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Biomedical subjects

S Hardman

Publications and source records attributed to S Hardman.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Disseminated Sporothix schenckii in a patient with AIDS.

Sporothrix schenckii is a widespread dimorphic fungus which can cause cutaneous infection following local implantation. Disseminated sporotrichosis may occur in immunodeficient individuals but meningitis remains a rare complication. Diagnosis is usually difficult, requiring isolation of the organism from the CSF or skin so appropriate treatment can be promptly initiated. We present the first case of S. schenckii meningitis reported in the UK in a patient with AIDS. He presented with insidious features of meningoencephalitis, hydrocephalus and multiple cutaneous lesions and failed to respond to therapy.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2004

An in vitro model to compare the antimicrobial activity of silver-coated versus rifampicin-soaked vascular grafts.

In situ replacement of infected vascular grafts is an accepted alternative to total graft excision and extraanatomic replacement. Its success relies upon the ability of the newly inserted graft to resist recurrent infection. This study compares the efficacy of two methods used to reduce the risk of graft reinfection: rifampicin soaking versus silver bonding of grafts. The grafts' resistance to infection was tested in vitro in two protocols, each using a panel of seven common bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The length of time the grafts remained free of organisms was compared between the groups. Both the silver graft and the rifampicin-soaked graft were significantly better than control graft at preventing bacterial growth on the graft surface. The rifampicin inhibited the growth of the gram-positive organisms, including MRSA, significantly better than the silver graft on days 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). Conversely, the silver graft was significantly more effective against the gram-negative organisms until day 4 (p < 0.0001). Both types of graft inhibit the in vitro growth of bacteria more effectively than controls, with rifampicin being most effective against gram-positive organisms and silver being best against the gram-negative organisms.

Acetates↗
PubMed1995

Subjective and behavioural evaluation of cigarette cravings.

Cigarette cravings were evaluated in a sample of moderately heavy smokers, using the Questionnaire on Smoking Urges (QSU: Tiffany and Drobes 1991), which produces scores on two factors, related to the positive (factor I) and negative (factor II)-reinforcing properties of smoking, respectively. Smoking motivation was also assessed behaviourally using a progressive-ratio operant procedure, in which responding on a computer keyboard was reinforced by puffs on a cigarette, under a progressively increasing work requirement. Abstinence (4-14 h) increased scores on both subjective and behavioural measures. In non-deprived subjects, behavioural measures and cigarette liking correlated more strongly with factor I of the QSU than with factor II, while in abstinent subjects, correlations with factor II were stronger than with factor I. The significant relationships between the QSU and cigarette-reinforced progressive-ratio operant performance support the validity of both of these procedures as measures of cigarette craving.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

A new method for toilet training developmentally disabled children.

20 profoundly retarded children (4 to 12 yr.) were trained, using a variety of relaxation and tension activities designed to help them differentiate and gain control of the toileting musculature. Operant techniques were used to reinforce appropriate urination. The post-training scores of the experimental and control groups differed significantly for both accidental and appropriate urination.

Child↗