Indian J Pediat 48 : 615-616, 1981

Annual Society for Pediatric Research Meeting

The 1981 pediatric research meeting was held in San Francisco from April 17-27, 19 81. These meetings have become a ritual for all those working in the environs of academic medicine. It is an eagerly awaited conference fo r the senior members to get together, for the junior members to seek an opportunity to present their papers and "expose" them- selves to others. It is time to take a glimpse at the living legends whose works you have been reading. It is time for one to scout for talents for their department and for some to hunt for a job. It is time to relax if you do not have a paper to present; it is time to sweat if you have one to present. It is time for the meetings of the alumni; the old colleagues; the old bosses; old fellows and old friends. Above all, it is time to enjoy oneself while you are cut off from your umbilical cord (telephone).

The intelligent discussion of scientific material takes place not only in the various designated rooms, but also out side the rooms (to the annoynanee of the chairman conducting the session) and the speakers, the corridors, the coffee table and the drinking places. The hallways and elevators become virtually the instant open book consultations. The young are exuberant with their enthusiasm to learn something, or show and discuss what all the research they have accomplished and what their plans are. The seasoned

researcher is somewhat tight lipped allowing words to slip by in a controlled fashion in order to give the impression that he is busy in research with some great concept but making sure he is not giving away his data or the proctoeoll The more established and venerated ones are standing by as they are clustered around by their 'fans' and colleagues.

The evenings are better. The exten- sive exposure to litany of new data leads to acute brain swelling. Every one is keen to relieve the cerebral swelling after 5PM. Soon after a short work up on their faces and body with the readily available guaranteed-to-work parapher- nalia the conference attendee heads to join a small group of individuals with some form of common denomination.

The cocktail parties of the various alumni and or associations facilitate such meetings. These are perhaps the most interesting and scientifically speaking, very productive. Under the lighter moods secondary to the increasing level of m'a~ini's and margeritas, the discussion regarding research becomes less inhibitive and more friendly, The ideas and thoughts flow freely. New friendships, new commit- ments and new protocol evolve under these lighter situations; not in the labora- tories. It reminds me of the literary thoughts flowing in London teahouses at Samuel gohnson's time.

This is a time for all to make a n

616 THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS Vol. 48 No . 394

acquaintance, learn a point, and to propagate their ideas. This is the time to seek speakers for your conference and authors for your book.

Lest you might think all are totally inchoherent of their family ties; you ought to know this, they are all sneaking in between the conferences and lectures to their rooms or to the innumerable bell telephone booths to make sure they are in command of their offices and in touch with their loved ones. The marvel of using the telephone is that we are dose even to those who are separated by miles. qhey have not forgotten to take back that little something to their children that makes children anxiously await dad's arrival.

Well I think these conventions and conferences are not just academic

exercises, but also therapeutic in many ways. The thoughts are rejuvinated, ideas are reinforced. New concepts and thoughts are introduced, you learn to listen; you learn to learn and you realise to gauge yourself where you stand. There are moments of frustration when you find that your ideas were so good and so close to the other that you wish you had pursued, written up, and sent in the abstract. Well, you will do that next time) a promise that keeps your work going for another year and that is a major achieve- ment~

D, Vidyasagar, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics and Obstetrics aud Gynecology, Director of Neonatology, University of Illinois Hospital, Chicago

Anaerobic bacteria.in chronic suppurative otitis media

Anaerabic bacteria were isolated in 68 of 115 patients (59.%) with chronic middle ear infection at PGIMER, Chandigarh. Pure anaerobic and aerobic infections were present in 9.6% and 34.1% patients respectively, while in 49.6% there was mixed infection. Bacteriodes SP were the commonest isolate. Aerobic bacteriology

showed predominance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29), S. aureus (22) and Proteus species. Most anaerobic bacteria were resistant to teracycline, chloramphenical and beta lactam antibiotics.

Abstracted by L C. Verma From Ayyagari A el ai: Indian J Med Res 73:860, 1981