Improvements in the preparation of heterologous antilymphocyte globulin with special reference to absorption and diethylaminoethyl cellulose batch production

Antilymphocyte gamma-G globulin (ALGG) was produced from the serum of immunized horses. Modifications of the preliminary absorption techniques permitted the removal of undesirable, extraneous antibodies. With the use of a batch technique, pure gamma-G globulin could then be removed in bulk quantities. The resulting product was first confirmed to have immunosuppressive qualities in dogs and then given a clinical trial. In patients, its administration occasionally caused low-grade fever and thrombocytopenia. Pain at the injection site was not eliminated. Precipitin antibody responses have apparently been prevented in the patients but not a host response to Forssman antigens. © 1969

Experience with chronic haemodialysis in Johannesburg

Since 1966 the treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease in Johannesburg has primarily been renal transplantation. This has required an adequate programme of regular dialysis. All patients were treated at the central hospital or at two small satellite units. A total of 158 patients, mean age 34,2 years (88 males) have been dialysed. The mean duration on dialysis prior to transplantation was 5,6 months (range 1 week - 23 months). The commonest cause of renal failure in males was chronic glomerulonephritis (63%), whereas in females it was analgesic nephropathy (39%). Twenty-seven patients (17%) died while on dialysis, including 6 who had had unsuccessful transplantations. Renal osteodystrophy was diagnosed in 30% of the patients. Hepatitis has been endemic among both patients and staff. Nephrectomies were done in 106 patients. Ten patients had operations for peptic ulcer and 5 parathyroidectomies were performed. The number of patients unsuccessfully transplanted, or who died, was less than the number of new patients requiring treatment. In addition, an increasing proportion of patients have become 'relatively untransplaotable'. This has led to overloading of facilities.S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1821 (1974

The Effect of Intra-Abdominal Hypertension Incorporating Severe Acute Pancreatitis in a Porcine Model

Introduction: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and intra abdominal hypertension(IAH) are common clinical findings in patients with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP). It is thought that an increased intra abdominal pressure(IAP) is associated with poor prognosis in SAP patients. But the detailed effect of IAH/ACS on different organ system is not clear. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of SAP combined with IAH on hemodynamics, systemic oxygenation, and organ damage in a 12 h lasting porcine model

ARTERIAL INJURIES

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Radiosotope renography

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Current Trends in Sex, Race, and Ethnic Diversity in Orthopaedic Surgery Residency

BACKGROUND: The representation of minorities among medical students has increased over the past two decades, but diversity among orthopaedic residents lags behind. This phenomenon has occurred despite a recent focus by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons on the recruitment of minorities and women. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of recent efforts on diversity in orthopaedic residents in comparison with other surgical specialties from 2006 to 2015. METHODS: Data from the American Association of Medical Colleges on residents in surgical specialty programs in the years 2006 to 2015 were analyzed. Linear regression models were used to estimate trends in diversity among orthopaedic residents and residents in other surgical specialties. A mixed model analysis of variance was used to compare rates of diversification among different specialties over time. RESULTS: Female representation in orthopaedic programs increased from 10.9% to 14.4% between 2006 and 2015. However, the rate of increase was significantly lower compared with other specialties (all P \u3c 0.05) studied, except for urology (P = 0.64). Minority representation in orthopaedics averaged 25.6% over the 10-year period. Residents of Hispanic origin in orthopaedic programs increased (P = 0.0003) but decreased for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (P \u3c 0.0001). During the same period, white representation increased (P = 0.004). No significant changes were found in African Americans or Asian American representation. Diversity decreased among orthopaedic residents over the period studied (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment efforts have not reversed the sex, racial, and ethnic disparities in orthopaedic residents. Orthopaedics has the lowest representation of women and minorities among residencies studied. The rate of increase in women lags behind all surgical subspecialties, except for urology