using disposable papier maché bedpans and urinals in hospital has advantages of ease of handling for the nurse and cleanliness for the patient. Disposal of the bedpans and their contents is by destruction and flushing to waste. Some bacteriological hazards of this process in the Haigh Sluicemaster and J.M.L. Clinimatic machines are assessed, particularly the dispersal of the contents in spray and aerosol during opening, closing, and running the machines. Various safety devices were tested and some deficiencies are discussed.A major defect in the system is the need at present for a bedpan carrier or support which is not disposable and requires cleaning and disinfection. Minor problems include ordering and storing bulky items, possibly the texture of the bedpans themselves, and perhaps the effect of the bulk of paper discharged into the sewage system. At present the system seems unsuitable for use in infectious disease hospitals and has some deficiencies in use in general wards. The improvements suggested would greatly increase its acceptability which should then be completely re-assessed. To this end the examination of improved models using totally disposable bedpans is proceeding.

Aerosols

Use of the 'Analmatic clinical system' in the microbiological assay of vitamin B 12 and folic acid in serum.

The routine estimation of large numbers of serum folic acid and vitamin B(12) levels using the Baird and Tatlock(1) Analmatic clinical system is described and the method evaluated.Precision, accuracy, and carryover are shown to be at acceptable levels, and the advantages and disadvantages of the use of the system are discussed. It is considered that with some modifications the Analmatic system offers a reliable and labour-saving method of carrying out considerable numbers of routine microbiological assays.

Autoanalysis

Residual formaldehyde after low-temperature steam and formaldehyde sterilization.

The levels of formaldehyde remaining in various articles have been estimated immediately after a low-temperature steam and formaldehyde sterilizing process and after various periods of aeration. These levels have been compared with the levels of ethylene oxide remaining after exposure to an ethylene oxide sterilizing process. In rubber and polythene and a plastic, formaldehyde levels are low and slowly fall even further. Ethylene oxide levels are relatively much higher even after seven days' aeration. It is not considered that the residual levels of formaldehyde in rubber, polythene, and a plastic should constitute a danger. Residual levels of formaldehyde in fabrics and paper are higher but this may be of value by giving a self-disinfecting action on storage.

Air