Charles R. Lowe

Bio: Charles R. Lowe is an academic researcher from Memorial Hospital of South Bend. The author has contributed to research in topics: Carditis & Cardiomyopathy. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 3 publications receiving 43 citations.

The Ultra Low Frequency Force Ballistocardiograph in Acute Cardiomyopathy

Abstract: In this study, ultra low frequency force ballistocardiograms were recorded throughout the course of various types of acute cardiomyopathy. Conditions studied included rheumatic carditis, lupus myocarditis, sarcoid carditis, viral myocarditis, acute glomerulonephritis, idiopathic myocarditis, and familial fibrous disease of the myocardium. The instrument used was characterized by an unusually light platform and a very high performance accelerometer. In 14 of the 15 cases studied, tracings were abnormal initially; the recorded force pattern subsequently manifested progressive change which appeared to parallel the clinical course of the disease. Changes included appearance of abnormal forces in early ventricular systole, progressive change in amplitude of acceleration and deceleration forces, appearance of abnormal high frequency components in various portions of the complex, and appearance of abnormal footward forces in late systole. The alterations thus recorded appear to offer a useful means of diagnosing and following the course of such disease entities. In some cases, this type of recording appears to provide information not available through any other conventional means.

The casper project-an enforced mass-culture streptococcic control program: 1. clinical aspects

Abstract: A program for reducing the incidence of streptococcic disease was instituted in a system of primary schools involving 6,460 children. All children with symptoms of respiratory infection were inspected daily; a culture was made from the nasopharynx of every child with signs of streptococcic infection; any child found infected with betahemolytic streptococci was excluded from school until antibiotic therapy had been started or (if such therapy was refused) until a negative culture was obtained. The program was found to be workable without any disruption of school routines. The co-operation of parents was excellent, and the project was financed without difficulty. On the basis of experience in the past, 18 and 27 new cases of rheumatic fever would have been expected for the school years 1955-1956 and 1956-1957 respectively; instead, only 3 and 2 cases were found. Enforced treatment or exclusion of school children infected with streptococci was found to be practicable. It was effective in reducing the incidence of rheumatic disease and valuable as a community educational effort.

Controlled Studies of Streptococcal Pharyngitis in a Pediatric Population

Abstract: PROMPT and adequate penicillin therapy of A pharyngitis due to Group A streptococci has proved effective in preventing primary attacks of rheumatic fever in military populations.1 , 2 Such treatment has been widely recommended for the control of rheumatic fever in the civilian population as well.3 The attack rate of rheumatic fever after such infections has been determined primarily from studies of epidemic, exudative pharyngitis or scarlet fever.4 5 6 Approximately 3 per cent of these infections have been followed by rheumatic fever.7 Within a given population, however, this rate has varied directly with the degree of the host's immune response to streptococcal disease. . . .

Recent Advances in Seismocardiography

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death worldwide. New diagnostic tools are needed to provide early detection and intervention to reduce mortality and increase both the duration and quality of life for patients with heart disease. Seismocardiography (SCG) is a technique for noninvasive evaluation of cardiac activity. However, the complexity of SCG signals introduced challenges in SCG studies. Renewed interest in investigating the utility of SCG accelerated in recent years and benefited from new advances in low-cost lightweight sensors, and signal processing and machine learning methods. Recent studies demonstrated the potential clinical utility of SCG signals for the detection and monitoring of certain cardiovascular conditions. While some studies focused on investigating the genesis of SCG signals and their clinical applications, others focused on developing proper signal processing algorithms for noise reduction, and SCG signal feature extraction and classification. This paper reviews the recent advances in the field of SCG.

Epidemiology and Prevention of Group A Streptococcal Infections: Acute Respiratory Tract Infections, Skin Infections, and their Sequelae at the Close of the Twentieth Century

Abstract: Infections of the upper respiratory tract and skin due to group A Streptococcus are common, and the organism is highly transmissible. In industrialized countries and to some extent in developing countries, control efforts continue to emphasize that group A streptococcal pharyngitis should be properly diagnosed and appropriately treated. In developing countries and in indigenous populations where the burden of group A streptococcal diseases appears greatest, the epidemiology is less completely defined and may differ from that in industrialized countries. There is a need for accurately collected epidemiological data from developing countries, which may also further clarify the pathogenesis of group A streptococcal infections and their sequelae. While proper treatment of group A streptococcal pharyngitis continues to be essential in all populations, it may be appropriate in developing countries to consider additional strategies to reduce rates of pyoderma.

Prevention and treatment of rheumatic heart disease in the developing world.

Abstract: The prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in industrialized countries has declined dramatically over the last century, but the disease remains an important global health problem with the burden of disease shouldered by developing countries. Indeed, data from epidemiologic surveys, which used echocardiography as the primary screening tool, indicate that the prevalence of RHD in developing nations might have been substantially underestimated. Despite the high burden of disease globally, there has never been a sustained and comprehensive international strategy to control RHD. The current focus of global efforts to combat the disease is on strengthening secondary prophylaxis strategies, although very few active national programs have been implemented. RHD will continue to cause high morbidity and mortality among the world's poorest populations unless current prevention initiatives expand and new programs are established.