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Biomedical subjects

T Bostock

Publications and source records attributed to T Bostock.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1977

Coping behaviour after shipwreck.

A description is given of the coping behaviour of seven men who survived a shipwreck and were not rescued until 13 days later. The principal behaviours shown by the men were attachment ideation, drive to survive, modelling, prayer and hope. Particular attention is paid to the first of these, and consideration given to its likely origins in behavioural evolution. It is proposed as a hitherto inadequately recognized coping behaviour. A follow-up examination 12 to 24 months later showed that five of the seven men available had developed substantial psychiatric disorder, while by contrast one was not only well but claimed to have been enriched by the experience. Exposure to extreme adversity or disaster may have long-term effects on mental health. Further longitudinal studies of disaster victims are necessary for the design of informed after-care.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1976

The effects of mechanical preparation and acidification of the colon on the healing of colonic anastomoses.

The results of clinical studies have suggested that inadequate preoperative mechanical preparation of the colon is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of disruption of colonic and colorectal anastomoses. A possible explanation for the adverse effect of poor mechanical preparation is that ammonia released from feces has a cytotoxic effect on the healing anastomosis. It has been suggested that acidification of the colonic lumen prevents the release of fecal ammonia and protects the anastomoses. The effects of mechanical preparation of the colon and colonic acidification were studied in anastomoses in the left colon of rats. Colonic acidification was produced by the oral administration of a synthetic disaccharide lactulose solution. Mechanical preparation resulted in a significant increase in the bursting wall tension in anastomoses on the seventh postoperative day. The oral administration of lactulose resulted in a reduction in the colonic mucosal pH, but this was not accompanied by improved healing of anastomoses, as judged by measurements of colonic bursting pressure, bursting wall tension and total challagen content. Mechanical preparation of the colon is an important factor in the safety of colonic anastomosis. However, the results do not suggest that acidification of the colonic lumen significantly improves the quality of colonic healing.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1975

Attempted suicide: an operant formulation.

An alternative formulation of attempted suicide is offered, in which the phenomenon is considered within the context of social learning theory. The suicidal behaviour is viewed as an operant which is reinforced and maintained by the consequent interpersonal contingencies. The modification of the suicidal behaviour then involves alteration of the contingent consequences. This theoretical formulation is elaborated and the treatment principles and practice are outlined.

Adaptation, Psychological↗