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Biomedical subjects

J A Curtis

Publications and source records attributed to J A Curtis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1993

CaseLog: semantic network interface to a student computer-based patient record system.

We have developed a computer program called CaseLog, which serves as an exemplary, computer-based patient record (CPR) system. The program allows for the introduction of the students to issues unique to patient record systems. These include record security, unique patient identifiers, and the use of controlled vocabularies. A particularly challenging aspect of the development of this program was allowing for student entry of controlled vocabulary terms. There were four goals we wished to achieve: students should be able to find the terms they are looking for; once a term has been found, it should be easy to find contextually related terms; it should be easy to determine that a sought-for term is not in the vocabulary; and the structure of the vocabulary should be dynamically altered by contextual information to allow its use for a variety of purposes. We chose a semantic network for our vocabulary structure. Within the processing power of the equipment we were working with, we achieved our goals. This paper will describe the development of the vocabulary, the design of the CaseLog program, and the feedback from student users of the program.

Computer Systems↗
PubMed1985

Bibliographic control of audiovisuals: analysis of a cataloging project using OCLC.

The staff of the Quillen-Dishner College of Medicine Library cataloged 702 audiovisual titles between July 1, 1982, and June 30, 1983, using the OCLC database. This paper discusses the library's audiovisual collection and describes the method and scope of a study conducted during this project, the cataloging standards and conventions adopted, the assignment and use of NLM classification, the provision of summaries for programs, and the amount of staff time expended in cataloging typical items. An analysis of the use of OCLC for this project resulted in the following findings: the rate of successful searches for audiovisual copy was 82.4%; the error rate for records used was 41.9%; modifications were required in every record used; the Library of Congress and seven member institutions provided 62.8% of the records used. It was concluded that the effort to establish bibliographic control of audiovisuals is not widespread and that expanded and improved audiovisual cataloging by the Library of Congress and the National Library of Medicine would substantially contribute to that goal.

Audiovisual Aids↗
PubMed1983

Selective hypoaldosteronism in infancy. Report of a case.

A 10-week-old female infant had anorexia, failure to thrive, and dehydration. Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia were found, along with urinary salt loss and increased plasma renin activity. Plasma deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, and urinary 18-hydroxycorticosterone levels were increased. The plasma aldosterone levels were inappropriately reduced given the degree of sodium depletion present, while urinary aldosterone concentrations were persistently low. These are characteristic findings of an enzymatic defect in the synthesis of aldosterone involving 18-dehydrogenase, also known as methyl oxidase defect type 2. The infant responded to therapy with fludrocortisone acetate, including catch-up growth in both length and weight. The disease is transmitted by an autosomal recessive gene.

Diet, Sodium-Restricted↗
PubMed1982

Endocrine complications of topical and intralesional corticosteroid therapy.

Four previously healthy children acquired skin problems that were treated with topical or intralesional fluorinated corticosteroids. Three developed signs that suggested Cushing's syndrome 1-4 months after initial treatment. Investigation showed low plasma cortisol levels and inadequate response to corticotrophin stimulation. After 7 months of treatment with topical steroids the fourth child presented with failure to thrive; during a febrile illness he had a convulsion followed by acute hypotension which responded to parenteral corticosteroid administration. Adrenal function was not studied in this patient. Although fluorinated corticosteroids seldom lead to overt adrenal suppression in children, they may impair pituitary-adrenal responses in some. Such patients should be given oral or parenteral steroid cover in the event of illness or trauma.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1981

Cholesteatoma of the upper urinary tract.

Cholesteatoma of the urinary tract is a rare condition which can be diagnosed radiographically. The radiographic findings of stringy intraluminal defects or nodules that may lightly calcify or coalesce to form a discrete mass in association with calculi and/or obstruction are characteristic. A history of chronic urinary tract infection, renal colic, and desquamated epithelial cells in the urine further support the diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Lomotil poisoning in children.

45 children were admitted to hospital after ingesting varying quantities of diphenoxylate (Lomotil). One died and 44 recovered without any sequelae. Four patients were comatose, 32 were drowsy, and 9 suffered respiratory depression. No correlation was found between ingested dose and the severity of symptoms. Because of its action in rendering the gut atonic, removal of diphenoxylate by gastric lavage is mandatory, even in patients admitted at least 24 hours after drug ingestion. Naloxone is the narcotic antagonist of choice, and should be used in all cases where suspected diphenoxylate poisoning leads to respiratory depression or coma. The use of Lomotil as an antidiarrhoeal agent in children is difficult to justify.

Child↗
PubMed1979

Renal duplication with a diminutive lower pole: the Nubbin sign.

Eight patients with a duplex kidney demonstrated severe attenuation of parenchyma in the lower pole. The radiographic appearance of a diminutive lower collecting system indicated the proper diagnosis when there was sufficient parenchyma for visualization. Parenchymal attenuation may represent either hypoplasia or inflammatory atrophy. Whichever the cause, it is important that the diminutive lower pole not be mistaken for a renal mass, extrinsic tumor, renal infarction, or a postoperative change.

Adult↗