bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Bacterial Clearance in Type 3 Deiodinase-Deficient Mice Infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Boelen Anita , Kwakkel Joan , Wieland Catharina W. , St. Germain Donald L. , Fliers Eric , Hernandez Arturo
Published: November 2008

The activation of type 3 deiodinase (D3) has been postulated to play a role in the reduction of thyroid hormone levels during illness. Using a mouse model of acute bacterial infection, we have recently demonstrated marked D3 immunostaining in neutrophils infiltrating infected organs. These observations suggest a possible additional role for this enzyme in the innate immune response. To further assess the role of D3 in the response to acute bacterial infection, we used null D3 [D3 knockout (D3KO)] and wild type (WT) mice and infected them with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Marked reductions in serum thyroid hormone levels were observed both in D3KO and WT mice. Infection resulted also in a decrease in liver D1 activity in WT, but not in infected D3KO mice. Upon infection, pulmonary neutrophilic influx (measured by myeloperoxidase levels) and IL-6 and TNF concentrations increased equally in D3KO and WT mice, and histological examination of infected mice showed similar pulmonary inflammation in both strains. However, D3KO animals demonstrated significantly higher bacterial load in blood, lung, and spleen compared with WT mice. We conclude that 1) D3 is not required to generate the systemic manifestations of the nonthyroidal illness syndrome in this model; 2) the lack of D3 does not affect the extent of pulmonary inflammation; and 3) bacterial outgrowth in blood, spleen, and lung of D3KO mice is significantly higher than in WT mice. Our results suggest a protective role for D3 in the defense against acute bacterial infection, probably by reinforcing the microbial killing capacity of neutrophils.
The origins of theDrosophilaleg revealed by the cis-regulatory architecture of theDistallessgene
Authors: McKay Daniel J. , Estella Carlos , Mann Richard S.
Published: November 2008

Limb development requires the elaboration of a proximodistal (PD) axis,which forms orthogonally to previously defined dorsoventral (DV) and anteroposterior (AP) axes. In arthropods, the PD axis of the adult leg is subdivided into two broad domains, a proximal coxopodite and a distal telopodite. We show that the progressive subdivision of the PD axis into these two domains occurs during embryogenesis and is reflected in the cis-regulatory architecture of the Distalless (Dll) gene. Early Dll expression, governed by the Dll304 enhancer, is in cells that can give rise to both domains of the leg as well as to the entire dorsal(wing) appendage. A few hours after Dll304 is activated, the activity of this enhancer fades, and two later-acting enhancers assume control over Dll expression. The LT enhancer is expressed in cells that will give rise to the entire telopodite, and only the telopodite. By contrast,cells that activate the DKO enhancer will give rise to a leg-associated larval sensory structure known as the Keilin's organ (KO). Cells that activate neither LT nor DKO, but had activated Dll304, will give rise to the coxopodite. In addition, we describe the trans-acting signals controlling the LT and DKOenhancers, and show, surprisingly, that the coxopodite progenitors begin to proliferate ∼24 hours earlier than the telopodite progenitors. Together,these findings provide a complete and high-resolution fate map of the Drosophila appendage primordia, linking the primary domains to specific cis-regulatory elements in Dll.
Attentional lapses, emotional regulation and quality of life in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Phillips Louise H. , Saldias Amber , McCarrey Anna , Henry Julie D. , Scott Clare , Summers Fiona , Whyte Maggie
Published: November 2008

Objectives

We investigated the role of attentional lapses and emotion regulation in predicting multiple aspects of Quality of Life (QoL) in MS.

Methods

Individuals with MS (n = 86) reported on frequency of attentional lapses using the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, deployment of different emotion regulation strategies using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and QoL on a range of domains using the WHOQoL‐BREF.

Results

Regression analyses indicated that attentional failures and infrequent use of emotional reappraisal strategies predicted variance in all aspects of QoL, in addition to effects of disease severity (total R2 s ranged from .134 to .446).

Conclusions

Problems with attentional lapses and a failure to use effective emotion regulation strategies may contribute to reduced QoL in MS.
INDUSTRIAL WASTES IN RELATION TO WATER SUPPLIES
Authors: Donaldson Wellington
Published: November 2008

Principal responsibility for preventing stream pollution by industrial wastes should be placed on the plants themselves. But municipalities should not depend upon out-of-date purification plants, but should utilize new methods. State health officers should have regulatory powers under standardized laws conforming to Federal practices.
An evaluation of a hospital stay regulatory mechanism.
Authors: Lave J R , Leinhardt S
Published: November 2008

The results of an evaluation of a predischarge utilization review program [PDUR] for Medicaid Patients are presented. A group of hospitals in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, participated in this program on a voluntary basis prior to the program's being mandated statewide. All other hospitals in the county experienced retrospective review of Medicaid cases. Our analysis incorporates both types of hospitals in a quasi-experimental design. We found that during the period studied the length of stay of Medicaid patients fell proportionately more than that of the Blue Cross patients in both groups of hospitals; the relative decrease in the length of stay began to occur prior to the introduction of the PDUR program, but no differential effect of the PDUR review process could be demonstrated. The decline in the length of stay was, however, more continuous and smooth in those hospitals participating in the program.
Sociocultural influences upon preventive health behavior and attitudes towards dentistry.
Authors: Strauss R P
Published: November 2008

One hundred eighty adults who presented for general dental care at an urban dental school clinic were interviewed and given epidemiological screening examinations. The findings presented include a profile of a clinic population with respect to ethnic identity, family income, education, nuclear family structure, and residence. The two major racial groups (black and white) are found to have highly significant differences in their perception of dental services and their experiences with dental disease and treatment. An assessment of dental health status indicates that whites were more likely to have filled teeth, and blacks, decayed or unfilled teeth. This relates to different patterns in seeking recent preventive dental services and a marked disparity in utilization early in life. Fear and anxiety about dental care, degree of orientation towards prevention and differences in exposure to preventive information varied with race. Consumerist orientation is examined in terms of willingness to criticize services, be cared for by auxiliary health workers and accept professional fees. The identification of diversity in perception and values with respect to dental health care is characterized as an element in developing understanding between providers and consumers.
Application of social science theories to family planning health education in the People's Republic of China.
Authors: Wang V L
Published: November 2008

The transformation of the Chinese society was political and economic by revolution; it was also social and cultural through mass education. Group decisions have been used to induce social change in the Chinese society and applied extensively to the family planning program. The methods which Kurt Lewin developed to change food habits, have been perfected on a grand scale of myriad ways by the Chinese.
Association between juvenile onset obesity and severe adult obesity in 73, 532 women.
Authors: Rimm I J , Rimm A A
Published: November 2008

The association between juvenile obesity and severe adult obesity was examined using a questionnaire completed by 73,532 weight conscious women. Relative obesity as an adult was determined by the ratio Weight/Height. The question, "Were you considered a fat child?" determined childhood weight status. Analysis of the data revealed that severely obese women (regardless of age) were 2.4 times more likely than normal weight women to have been fat children. This association was noted for all parity groups. The data also suggests that the risk of a fat child developing severe obesity is substantially greater than that for a non-fat child. Since adult obesity is associated with a number of adult diseases, this study emphasizes the importance of weight control in childhood.
EPSDT- one quarter million screenings in Michigan.
Authors: Kirk T R , Rice R G , Allen P M
Published: November 2008

Since the spring of 1973, Michigan's EPSDT program has screened more than 300,000 children. The Department of Social Services contracted with the Department of Public Health to design the screening and referral parts of the program; in turn the Department of Public Health contracts with local health departments to do screening with one or more teams composed of a nurse, two technicians, and a clerk. The 72 teams screen 10,000 clients each month. More than one-half of these clients are referred for diagnosis and treatment. The highest percentage (27 per cent) of referral is for dental care; the second highest (26 per cent) is for immunization. Participation in the program of state and local social services departments, local health departments, and all groups of health providers has been excellent. There continues to be a high no-show for screening and a moderate no-show rate to providers for diagnosis and treatment. Evaluation of the program elements is needed.
The eradication of a large scabies outbreak using community-wide health education.
Authors: Kanaaneh H A , Rabi S A , Badarneh S M
Published: November 2008

The successful experience in eradicating a large outbreak of scabies in an underdeveloped Arabic village community in Western Galilee of about 3,000 people is reviewed. In this village the number of cases of scabies increased over a five-year period to a maximum of 22 per cent of the entire village population, representing 66 per cent of all the families. A seven-person health team with a strong background in health education was entrusted with the task of eradicating scabies in the community. A plan, conceived and carried out by the team, consisted of four phases: data gathering, information giving, treatment, and evaluation and summary. The goal of eradicating scabies in this community was achieved. The strategy of the campaign emphasized the following points: the entire community was the target group and was involved maximally throughout the campaign; the professional responsibility was concentrated in the hands of the team.
Nursing assessment in industry.
Authors: Serafini P
Published: November 2008

In order to be able to offer nursing service to industry, a community health agency must have some knowledge of the industry and the daily problesm faced by both management and worker. The nursing process can serve as a framework for the gathering of necessary information and planning of sound care. The five-step nursing process, which includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation, is discussed and annotated model Assessment Guide for Nursing in Industry is given (Appendix A). The six areas from which information should be gathered when assessing an industry are the following: I. The community in which the industry is located: II. The industry, its historical development, policies, and projections; III. The plant or physical structure; IV. The working population; V. The industrial process of the plant; VII. The existing health program. Once the assessment is completed and a diagnosis formulated, services can be offered based on specific, defined needs.
A progressive approach to the problem of foodborne infections.
Authors: Zaki M H , Miller G S , McLaughlin M C , Weinberg S B
Published: November 2008

Qualitative and quantitative bacteriological examinations of 100 samples of perishable foods from 39 retail stores were performed to determine the presence of bacterial contaminants and to explore the feasibility of establishing and utilizing microbiological standards in enforcement. Forty-six per cent of the samples had standard plate counts in excess of 100,000 per gram, 17 per cent showed coliform organisms in excess of 100 per gram, 20 per cent revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and 2 per cent Clostridium perfringens. None of the shell fish samples grew Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The bacteriological findings are discussed in relation to pertinent variables and the use of microbiological standards for potentially hazardous foods is explored. All 450 retail food establishments in a selected area of Western Suffolk County (New York) were subjected to comprehensive study, using a scoring system developed by the Food and Drug Administration. Initial inspections revealed 32 per cent as having one or more major violations. Follow-up inspections were performed to insure compliance and most violations were corrected within four weeks. Six months later all establishments were reinspected. The scoring system was found to have limited value. Half the establishments with major violations on initial inspection had major violations six months later as compared to less than a quarter of those with no initial major violation.
Variations in utilization of a multi-state company dental plan.
Authors: Leverett D H , Hooper S D , Russell W N
Published: November 2008

A study was conducted of family records and claim forms of a company-sponsored dental plan to determine the effects of several demographic variables on utilization of the plan and on patterns of expenditure. The plan was non-contributory on the part of the employees. Individual utilization of the plan (at least once during the study year) closely approximated the average for the entire U.S. population. Salaried employees, and families, were more likely to use the plan than hourly-paid employees and families. High income families were more likely than lower income families to use the plan. Most of the independent variables (income, age, hourly versus salaried) correlated with utilization patterns in a predictable manner. A notable exception was when one looked from one division of the corporation to another, with 25 per cent of families in one division using the plan in the study year, compared to 90 per cent at another division. The reasons for these dramatic differences may be related, at least in part, to institutional factors rather than to patient behavior, and further study is indicated.
Factors affecting the choice of hospital-based ambulatory care by the urban poor.
Authors: Skinner T J , Price B S , Scott D W , Gorry G A
Published: November 2008

This study of patients in the outpatient department at an urban hospital revealed that almost all could have reached a neighborhood center in less time and only a small number came to the hospital rather than a neighborhood center out of medical necessity. When the patients were asked about their willingness to obtain treatment at a neighborhood center, 48 per cent were willing, 52 per cent were not. These responses did not vary by demographic or medical characteristics but rather by the patients' stated priorities regarding medical care. Eighty per cent of those willing to change sites stressed convenience of access as a first priority compared with only 17 per ccent of those not willing to change. Emphasis on quality of care (45 per cent) or on familarity with the site (37 per cent) distinguished the group not willing to change. The findings suggest that successful efforts to persuade patients to utilize a neighborhood center must base their appeal on patients' individual priorities.
The epidemiology of recurrent otitis media.
Authors: Onion D K , Taylor C
Published: November 2008

Nearly one-half of 165 children with episodes of acute otitis media had at least one recurrent acute episode within the year. Males had significantly more recurrences. Most (60 per cent) of the recurrent episodes occurred within four months of the index episode. Hearing loss persisted beyond two weeks in 8 per cent of testable children. This experience suggests that prophylactic antibiotic use within the first few months after an episode of acute otitis media in young children should be evaluated.
Induced abortion and sterilization among women who became mothers as adolescents.
Authors: Jekel J F , Tyler N C , Klerman L V
Published: November 2008

Four cohorts of urban women who delivered a child before reaching age 18 were followed for periods ranging from 6 to 12 years to determine use of abortion and sterilization. The two more recent cohorts had been served by comprehensive service programs. About 40 per cent of each of teh groups used abortion or sterilization to control fertility. Most of the women seeking abortion had no subsequent term or near term deliveries, suggesting that such a request may signal a desire to terminate childbearing, at least for a few years. A high proportion of the young mothers obtained abortions during the second trimister, even for repeat abortion.
The effects of the anti-smoking campaign on cigarette consumption.
Authors: Warner K E
Published: November 2008

The impact of the anti-smoking campaign on the consumption of cigarettes is measured by fitting cigarette demand functions to pre-campaign dat, projecting "ahead" as if the campaign had not occurred, and then comparing these predictions with realized consumption. The analysis suggests that major "events" in the campaign (e.g., the Surgeon General's Report) caused immediate though transitory decreases of 4 to 5 per cent in annual per capita consumption. However, the cumulative effect of persistent publicity supported by other public policies, has been substantial: in the absence of the campaign, per capita consumption likely would have exceeded its actual 1975 value by 20 to 30 per cent. This is a conservative indication of the effectiveness of the campaign, for it ignores other potentially important and desirable behavior changes, such as the shift to low "tar" and nicotine cigarettes.
Evaluation of drug dependence treatment in VA hospitals.
Authors: Lorei T W , Francke G N , Harger P S
Published: November 2008

A nationwide evaluation of 49 Veterans Administration drug dependence treatment programs was conducted using a sample of 1,655 patients. Their status with reference to seven treatment goals was assessed at admission and again 11 months later to determine change. The following changes were observed: a large decrease in heroin use; a small increase in the use of alcohol; moderate decline of involvement in the drug culture; moderate increase in psychological well-being; and small increase in economic independence. No statistically significant changes were observed in frequency of arrests, in establishment of stable living arrangements, in drug related medical problems, or in the ability to relate to other people. Implications of the findings for further research and program modification are discussed.
Elective induction and stimulation of labor and the health of the infant.
Authors: Rindfuss R R , Gortmaker S L , Ladinsky J L
Published: November 2008

This study examines a large heterogeneous sample to determine whether elective induction and stimulation of labor have a beneficial or deleterious effect on the health of the infant. Previous studies have reached contradictory results, partly because of the small sample sizes employed. This study uses a multiple regression analysis of New York City birth certificate data from 1968. We find a small, but significant, negative effect on the newborn of both elective induction of labor and elective stimulation of labor. When hospital care context is allowed to vary, much larger negative effects were found within municipal hospitals and to a lesser extent on service wards of voluntary hospitals. Although 1968 findings cannot be applied to 1978, the implications are clear.
Repeat abortions: blaming the victims.
Authors: Howe B , Kaplan H R , English C
Published: November 2008

A study of 1,505 women obtaining abortions in a freestanding abortion clinic in Western New York state revealed that women having repeat abortions were more likely to be using contraception at the time of conception than women having first abortions. However, nearly one-half the non-contracepting repeaters were not contracepting at the time of the repeat pregnancy. Repeaters who were not contracepting at the time of the repeat pregnancy listed medical contraindications or lack of supplies as the major reasons for not contracepting at the time of the present conception--indicating that they had tried one or more methods since their first abortion. Repeaters were sexually more active than first timers, thus increasing their statistical risk of unwanted pregnancy even as they contracepted more than first timers. The data indicate that both first timers and repeaters overwhelmingly reject the premise that abortion is a primary or even a back-up birth control method. The essential difficulty for repeaters appears to be that they are victims of technological, organizational, and logistical inadequacies as well as statistical probabilities rather than being motivationally deficient or indifferent to the dangers of unprotected sexual intercourse.
A Marxian interpretation of the growth and development of coronary care technology.
Authors: Waitzkin H
Published: November 2008

Cost containment efforts will fail if they continue to ignore the structural relationships between health care costs and private profit in capitalist society. The recent history of coronary care shows that apparent irrationalities of health policy make sense from the standpoint of capitalist profit structure. Coronary care units (CCUs) gained wide acceptance, despite high costs. Studies of CCU effectiveness, using random controlled trials and epidemiologic techniques, do not show a consistent advantage of CCUs over non-intensive ward care or simple rest at home. From a Marxian perspective, the proliferation of CCUs and similar innovations is a complex historical process that includes initiatives by industrial corporations, cooperation by clinical investigators at academic medical centers, support by private philanthropies linked to corporate interests, intervention by state agencies, and changes in the health care labor force. Cost-effective methodology obscures the profit motive as a basic source of high costs and ineffective practices. Health-policy alternatives curtailing corporate involvement in medicine would reduce costs by restricting profit.
Swine influenza vaccine program in the community: acceptability, reactions and responses.
Authors: Monto A S , Ross H W
Published: November 2008

The operation of the national swine influenza immunization program was observed in the community of Tecumseh, Michigan. The purpose was to determine acceptability of a parenteral vaccine intended for the general population. Participation of the residents was excellent. More than 64 per cent of eligibles were vaccinated; this figure resembled that of the rest of the local area, but not the national figures nor a suburban area of Michigan where a similar study was carried out. Sore arm after vaccination was reported most frequently in younger female participants; however, sore arm was accepted as part of the process of vaccination and not considered a reaction by most. Such perceived reactions were not as commonly reported as in the large suburban area. Antibody response to the vaccine was excellent, not only in terms of antibodies to the swine virus itself but also in terms of cross reactive antibodies to the emergent H1N1 (Russian) influenza strain. As a result of the program, many vaccine recipients in the 25 to 49 year age groups are protected against this new epidemic virus.
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening: a cost-benefit analysis.
Authors: Layde P M , von Allmen S D , Oakley G P
Published: November 2008

The prenatal detection of fetal neural tube defects (NTD) is now possible by means of a multi-tiered program utilizing maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening coupled with ultrasonography and amniocentesis where indicated. This paper considers the economic consequences of screening for fetal NTD a theoretical cohort of 100,000 pregnant women at risk of having an affected fetus who would elect to terminate their pregnancies if an affected fetus were found. The cost of the program was balanced against the benefits of the program, such as the averted costs of institutionalization, medical care, and the like. The total cost of the program to screen 100,000 such women was calculated to be $2,047,780, or slightly over $20 per woman screened, while the total economic benefits exceeded $4,000,000.
Survey of rodent populations associated with an urban landfill.
Authors: Schroder G D , Hulse M
Published: November 2008

Trap lines placed in fields along the margin of a Houston, Texas landfill failed to capture a Rattus in 2,358 trap-nights. However, another trap line adjacent to a nearby residential area yielded four Norway rats in 510 trap-nights. These results suggest that rats living in or near homes were not crossing the fields to reach the landfill. The distribution of two native rodent species normally found in such fields reflected no landfill influence.
Exploring the use of death certificates as a component of an occupational health surveillance system.
Authors: Frazier T M , Wegman D H
Published: November 2008

An effort has been made to explore a case-finding surveillance system for occupationally-related disease using death records. A sentinel health event, here lung cancer in young males, was selected to seek unusual associations with occupations as listed on the death records. Fishermen appeared to be over-represented and population studies cited suggest lung cancer in this occupation deserves further exploration. Further efforts of this type could test the usefulness of an occupational health surveillance system based on the death certificate.
Rheumatic fever in Minnesota. II. Evaluation of hospitalized patients and utilization of a State Rheumatic Fever Registry.
Authors: Rice M J , Kaplan E L
Published: November 2008

We studied the hospital records of 124 patients with a discharge diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever who were hospitalized in 21 Minneapolis-St. Paul hospitals during 1975 and 1976. After careful review of the hospital records, we found that 83 (67 per cent) of these patients did not have an acute illness. Seventeen (41 per cent) of the 41 cases with an acute illness were thought to adequately fulfill the Jones' Criteria for acute rheumatic fever. Upon review of the rheumatic fever registry of the Minnesota State Health Department, we found that less than one-half of the hospitalized patients had been reported to the registry. Cases that fulfilled and did not fulfill the Jones' Criteria were reported with equal frequency, indicating significant underreporting and overreporting of rheumatic fever. Evaluation of secondary rheumatic fever prophylaxis, both in those patients with acute rheumatic fever as well as in those with rheumatic heart disease, indicated that many patients who, in theory, should be receiving prophylaxis were not receiving it. These studies indicate a need for more thorough evaluation of the current epidemiology of rheumatic fever and the role of a rheumatic fever registry, and imply a need for reevaluation of these programs. (Am J Public Health 69:767-771, 1979).
Ischaemic heart disease mortality and the business cycle in Australia.
Authors: Bunn A R
Published: November 2008

Trends in Australian heart disease mortality were assessed for association with the business cycle. Correlation models of mortality and unemployment series were used to test for association. An indicator series of "national stress" was developed. The three series were analyzed in path models to quantify the links between unemployment, national stress, and heart disease. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality and national stress were found to follow the business cycle. The two periods of accelerating IHD mortality coincided with economic recession. The proposed "wave hypothesis" links the trend in IHD mortality to the high unemployment of severe recession. The mortality trend describes a typical epidemic parabolic path from the Great Depression to 1975, with a smaller parabolic trend at the 1961 recession. These findings appear consistent with the hypothesis that heart disease is, to some degree, a point source epidemic arising with periods of severe economic recession. Forecasts under the hypothesis indicate a turning point in the mortality trend between 1976 and 1978. (Am J Public Health 69:772-781, 1979).
Health costs of economic expansion: the case of manufacturing accident injuries.
Authors: Catalano R
Published: November 2008

The hypothesized relationship between economic expansion and accident injuries is tested using archival economic and accident data from the Los Angeles-Long Beach, California metropolitan area. The association is measured using cross-correlation techniques after variation shared with a comparison metropolitan area (Anaheim-Santa Ana-Garden Grove) is removed. Two tests of association are conducted. The first uses the raw accident rate of the comparison metropolitan area as a control variable while the second adjusts the control variable to reflect shared industrial sectors. Findings suggest that the incidence of disabling accidents increases in the month before and during the month that the manufacturing work force expands. The impact appears strongest during the month that new workers are added.
Two studies of compliance with daily prophylaxis in rheumatic fever patients in Iowa.
Authors: Ehmke D A , Stehbens J A , Young L
Published: November 2008

We determined the penicillin compliance rates in school year 1974-75 for 235 children with rheumatic fever through analysis of urine specimens collected at school. Patients relatively low on compliance during the first year of sampling were divided into two equal size groups for a second year sampling study. One-half (N = 44) of these second year study patients and their parents were readvised regarding the need for penicillin prophylaxis and one-half (N = 44) served as controls. We related eductional data, behavioral ratings, and family information to compliance rates in both study years. The overall compliance for the children during the initial sampling year was 64.6 per cent. Factors found to be significantly related to compliance in year one were: 1) male sex, 2) large sibship, 3) increased number of behavior problems, 4) relatively poor academic progress, 5) lower maternal educational level, and 6) recurrence of rheumatic fever. Compliance rates for reinforced patients did not differ significantly from controls during the second year sampling.
The effect of inadequate language translation on Hispanics' responses to health surveys.
Authors: Berkanovic E
Published: November 2008

Data bearing on the effect of language of the interview on Hispanics' responses to a health survey in which no back-translation was undertaken reveal both lower reliabilities and lower bivariate correlations among Hispanics interviewed in Spanish than among Hispanics interviewed in English. An independent back-translation aimed at creating an English version of the questionnaire that was linguistically equivalent to the Spanish version indicated several instances in which the Spanish version was unidiomatic. Differences between the Spanish and English version in the idiomatic quality of the interview items, while not affecting meaning, appear to have affected the seriousness with which the interview situation was perceived. These perceptions, in turn, appear to have led to the response discrepancies observed.
Asbestos hazard evaluation in Rhode Island schools.
Authors: Faich G A
Published: November 2008

A statewide survey to identify and abate spray-on asbestos hazards in schools has been conducted in Rhode Island. Of 326 target schools, 24 (8 per cent) contained material confirmed in the laboratory to be spray-on asbestos. Overt hazards requiring major corrective measures were found in 4 (1 per cent) of the target schools. Simplified identification and reporting procedures allowed for the efficient conduct of the survey.
Peer review checklist: reproducibility and validity of a method for evaluating the quality of ambulatory care.
Authors: Hastings G E , Sonneborn R , Lee G H , Vick L , Sasmor L
Published: November 2008

This report describes the construction and evaluation fo a 35-item checklist used in performing peer review of ambulatory medical records. Scores obtained by using the checklist were evaluated for reproducibility. Ten reviewers, reviewing ten records on each of two occasions judged the records consistently item by item, 74 per cent of the time; 53 per cent greater than expected by chance (p less than 0.01). Pairs of reviewers, reviewing the same ten records, were consistent with one another, item by item, 72 per cent of the time; 35 per cent greater than expected by chance (p less than 0.05). Ten sick call patients were reexamined by an especially trained Reevaluation Physician who evaluated the quality with which they had been managed at the time of sick call. The medical records of the same ten patients were then reviewed with the Peer Review Checklist. The correlation between the quality scores obtained by the two methods were 0.72 and 0.74 on two trials. A correlation coefficient of 0.44 was found between the two evaluation methods when 89 cases were reviewed by a Peer Review panel composed of 10 different physicians. Peer Review Checklist scores correlated positively with scores obtained by using a series of disease specific protocols with explicit criteria. The correlations varied from 0.28 to 0.63 with six different disease specific protocols.
Diet discontinuation policies and practices of PKU clinics in the United States.
Authors: Schuett V E , Gurda R F , Brown E S
Published: November 2008

Marked diversity in policies and practices for discontinuation of the PKU diet in the U.S. was found in a nationwide survey. Seventy-two of the 78 identified clinical centers treating PKU provided data. No clinicians are currently considering diet discontinuation at ages earlier than their present policy or practice. A definite trend toward later discontinuation of diet was identified. A few clinicians have always recommended indefinite diet continuation while many clinics have experience with children ages 9--12 who have discontinued the diet. Clinics with seven or more children off diet in this age range are significantly more likely than smaller clinics to be considering a later age for diet discontinuation. There were 151 children approximately age 10 or older, who remain on a low phenylalanine diet. These children are followed by 29 clinics, but over one-half of them are followed by five clinics which have had long-standing policies of indefinite diet continuation. Factors associated with success in long-term management are a firm clinic policy supporting continued diet treatment; frequent, supportive contacts with the family; open discussion by staff with families and establishment of a trusting relationship; teaching children to accept responsibility for diet management from an early age.
The quality and completeness of birthweight and gestational age data in computerized birth files.
Authors: David R J
Published: November 2008

Computerized birth files compiled by the State of North Carolina for the years 1975-1977 were analyzed for omissions and inaccuracies. A wide range in the per cent missing values was found for different data items, from essentially none missing (birthweight, sex, race) to about 20 per cent missing (gestational age, paternal social data). Recorded birthweight showed the expected skewing from a normal distribution. The only demonstrable inaccuracy was in the form of digit preference, probably causing errors of +/- 1 oz (28.3 g). Reported gestational ages were more suspect, falling outside the range of biologically plausible gestation length in 2.8 per cent of cases. An additional 1.5 per cent of gestational ages were found to be misdated by four to 20 weeks based on the observed bimodal weight distributions among births of the same reported gestational age. Hospitals of various sizes and administrative affiliations submitted records with missing or inaccurate gestational age data with roughly equal frequency. These records were found to come from a socio-demographically high-risk subpopulation. The implications of elimination of incomplete or erroneous birth record data in perinatal epidemiologic research are discussed.
Nutritional status of Southeast Asian refugee children.
Authors: Peck R E , Chuang M , Robbins G E , Nichaman M Z
Published: November 2008

Since 1975 nearly 300,000 Indochinese refugees have been relocated in the United States. The Nutrition Division, Centers for Disease Control. Atlanta, surveyed the medical records of four west coast clinics to obtain nutrition-related data on 821 Southeast Asian refugee children under six years of age, arriving between July 1979 and June 1989. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and anthropometric data were compared to those of a comparison group of Southeast Asian children screened prior to 1979 and to a National Health Examination Survey reference population. The newly-arrived refugee group was found to be highly anemic and stunted relative to the comparison group. Although stunted, the study group did not appear greatly wasted.
Alcohol-related deaths in Wisconsin: the impact of alcohol on mortality.
Authors: Nashold R D , Naor E M
Published: November 2008

Analysis of the impact of alcohol as an underlying and non-underlying cause of death in Wisconsin showed a marked increase between 1963 and 1977 in the frequency of deaths reported with mention of alcohol. The rate of deaths for which alcohol was a non-underlying cause rose more sharply during this period (2.4 per 100,000 to 9.3) than that of alcohol-related causes (4.6/100,000 to 9.0). Nearly 90 per cent of alcohol-related deaths at ages 15-24 reported alcohol as a non-underlying cause, compared to 40.7 per cent at ages 45-54 and 57 per cent at ages 75+. This proportion was higher (50.8 per cent) among males than among females (32.8 per cent). Deaths related to alcohol are attributed to a number of underlying causes in addition to alcohol. In 1975-77, nearly half of the reported alcohol-related deaths were attributed to other causes, including accidents (14.8 per cent), heart disease (14.3 per cent), respiratory diseases (4.9 per cent), suicide (3.7 per cent), and cancer (31 per cent). These percentages may reflect substantial underreporting. Comparison of motor vehicle driver death certificates with blood alcohol test reports for these drivers shows 90 per cent underreporting of alcohol on death certificates. This fact, along with other information on underreporting, shows that the approximately 650 deaths now being reported with mention of alcohol annually in Wisconsin, represent only a portion of such deaths.
Saliva thiocyanate: a chemical indicator of cigarette smoking in adolescents.
Authors: Luepker R V , Pechacek T F , Murray D M , Johnson C A , Hund F , Jacobs D R
Published: November 2008

Denial and minimization in self-reports of cigarette smoking are probable common among youth and other groups where smoking is discouraged. Chemical measures may obtain more accurate measurement of smoking habits in those groups. One such measure, saliva thiocyanate (SCN), was evaluated in 1,419 eighth grade students. In that group, 54.9% of students admitted to regular smoking of greater than one pack/week had thiocyanates greater than or equal to 100 m g/ml compared to 2.3% nonsmokers at those levels. Of students who smoked greater than or equal to 10 cigarettes in the prior 24 hours, 66.7% were at or above 100 microgram/ml. Elevated SCN in nonsmokers was uncommon. Saliva SCN is a safe, inexpensive, and acceptable prevalence measurement for cigarette smoking. It can be used in place of self-reports to document smoking of greater than on pack/week in populations of youth.
Alcohol availability and cirrhosis mortality rates by gender and race.
Authors: Colón I
Published: November 2008

This study test whether the availability of alcoholic beverages is a simple integrated dimension as implied by certain policy models and in its treatment by researchers. Factor analysis reveals two independent availability factors: on-premise and retail availability. A correlation analysis found that on-premise availability was related to cirrhosis mortality rates for the total population, White males, non-White males, and White females. It was not related to non-White female cirrhosis mortality. In contrast, retail availability was not related to any of cirrhosis mortality rates. Examination of the states with extremes of high and low on-premise availability indicates that this type of availability is not a manipulable control variable but an index of extant norms toward drinking. It is recommended that differential prevention strategies be adopted rather than a uniform policy prevention model.
How successful is screening for congenital disease of the hip?
Authors: Parkin D M
Published: November 2008

The efficacy of neonatal screening for congenital disease of the hip is reviewed in relation to currently accepted criteria. There is poor validity of the tests used, imperfect understanding of the natural history of the condition, and absence of information on the outcome of treatment following screening compared to that following conventional diagnosis. The benefits of screening, although probably real, are therefore difficult to quantify. Strategies for increasing the efficiency of screening (maximizing the benefit:cost ratio) by mass screening after the neonatal period or by instituting routine retesting of all infants are discussed.
The effect of a thirty per cent reduction in physician fees on Medicaid surgery rates in Massachusetts.
Authors: Shwartz M , Martin S G , Cooper D D , Ljung G M , Whalen B J , Blackburn J
Published: November 2008

In this paper, we use an interrupted time series analysis to assess the effect of a 30 per cent reduction in the Medicaid reimbursement fee for physician services on the rate at which eight elective surgical procedures were performed in the Massachusetts Medicaid population. Tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy is the only procedure in which there was a statistically significant decline in the rate of surgery in most areas of the state following the fee cut. There is some evidence of an increase in the rate of disc surgeries/spinal fusions. The rate of other procedures increased in some areas of the state and decreased in other areas in the period after the fee cut.
Seasonal patterns of skin melanoma incidence in Hawaii.
Authors: Hinds M W , Lee J , Kolonel L N
Published: November 2008

We analyzed the seasonal pattern of diagnosis of malignant melanoma of the skin among Caucasians in Hawaii during 1960-1978. For all cases combined, a significant sine-wave pattern with a summertime peak was found. This pattern was most pronounced for melanoma of head and neck and lower extremities and for persons age 50 and over. These findings support the hypothesis that solar ultraviolet radiation may be a short-term promoter of some malignant melanomas of the skin.
Massive obesity in a migrant Samoan population.
Authors: Pawson I G , Janes C
Published: November 2008

Peoples of the Pacific Islands tend to become overweight when they migrate or are exposed to modernization in situ. Recent evidence suggests that Samoans are particularly susceptible, exhibiting a high prevalence of obesity and hypertension following migration to Hawaii. We report the preliminary results of a survey of height, weight, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) among an urbanized Samoan community the the San Francisco Bay Area. Although the participants' average height fell between the 25th and 50th percentile of the US population, about one-half our sample exceeded the 95th percentile for weight. The extreme overweight was accompanied by elevated blood pressure and, in females, by elevated FPG. The massive adult weight of migrants from the Pacific Islands carries serious public health implications for areas that support large migrant communities.
Breast self-examination and medical examination related to breast cancer stage.
Authors: Senie R T , Rosen P P , Lesser M L , Kinne D W
Published: November 2008

The frequency and type of breast examinations reported by 1,216 primary breast cancer patients was studied in relation to local stage of disease. No significant relationship was found between the reported frequency of breast self-examination (BSE) and stage of disease; however, annual medical examination was significantly associated with small tumor size (P less than .04) and absence of axillary lymph node metastases (P less than .001). Regardless of the frequency of any method of examination, the majority (80 per cent) of tumors were first detected by the patients. Among those who detected their lesion, a greater frequency of medical examination was associated with an earlier pathological stage of disease (P less than .001). Patients who were examined more frequently by a physician appeared to be more sensitive to clinically significant breast abnormalities. These findings underscore the importance of examiner skill in the successful use of palpation to detect breast cancer. Instruction in BSE by a health professional during periodic examinations may provide the optimal opportunity for improved proficiency in self-examination.
Coronary heart disease risk factors in men with light and dark skin in Puerto Rico.
Authors: Costas R , Garcia-Palmieri M R , Sorlie P , Hertzmark E
Published: November 2008

The association of skin color with coronary heart disease risk factors was studied in 4,000 urban Puerto Rican men. Skin color on the inner upper arm was classified according to the von Luschan color tiles. Using this grading, men were separated into two groups of light or dark skin color. The dark group had a lower socioeconomic status (SES) based on income, education, and occupation. Dark men had slightly higher mean systolic blood pressures (SBP) and lower mean serum cholesterol levels than the light, but the relative weights and cigarette smoking habits of both groups were similar. After controlling for the differences in SES, skin color showed a small but statistically significant association with SBP. Whether this association with skin color represents genetic or environmental influences on SBP could not be determined from this study.
Automobile safety regulations and death reductions in the United States.
Authors: Robertson L S
Published: November 2008

The effectiveness of federal automobile safety standards was examined using detailed data on 236,000 vehicles in fatal crashes in the United States during 1975-1978. Controlling statistically for type of regulation, types of vehicles, and ages of vehicles, the federal motor vehicle safety standards were associated with substantial reductions in car occupant death per 100 million vehicle miles travelled, and some reductions in fatal collisions of the federally regulated vehicles with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Some 37,000 fewer deaths occurred in 1975-1978 than would have been expected without the federal standards.
Trends in the incidence of breastfeeding for Hispanics of Mexican origin and Anglos on the US-Mexico border.
Authors: Smith J C , Mhango C G , Warren C W , Rochat R W , Huffman S L
Published: November 2008

In 1979 the Centers for Disease Control conducted a household probability survey of reproductive aged women living in 51 selected US countries on the US-Mexico border. Information on the incidence of breastfeeding for the period 1971-1979 was analyzed on 345 Anglo women and 689 Hispanic women of Mexican origin. Results indicated that the Anglos are following the national trend of increased breastfeeding, but Hispanics show no indication of an increase in the practice of breastfeeding.