Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Health-Related Quality Of Life And Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In North Carolina, David Brown, Roy Pleasants, Jill Ohar, Monica Kraft, James Donohue, David Mannino, Winston Liao, Harry Herric

David C. Brown

Background:

Comparisons of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and adults in the general population are not well described.

Aims:

To examine associations between COPD and four measures of HRQOL in a population-based sample.

Patients & Methods:

These relationships were examined using data from 13,887 adults aged >18 years who participated in the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) conducted in North Carolina (NC). Logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted relative odds (aOR).

Results:

The age-adjusted prevalence of COPD among NC adults was 5.4% (standard error 0.27). Nearly half of adults …

Health Impacts Of Pesticide Exposure In A Cohort Of Outdoor Workers, John R. Beard, Tim Sladden, Geoffrey Morgan, Geoffrey Berry, Lyndon O. Brooks, Anthony Mcmichael

Dr Lyndon O Brooks

We compared mortality of 1,999 outdoor staff working as part of an insecticide application program during 1935-1996 with that of 1,984 outdoor workers not occupationally exposed to insecticides, and with the Australian population. Surviving subjects also completed a morbidity questionnaire. Mortality was significantly higher in both exposed and control subjects compared with the Australian population. The major cause was mortality from smoking-related diseases. Mortality was also significantly increased in exposed subjects for a number of conditions that do not appear to be the result of smoking patterns. Compared with the general Australian population, mortality over the total study period was …

What Are The Basic Self-Monitoring Components For Cardiovascular Risk Management?, Alison M. Ward, Carl Heneghan, Rafael Perera, Dan Lasserson, David Nunan, David Mant, Paul P. Glasziou

Paul Glasziou

Background: Self-monitoring is increasingly recommended as a method of managing cardiovascular disease. However, the design, implementation and reproducibility of the self-monitoring interventions appear to vary considerably. We examined the interventions included in systematic reviews of self-monitoring for four clinical problems that increase cardiovascular disease risk.

Methods: We searched Medline and Cochrane databases for systematic reviews of self-monitoring for: heart failure, oral anticoagulation therapy, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. We extracted data using a pre-specified template for the identifiable components of the interventions for each disease. Data was also extracted on the theoretical basis of the education provided, the rationale given …

Hiv Prevention Cost-Effectiveness: A Systematic Review, Omar Gálarraga, M. Arantxa Colchero, Richard G. Wamai, Stefano Bertozzi

Richard G. Wamai

Background: After more than 25 years, public health programs have not been able to sufficiently reduce the number of new HIV infections. Over 7,000 people become infected with HIV every day. Lack of convincing evidence of cost-effectiveness (CE) may be one of the reasons why implementation of effective programs is not occurring at sufficient scale. This paper identifies, summarizes and critiques the CE literature related to HIV-prevention interventions in low- and middle-income countries during 2005-2008. Methods: Systematic identification of publications was conducted through several methods: electronic databases, internet search of international organizations and major funding/implementing agencies, and journal browsing. Inclusion …

Similarities And Differences In Health Care Use And Hiv-Related Concerns Based On Immigration Profile: Findings From The Blacch Study Interviews, Shamara M. Baidoobonso, Harina Mokanan, Monica Abdelkader, Greta Bauer

Shamara M Baidoobonso, PhD

Background and Objectives: Most HIV and health studies in African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities occur in large urban centres and rarely examine how the interactions between race, migration, gender, HIV-related stigma, service use and multiple dimensions of social position interact and act individually to affect health and HIV vulnerability. This lack of information negatively impacts HIV prevention efforts for ACB communities. This analysis explores the HIV-related experiences of people from different immigration classes. Methods: Using a community-based approach, a purposive sample of 22 ACB community members were interviewed to collect information about health-related experiences in London, Ontario. Respondents represented …

Introducing The Black, African And Caribbean Canadian Health (Blacch) Study, Shamara M. Baidoobonso, Harina Mokanan, Mercy Nleya-Ncube, Greta Bauer

Shamara M Baidoobonso, PhD

Background and Objectives: African, Caribbean and other Black (ACB) persons account for an increasing proportion of new HIV cases in Canada, and are 12.6 times more likely to acquire HIV than the rest of Canada’s population. Few studies have fully acknowledged the ethnic, religious and socioeconomic diversity in ACB communities. Also, studies have rarely considered the social determinants of health and broader context in which ACB persons live and access health services, and how these may potentially impact HIV vulnerability. This lack of information negatively impacts HIV prevention and care efforts. The Black, African and Caribbean Canadian Health (BLACCH) Study …

Highlighting The Social Determinants Of Health As They Pertain To Africans In London, Ontario, Shamara M. Baidoobonso

Shamara M Baidoobonso, PhD

No abstract provided.

Developing Constructs For Psychopathology Research: Research Domain Criteria, Charles A. Sanislow, Daniel S. Pine, Kevin J. Quinn, Michael J. Kozak, Marjorie A. Garvey, Robert K. Heinssen, Philip Sung-En Wang, Bruce N. Cuthbert

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

There exists a divide between findings from integrative neuroscience and clinical research focused on mechanisms of psychopathology. Specifically, a clear correspondence does not emerge between clusters of complex clinical symptoms and dysregulated neurobiological systems, with many apparent redundancies. For instance, many mental disorders involve multiple disruptions in putative mechanistic factors (e.g., excessive fear, deficient impulse control), and different disrupted mechanisms appear to play major roles in many disorders. The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework is a heuristic to facilitate the incorporation of behavioral neuroscience in the study of psychopathology. Such integration might be achieved by shifting the central research focus …

What Are The Factors That Predict Outcome At Relapse After Previous Esophagectomy And Adjuvant Therapy In High-Risk Esophageal Cancer?, Edward Yu, P. Tai, R. Malthaner, L. Stitt, G. Rodrigues, R. Dar, B. Yaremko, J. Younus, M. Sanatani, M. Vincent, B. Dingle, D. Fortin, R. Inculet

Edward Yu

OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated factors affecting outcome at relapse after previous surgery and adjuvant chemoradiation (crt) in high-risk esophageal cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1989 to 1999, we followed high-risk resected esophageal cancer patients who had completed postoperative crt therapy. Patients who relapsed with a disease-free interval of less than 3 months were treated with palliative crt when appropriate. Patients with a disease-free interval of 3 months or more were treated with best supportive care. Post-recurrence survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier technique, and statistical comparisons were made using log-rank chi-square tests and Cox regression. RESULTS: Of the …

Parent Support Project: Evaluation Report, Anna D. Huddy, Sallie Newell, Anne Graham

Professor Anne Graham

What is the Parent Support Project? The Parent Support Project (PSP) was a pilot project developed by the Northern Rivers Division of General Practice (NRDGP), with funding from the Early Childhood – Invest to Grow arm of the Australian Government’s Stronger Families and Communities Strategy. This 12-month project involved expanding the parenting support services delivered through the NRDGP’s Family Care Centre, in Lismore. Planned activities included: compiling a directory of locally-available resources and services to support early child development; developing a PSP web page for inclusion on the NRDGP website; producing age-specific parenting newsletters; developing and running training sessions for …

Expect Respect Television Advertising Campaign: Evaluation Report, Chris White, Sallie Newell, Anne Graham

Professor Anne Graham

The Expect Respect project was a social marketing campaign to increase young people’s knowledge of the dynamics of healthy and unhealthy relationships. It represented the latest stage in an ongoing campaign by the Kids Really Count interagency committee (a collaboration between the Ballina Byron Family Centre, the NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women, Lismore & District Women’s Health Centre, Mullumbimby Community Health and Lismore City Council) to raise public awareness about the impact of domestic violence on children and young people. The Expect Respect television advertisement was developed following consultations with young people from diverse geographical environments and cultural …

Healthy Habits In Recovery : Dietary Study Methods In Substance Abuse Treatment Centers, Ellen Glovsky, Margaret Christensen, Hortensia Amaro, Rita Nieves

Margaret Emerson

Obesity is a major health problem in the US and overweight and obesity increase cardiovascular risk factors. The problem is known to be more prevalent among African American and Latino populations. Weight gain among those recovering from substance abuse is well known among treatment professionals and recovering people, but it is not documented.

Healthy Habits In Recovery : Dietary Study Methods In Substance Abuse Treatment Centers, Ellen Glovsky, Margaret Christensen, Hortensia Amaro, Rita Nieves

Hortensia Amaro

Obesity is a major health problem in the US and overweight and obesity increase cardiovascular risk factors. The problem is known to be more prevalent among African American and Latino populations. Weight gain among those recovering from substance abuse is well known among treatment professionals and recovering people, but it is not documented.

Healthy Habits In Recovery : Dietary Study Methods In Substance Abuse Treatment Centers, Ellen Glovsky, Margaret Christensen, Hortensia Amaro, Rita Nieves

Ellen Glovsky

Obesity is a major health problem in the US and overweight and obesity increase cardiovascular risk factors. The problem is known to be more prevalent among African American and Latino populations. Weight gain among those recovering from substance abuse is well known among treatment professionals and recovering people, but it is not documented.

A National Survey Of Oral Health Curriculum In All U.S. Allopathic And Osteopathic Medical Schools, Ashley Ferullo, Hugh Silk, Judith A. Savageau

Judith A. Savageau

Background:Oral Health (OH) is an important topic and area of medicine that all physicians should understand and that has become a more pressing issue in the last decade. OH is clearly tied to overall health and a number of systemic diseases, such as diabetes, immune disorders and infectious diseases, are known to have oral manifestations. Likewise, a number of oral diseases have systemic manifestations. (Migliorati, 2007). Oral disease and oral health issues affect all ages from infancy through adulthood. Childhood caries affect up to 25% of children in the U.S. and can lead to a lifetime of other oral …

Smoking During Pregnancy And Risk Of Abnormal Glucose Tolerance: A Prospective Hohort Study, Lisa Chasan-Taber, Amy E. Haskins, Elizabeth R. Bertone-Johnson, Penelope Pekow, Elena Carbone, Renée T. Fortner

Lisa Chasan-Taber

Background Disturbances in glucose metabolism during pregnancy are associated with negative sequalae for both mother and infant. The association between smoking and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) remains controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between smoking prior to and during pregnancy and risk of AGT. Methods We utilized data from a prospective cohort of 1,006 Hispanic (predominantly Puerto Rican) prenatal care patients in Western Massachusetts. Women reported pre- and early pregnancy smoking at recruitment (mean = 15 weeks) and mid pregnancy smoking at a second interview (mean = 28 weeks). AGT was defined as > 135 …

Smoking During Pregnancy And Risk Of Abnormal Glucose Tolerance: A Prospective Hohort Study, Amy E. Haskins, Elizabeth R. Bertone-Johnson, Penelope Pekow, Elena Carbone, Renée T. Fortner, Lisa Chasan-Taber

Elizabeth R. Bertone-Johnson

Background Disturbances in glucose metabolism during pregnancy are associated with negative sequalae for both mother and infant. The association between smoking and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) remains controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between smoking prior to and during pregnancy and risk of AGT. Methods We utilized data from a prospective cohort of 1,006 Hispanic (predominantly Puerto Rican) prenatal care patients in Western Massachusetts. Women reported pre- and early pregnancy smoking at recruitment (mean = 15 weeks) and mid pregnancy smoking at a second interview (mean = 28 weeks). AGT was defined as > 135 …

Physical Interventions To Interrupt Or Reduce The Spread Of Respiratory Viruses: Systematic Review, Tom Jefferson, Chris Del Mar, Liz Dooley, Eliana Ferroni, Lubna A. Al-Ansary, Shaikh Abdullah S. Bahamdam, Ghada A. Bawazeer, Mieke L. Van Driel, Ruth Foxlee, Alessandro Rivetti

Liz Dooley

Objective: To review systematically the evidence of effectiveness of physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Data sources: Cochrane Library, Medline, OldMedline, Embase, and CINAHL, without restrictions on language or publication. Data selection: Studies of any intervention to prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses (isolation, quarantine, social distancing, barriers, personal protection, and hygiene). A search of study designs included randomised trials, cohort, case-control, crossover, before and after, and time series studies. After scanning of the titles, abstracts and full text articles as a first filter, a standardised form was used to assess the eligibility of the …

Perfil Dos Acidentes De Trabalho No Brasil, 2004-2007 / Analysis Of Labor Accidents In Brazil, 2004 - 2007, Everton Fernando Alves

Everton Fernando Alves

Neste estudo sintetizam-se achados epidemiológicos de morbi- mortalidade decorrentes de acidentes de trabalho napopulação brasileira. O objetivo do estudo é descrever o perfil dos acidentes de trabalho no Brasil entre 2004 e 2007. Trata-se de um estudo descritivoexploratório utilizando como fonte de dados a estatística anual de acidentes do trabalho da Previdên- cia Social. Foram notificados 465.700 mil acidentesem 2004 e 653.090 em 2007, mostrando uma tendência ascendente nos acidentes com trabalhado- res formais no Brasil. Evidenciou-se que o estado de residência com maior acidentabilidade foi Santa Catarina com uma média de 577,3 acidentes para cada 100.000 trabalhadores. O aumento …

Using Multiple Sources Of Data To Assess The Prevalence Of Diabetes At The Subcounty Level, Duval County, Florida, 2007, William C. Livingood, Luminita Razaila, Elena Reuter, Rebecca Filipowicz, Ryan C. Butterfield, Katryne Lukens-Bull, Linda Edwards, Carlos Palacio, David L. Wood

David L. Wood

Role Of Risk And Protective Factors In Risky Sexual Behavior Among High School Students In Cambodia, Siyan Yi, Krishna C. Poudel, Junko Yasuoka, Paula H. Palmer, Songky Yi, Masamine Jimba

Krishna C. Poudel

Distribution Of Health Care Expenditures For Hiv-Infected Patients, Ray Y. Chen, Neil A. Accortt, Andrew O. Westfall, Michael J. Mugavero, James L. Raper, Gretchen A. Cloud, Beth K. Stone, Jerome Carter, Stephanie Call, Maria Pisu, Jeroan J. Allison, Michael S. Saag

Jeroan J. Allison

BACKGROUND: Health care expenditures for persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United State determined on the basis of actual health care use have not been reported in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS: Patients receiving primary care at the University of Alabama at Birmingham HIV clinic were included in the study. All encounters (except emergency room visits) that occurred within the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital System from 1 March 2000 to 1 March 2001 were analyzed. Medication expenditures were determined on the basis of 2001 average wholesale price. Hospitalization expenditures were determined on …

Trends In Aids-Defining And Non-Aids-Defining Malignancies Among Hiv-Infected Patients: 1989-2002, Roger Bedimo, Ray Y. Chen, Neil A. Accortt, James L. Raper, Carol Linn, Jeroan J. Allison, John Dubay, Michael S. Saag, Craig J. Hoesley

Jeroan J. Allison

In a comparison of rates of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining malignancies (ADMs) for 1989-1996 versus 1997-2002, we found a decrease in ADMs (rate ratio, 0.31; P<.0001) and a significant increase in non-AIDS-defining malignancies (non-ADMs; rate ratio, 10.87; P<.0002). The mean CD4 cell count was lower among patients with ADMs than among those with non-ADMs. A longer duration of survival during highly active antiretroviral therapy might explain the increasing incidence of non-ADMs.

Long Chain N-3 Fatty Acids Intake, Fish Consumption And Suicide In A Cohort Of Japanese Men And Women — The Japan Public Health Center-Based (Jphc) Prospective Study (Journal Of Affective Disorders), Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar, Akiko Nanri, Motoki Iwasaki, Tetsuya Mizoue, Yumi Matsushita, Yoshihiko Takahashi, Mitsuhiko Noda, Manami Inoue, Shoichiro Tsugane

Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar

Controle De Infecção Em Clínicas De Cirurgia Plástica / Infection's Control In Plastic Surgery Clinics, Everton Fernando Alves

Everton Fernando Alves

A infecção é a mais frequente e grave complicação que acomete pacientes que procuram serviços estéticos e/ou funcionais em clínicas de cirurgia plástica. Uma infecção hospitalar eleva os custos do processo, tanto para o paciente quanto para a empresa. Diante disso, torna-se importante a instalação de uma comissão de controle de infecção hospitalar, tendo como responsável um enfermeiro. A importância deste profissional se dá por meio da organização da Central de Material Estarilizado (CME), bem como do estabelecimento de outras medidas efetivas para a prevenção e controle de infecções nas clínicas apresentadas ao longo desse artigo.

Urinary, Circulating, And Tissue Biomonitoring Studies Indicate Widespread Exposure To Bisphenol A, Laura Vandenberg, Ibrahim Chahoud, Jerrold J. Heindel, Vasantha Padmanabhan, Francisco J.R. Paumgartten, Gilbert Schoenfelder

Laura Vandenberg

BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the highest-volume chemicals produced worldwide, and human exposure to BPA is thought to be ubiquitous. Thus, there are concerns that the amount of BPA to which humans are exposed may cause adverse health effects. Importantly, results from a large number of biomonitoring studies are at odds with the results from two toxicokinetic studies. OBJECTIVE: We examined several possibilities for why biomonitoring and toxicokinetic studies could come to seemingly conflicting conclusions. DATA SOURCES: We examined > 80 published human biomonitoring studies that measured BPA concentrations in human tissues, urine, blood, and other fluids, along with …

Corticosteroids For Pain Relief In Sore Throat: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Gail Hayward, Matthew J. Thompson, Carl J. Heneghan, Rafael Perera, Paul P. Glasziou, Chris B. Del Mar

Paul Glasziou

Objective: To evaluate whether systemic corticosteroids improve symptoms of sore throat in adults and children. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: Cochrane Central, Medline, Embase, Database of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE), NHS Health Economics Database, and bibliographies. Outcome measures: Percentage of patients with complete resolution at 24 and 48 hours, mean time to onset of pain relief, mean time to complete resolution of symptoms, days missed from work or school, recurrence, and adverse events. Results: We included eight trials, consisting of 743 patients in total (369 children, 374 adults). 348 (47%) had exudative sore throat, and 330 (44%) were …

Corticosteroids For Pain Relief In Sore Throat: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Gail Hayward, Matthew J. Thompson, Carl J. Heneghan, Rafael Perera, Paul P. Glasziou, Chris B. Del Mar

Christopher Del Mar

Objective: To evaluate whether systemic corticosteroids improve symptoms of sore throat in adults and children. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: Cochrane Central, Medline, Embase, Database of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE), NHS Health Economics Database, and bibliographies. Outcome measures: Percentage of patients with complete resolution at 24 and 48 hours, mean time to onset of pain relief, mean time to complete resolution of symptoms, days missed from work or school, recurrence, and adverse events. Results: We included eight trials, consisting of 743 patients in total (369 children, 374 adults). 348 (47%) had exudative sore throat, and 330 (44%) were …

Excluding Serious Illness In Feverish Children In Primary Care: Restricted Rule-Out Method For Diagnosis, Matthew J. Thompson, Anthony Harnden, Chris Del Mar

Christopher Del Mar

Extract: The list of possible diagnoses for febrile children seen in primary care is long. Identifying children who may have a serious illness can be difficult and is at the heart of decisions to prescribe, investigate, and refer to hospital. Serious infections (including pneumonia, meningitis, septicaemia, appendicitis) account for less than 1% of children presenting to primary care, yet they are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children. One of the key challenges for primary care practitioners is trying to balance the risk of missing a serious disease against unnecessary investigation or referral. The diagnostic process hinges on the …

Postulated Vasoactive Neuropeptide Immunopathology Affecting The Blood-Brain/Blood-Spinal Barrier In Certain Neuropsychiatric Fatigue-Related Conditions: A Role For Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors In Treatment?, Donald R. Staines, Ekua W. Brenu, Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik

Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik

Neuropsychiatric symptoms occur in a number of neurological fatigue-related conditions including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). These conditions have been attributed variably to neuroinfl ammatory and neurodegenerative processes. While autoimmune pathology, at least in part, has long been suspected in these conditions proof has been elusive. Autoimmune pathomechanisms affecting the blood–brain barrier (BBB) or blood–spinal barrier (BSB) may predispose the BBB/BSB to ‘leakiness’ and be a precursor to additional autoimmune events resulting in neuroinfl ammatory or neurodegenerative processes. The aim of the paper is to postulate immunopathology of the cerebrospinal …