Blossoming of gastroenterology during the twentieth century

Awareness of the digestive system began with the dawn of civilization, when man observing the feeding habits of animalsin the surrounding environment, experimented with foods, edible and inedible. Identity came with discoveries of the digestive organs during the 16^th and 17^th centuries. Function was revealed by physiologic studies of digestion, absorption and secretion, metabolism, and motility during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Diagnostic access improved with the technological advances of the 20^th century. Understanding of gastrointestinal (GI) disease followed growth of the basic sciences and gastroenterology‘s increased involvement in scientific research during the 20^th century.     

Epidemiology of IBD during the twentieth century: an integrated view

Current incidence figures on ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease--presented in a recent multicenter study in Europe--are given, and differences in the frequency and clinical appearances of the two conditions are discussed. Trends in the frequency and clinical appearance of inflammatory bowel disease during the twentieth century are summarized, as well as the differences over time and from place to place. Correlations between age, sex, localization of disease and clinical symptoms are given. Risk of progression to more extensive disease in patients with proctitis is shown. Incidences of inflammatory bowel disease in childhood and among migrated ethnic groups are discussed. Survival and cancer risk among patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are shown from long-term clinical epidemiological studies of well-defined patient groups. Trends in these important prognostic parameters over time are shown, as well as factors influencing prognosis of the diseases.     

Personal reflections on nosocomial staphylococcal infections and the development of hospital surveillance

A pandemic of staphylococcal infections occurred in the mid-twentieth century and spanned the years from about 1946 (with gradual subsidence) to about 1966. Staphylococcus aureus, originally sensitive to penicillin in 1942, demonstrated, more than other susceptible bacteria, a capacity for the development of antibiotic resistance. Hospital personnel became carriers of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci that contaminated newborn infants and hospitalized children and adults, who then became carriers and suffered an increasing incidence of suppurative disease. Asymptomatic carriers of antibiotic-resistant epidemic strains spread them into communities, with resulting infection of others. Newer antibiotics were developed, only to lose effectiveness as the staphylococci developed resistance. Local, national, and international programs emerged for the development of epidemiologic research, hospital surveillance, and education in methods of prevention and control. Carrier rates of S. aureus among hospital personnel remained approximately 33%, while the incidence of nosocomial staphylococcal infections declined. Staphylococcal pandemics may be cyclic in occurrence.     

Personal reflections on the early contributions of Gus Born to platelet research

ABSTRACT

Professor GVR Born, Gus to his friends, was one of the great pioneers of platelet research. My early memories of him have enabled me to look back at his early years in Oxford and London. A brilliant and generous man with always the time to discuss and advise he was instrumental in deciphering the principle stages of the aggregation of blood platelets by ADP, a path aided by his development and use of the platelet aggregometer. He applied his knowledge to the real time analysis of platelet and leukocyte involvement in thrombus formation in animal models and to the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis and their pharmacological inhibition. What follows is a personal account of the major steps in this early work and of the actors involved.     

Old age in America represented in nineteenth and twentieth century popular sheet music

This paper examines American popular sheet music published between 1830 and 1980 as a source for understanding popular perceptions and feelings about aging and old age. From a private collection of over 300 pieces of sheet music related to aging, two forms of representation of popular sentiments are reviewed: cover art and lyrics. A substantial majority present negative rather than positive views of aging and old age.