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Biomedical subjects

J Giroux

Publications and source records attributed to J Giroux.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

A history of biological disasters of animal origin in North America.

This paper examines past occurrences in North America relevant to the possibility of biological disasters with animal origins. With respect to naturally occurring animal disease outbreaks, North America, while not as adversely affected by epizootics as other regions, has had its fair share of such outbreaks of both 'traditional' and emerging animal diseases. The traditional category includes such diseases as anthrax, classical swine fever, bluetongue, brucellosis, foot and mouth disease, and the family of equine encephalomyelitis viruses. The emerging diseases include relatively more recent culprits such as postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome, poultry enteritis mortality syndrome, and newly discovered examples of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Additionally, several serious diseases of human beings that involve animal vectors or reservoirs occur naturally in North America or have emerged in recent decades; these include plague, hantavirus, monkeypox, West Nile virus and avian-derived influenza. At the same time, there have been very few intentional attacks on livestock using biological agents and no recorded cases in North America of animals intentionally being used to transmit disease to humans. According to the historical record, therefore, naturally occurring emerging zoonoses probably constitute the greatest threat in terms of biological disasters with animal origins. However, some of the general trends in terrorist activity, such as the intensification of activities by animal rights extremists against facilities undertaking animal research, mean that the possibility of intentional animal-related biological disasters should not be discounted.

Animal Diseases↗
PubMed1998

Phonological skills of children with specific expressive language impairment (SLI-E): outcome at age 3.

Naturalistic speech samples of 29 3-year-olds diagnosed with specific expressive language delay (SU-E) were compared to those produced by 19 age-matched normally developing peers in order to determine their improvement in phonological skills since age 2, when Rescorla and Ratner (1996) studied them. Specifically, the groups were compared with regard to vocalization rate, verbalizations, fully intelligible utterances, phonetic inventories, percentages of consonants correct (PCC), phonological processes, and mean length of utterance (MLU). Results revealed that there was no significant difference between the groups in their numbers of vocalizations (as there had been at age 2), although there continued to be differences in their phonetic inventories, PCC scores, and overall intelligibility. These findings suggest that at age 2 the children with SU-E were not only less phonologically skilled but less talkative, whereas by age 3 they were equally vocal. Analysis of the phonetic inventories of the children demonstrated that for most consonants, the SLI-E group followed the some pattern of development as the comparison children, but more of the normally developing group had productive control of each consonant, consistent with findings of Rescorla and Ratner. There continued to be differences in intelligibility as measured by rates of verbalization (those utterances with at least one intelligible word) and fully intelligible utterances. Using these measures, we found that approximately half the SU-E children had caught up with their normally developing peers in terms of articulation, whereas half of them continued to be significantly delayed. Finally, although some of the late-bloomer group had caught up to the comparison children in language skills, as measured by MLU, many had not, suggesting that there was a tendency for the children to catch up in some articulation skills before catching up in language abilities.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1993

Clean intermittent catheterization in spinal cord injury patients: a followup study.

A followup study on nonhospitalized spinal cord injury patients using clean intermittent catheterization was conducted to evaluate long-term clean intermittent catheterization for any genitourinary complications, and to institute and evaluate prompt management. A total of 50 patients (36 paraplegics and 14 quadriplegics) was followed for 3 months to 6.5 years (average followup 22 months). All patients had a baseline urodynamic study and renal scan before they were discharged from the hospital. Patients with a reflex bladder and sustained, high intravesical pressures (greater than 40 cm. water) were placed on anticholinergic medication to lower voiding pressures and maintain continence. Those on clean intermittent catheterization and condom drainage were also given alpha-blockers to achieve low pressure voiding and to control autonomic dysreflexia. Of 50 patients 43 (86%) acquired a total of 364 events of significant bacteriuria (10(4) or more colony-forming units per ml.) at a rate of 13.63 infections per 1,000 patient-days on clean intermittent catheterization. Subclinical symptoms for urinary tract infection were noted in 22 of the 43 patients (51%), whereas clinical symptoms for urinary tract infection were recorded in 16 of 43 (37%). These symptoms included fever in 8 patients, chills in 3, hematuria in 3 and flank pain in 2. There were 31 genitourinary complications in 21 patients noted during periodic diagnostic evaluations, with 6 classified as upper tract. Of 50 patients 4 (8%) required rehospitalization for urological problems. One patient died of questionable sepsis. Transurethral sphincterotomy was performed in 15 of the 50 patients (30%) and transurethral prostatectomy was done in 1 for multiple reasons, for example high intravesical voiding pressures, difficult catheterization, repeated symptomatic urinary tract infections or per patient request to discontinue clean intermittent catheterization. Of 7 patients who were catheterized by others 4 elected to discontinue long-term clean intermittent catheterization after an average of 13 months. Overall, 33 patients (66%) discontinued clean intermittent catheterization and 17 are still being followed on a long-term basis. Clean intermittent catheterization is a successful long-term option to drain bladders in spinal cord injury patients who can perform catheterization independently.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Adolescents and microcomputers: sex differences, proxemics, task and stimulus variables.

Questionnaires concerning attitudes toward use of microcomputers at home, in school, and at video arcades were administered to 879 high school students. Direct observations of adolescent proxemics and sex differences, and of various parameters of video games in 18 video arcades were made. A thorough and representative content analysis of sex bias of microcomputer software advertising brochures was carried out. Results supported previous findings of overrepresentation of masculine culture in the adolescent world of microcomputers, particularly regarding video games. Various types of computer-related activity were not related to socioeconomic class of the parents or to academic grades except for use of home microcomputers, which was mildly positively related to socioeconomic class (r = .124, p less than .001). Nearly half the activity in the arcades was strictly solitary. None of the arcade video games allowed for cooperative play. Most allowed only for sequential competition (86%) or simultaneous competition (7%); as many as 7% did not provide a display of the scores for a second player.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Limited value of the Fairley test in urologic infections in patients with neuropathic bladders.

In an attempt to localize sites of urinary tract infection, a combined Fairley washout test and prostatic localization was performed on 110 spinal cord injured (SCI) patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction and a history of recurrent bacteriuria. Analysis of 100 patients demonstrated both single and double site of localization. Single sites of localization involved: upper tract 21 of 92 (23%), bladder 15 of 92 (16%), prostate eight of 92 (9%), and 48 of 92 (52%) undetermined. In eight cases, double site of localization was documented: prostate and upper tract six of eight (75%), prostate and bladder one of eight (12%), and prostate and undetermined one of eight (12%). Eighty-seven patients were followed post localization with urine cultures on the fourth or tenth day post procedure; 27 patients (31%) became sterile post localization, 55 patients (63%) stayed infected (greater than or equal to 10(4) colonies/ml), and five patients (6%) had less than 10(4) colonies/ml. Limitation of the Fairley washout may be attributed to the following: difficulty in sterilizing large atonic and trabeculated bladders, TUR sphincterotomy with widely open bladder neck, and heavy urethral colonization from use of external urinary collecting devices. Our modification of Fairley's test included irrigation of the urethra in seven patients. The final bladder irrigant specimen was positive in only one patient compared to 16 of 37 patients without urethral irrigation. We conclude that the ability of the modified Fairley washout and prostatic localization to diagnose the site of urinary tract infection in an SCI population is limited. However, as a mechanical washout for asymptomatic bacteriuria, the Fairley test was found to be beneficial in 31% of the patients as a therapeutic modality.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

In vitro evaluation of current disinfectants for leg bags.

An in vitro study was performed investigating the bactericidal ability of five common cleaning agents for leg bags against organisms frequently causing urinary tract infection in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. Individual disposable Uridrain leg bags were inoculated with urine containing greater than 10(5) colonies/ml of the selected organism. The organisms used were: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia stuartii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, Herellea, and Enterococcus. Each pair of inoculated bags (one bag for immediate or 0 hour culture and one bag for 24 hour culture) was filled with 30 ml of the test solution, cleaned, drained, and then cultured. The tested solutions included: plain tap water, 1/4% acetic acid, 3% hydrogen peroxide, Sporicidin 1:16 dilution, and 0.06% sodium hypochlorite. The results demonstrated that plain tap water had no effect on reducing the bacterial counts and that 1/4% acetic acid and 3% hydrogen peroxide had only a marginal effect across the spectrum of organisms. Sporicidin and 0.06% sodium hypochlorite exhibited complete bactericidal ability. In the final analysis, 0.06% sodium hypochlorite is the most cost efficient and readily accessible to patients. In practical application, disinfecting daily with 0.06% sodium hypochlorite can decrease external contamination of urinary drainage appliances in SCI patients.

Disinfectants↗
PubMed1985

Prevention, treatment, and management of urinary tract infections in neuropathic bladders.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) continues to be a major cause of mortality in patients with neurogenic bladders. Even patients who void reflexly and have unobstructed voiding with external condom drainage have a high incidence of chronic recurrent bacteriuria. Our recent studies have described the difficulty of diagnosing and localizing UTI in patients with neurogenic bladders. Symptoms correlated poorly with significant bacteriuria (greater than or equal to 10(5) colonies/ml) and the use of the Fairley washout test gave less than optimal results in our studied population. Breakdown of endogenous host defenses, development of drug resistant organisms, and external contamination from urinary drainage appliances and fecal incontinence should be considered in diagnosis and management of these patients. Adequate bladder drainage is the most effective prophylactic measure against recurrent urinary tract infections. Our methods of bladder drainage include use of alpha blockers, transurethral sphincterotomy, and in selected paraplegics, long-term intermittent self-catheterization. We stress decreasing pathogenic bacterial skin colonization through daily perineal washing with soap and water, and cleaning drainage appliances at least once daily with 0.06% sodium hypochlorite. We treat the symptomatic patients and patients with positive urine cultures with potential stone forming organisms. Antibiotic therapy in asymptomatic patients should be guided by an inflammatory response with white blood cell count of greater than or equal to 10(4) colonies/ml in the urine and positive bacterial culture of greater than or equal to 10(5) colonies/ml.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed1984

[Rape by 2 assaillants and gang rape in Montreal].

A survey was conducted in 230 cases of rape and rape attempts heard in the Judicial District of Montreal between January 1975 and May 1978. Data were compiled from the 30 assaults including two or more assaillants. Results show that in cases of rape committed by two men the aggressors are older than gang rapists, meet the victim mainly in her flat or in a bar, and rape her in her own home, in a car or a hotel. In these cases, voyeurism seems to be an important factor since, most of the time, rape is committed by only one of the two aggressors. On the other hand, gang rapists are younger, meet the victim in public places, on the street or when she is hitch-hiking and attack her in one of the aggressors' house, in public places or on the street. Exhibitionism seems more present in this group of rapists. For both groups the victims are mainly single, younger than the aggressors and have diverse occupations. Finally, regarding the legal outcome half of the subjects were liberated or acquitted in both groups. Rape committed by two men had never been studied or compared with gang rape up until now. Results of this survey show dynamic and demographic differences between these two groups of sexual delinquents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Properties of malate dehydrogenase isolated from Methanospirillum hungatii.

A NADH-linked oxygen-tolerant malate dehydrogenase was purified 270-fold from cell extracts of Methanospirillum hungatii. Inhibitors of the enzyme included ADP, alpha-ketoglutarate, and excess NADH. Inhibition patterns for ADP were competitive with respect to NADH and non-competitive with respect to oxalacetate. Inhibition by alpha-ketoglutarate was non-competitive with oxalacetate as variable substrate and uncompetitive with respect to NADH. alpha-Ketoglutarate is surmised to function as an end-product inhibitor of the enzyme in reactions converting oxalacetate to alpha-ketoglutarate. No enzyme activity was detected in the direction of malate conversion to oxalacetate, in keeping with a strictly biosynthetic function of the enzyme. An analysis of variance of intial rate data fit to sequential and ping-pong equations showed that a sequential mechanism was perferred. The malate dehydrogenase of M. hungatii resembles those of many other bacteria and eucaryotic cells respect to molecular weight (61,700) and reaction mechanism, but may be regulated differently.

Enzyme Activation↗
PubMed1974

Some effects of visible light on Escherichia coli.

Light above 400 nm had selective effects on Escherichia coli ML-308: several processes or enzymes were strongly inhibited, whereas others were relatively unaffected. There was a correlation between the inhibition of respiration and the inhibition of active uptake of glycine. However, phenylalanine uptake did not show such a correlation. The decrease in adenosine 5'-triphosphate level during the first few minutes of illumination resembled the inactivation kinetics of phenylalanine uptake. The results suggest that phenylalanine uptake may not depend greatly on oxidative energy and may depend on the adenosine 5'-triphosphate level. The results for glycine suggest either that its active uptake and respiration involve a common photosensitive component or alternately, that only the respiratory chain contains the photosensitive component, and that glycine uptake is coupled almost exclusively to respiration. The critical photochemical lesion does not involve d-lactate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, or l-alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase since their inactivation rate is markedly lower than that for respiration.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Low national breast and cervical cancer-screening rates in American Indian and Alaska Native women with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The cervical cancer mortality rate for American Indian and Alaska Native women is twice that of all races in the United States. To date the only published national breast and cervical cancer-screening rates for American Indian and Alaska Native women are based on self-reported data. When the Indian Health Service (IHS) conducts an annual audit on patients with diabetes, it includes cancer screening. This observational study presents national breast and cervical cancer-screening rates for American Indian and Alaska Native women with diabetes. METHODS: Cancer-screening rates were extracted from the 1995 diabetic audit for the 12 IHS areas. These rates were compared with rates for women without diabetes of the same age, 50 to 69 years, by chart review, at four IHS hospitals in the Aberdeen IHS area. RESULTS: Screening rates for women with diabetes in the 12 areas varied: mammogram (ever) 35% to 78%; clinical breast examination (last year) 28% to 70%, and Papanicolaou smear (last year) 26% to 69%. The Aberdeen IHS area women with diabetes had 51% more clinic visits per year than women without diabetes, but the groups had similar screening rates. CONCLUSION: Cancer-screening rates for American Indian and Alaska Native women vary by region. In the Aberdeen IHS area, women with diabetes had more visits (missed opportunities) but similar screening rates as women without diabetes. The diabetic audit could be used to monitor national IHS cancer-screening trends for women with diabetes and in the Aberdeen IHS area for all women aged 50 to 69 years.

Aged↗