bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycaemic memory
Authors: Bailey Clifford J , Day Caroline
Published: November 2008

Glycaemic memory describes the deferred effects of prior glycaemic status on diabetic complications later in life, independent of more recent glycaemic control. Prospective evidence for glycaemic memory derives from extended studies after trials that compared intensive versus standard glycaemic control. These studies in type 1 diabetes (e.g. DCCT) and type 2 diabetes (e.g. UKPDS) have shown that a period of poor glycaemic control earlier in the course of the disease is associated with an increased burden of complications much later in the course of the disease, even when glycaemic control is latterly improved. The Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial suggested that more than 12—15 years of poor control in older type 2 patients minimised the benefits of subsequently improved glycaemic control. The delayed adverse effects of hyperglycaemia emphasise the importance of effective early glycaemic control.
Estimating spectral information of complex fenestration systems in a video-goniophotometer
Authors: Stokes Eleanor C , Gayeski Nicholas , Andersen Marilyne
Published: November 2008

The effective use of complex fenestration systems in buildings requires knowledge of their optical spectral and directional properties. While the directional properties are commonly assessed by the measurement of bidirectional transmission or reflection distribution functions, the addition of spectral information would significantly aid in the design and analysis of such systems. This paper describes the development of a spectral estimation method that reconstructs reflectance and transmittance spectra of unknown complex fenestration samples in the Heliodome, an innovative video-goniophotometer. The estimation method relies on the digital output of a tri-chromatic charge-coupled device camera in eight filterbands to reconstruct a sample's spectrum using the truncated generalised singular value decomposition. This method is validated by comparing estimated spectra with documented reflectance and transmittance spectra of reference samples. In most spectrally selective materials, the method achieved average improvements of 50% over the Heliodome's previous quasi-spectral assessment method.
Are the lapdogs starting to bark? Japanese newspaper coverage of the SDF mission to Iraq
Authors: Otopalik Cameron , Schaefer Todd
Published: November 2008

Japanese media coverage is popularly portrayed as being closely tied to the ruling elite through the operation of kisha clubs where access to government sources and close government—journalist—business interconnections are cultivated. Given the gravity of the Koizumi administration's decision to send Self-Defense Forces to Iraq in support of the 2003 US invasion and the fundamental constitutional question it involved, this event provides a unique opportunity to test the thesis that the Japanese media are merely the `lapdog' of government. Two models, hegemony and indexing, make different predictions about media/political elite relations in news coverage. The findings of this study reveal that coverage by journalists provided little support for either. Given this, two alternative models are created and tested, the ideological bias and populist models. These models suggest that the press takes its reporting cues from sources other than political elites. Further study to provide greater assurance of this is merited by results here.
Cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Saran Anita M. , DuBose Thomas D.
Published: November 2008

The presence of kidney disease, manifested by low glomerular filtration rates (GFR) and/or large amounts of protein in the urine, is independently associated with increased rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The severity of kidney disease is associated with graded increases in risk for CVD and death. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) should be recognized and treatment initiated early to maximize the chances for slowing nephropathy progression and reducing proteinuria. We recommend screening for CKD in all patients with CVD, including computing an estimated GFR and evaluating for proteinuria using a spot urine albumin:creatinine ratio. Aggressive management of traditional cardiovascular risk factors should be employed in this high-risk population, specifically rigorous hypertension control (including the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocking agents (ARB)), management of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and smoking cessation. Further studies are needed to identify the unique renal failure-related (non-traditional) risk factors that contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis in this population and performance of randomized trials to assess the effects of cardiovascular interventions in individuals with CKD.
Influence of electrosynthesis potential on corrosion performance of polypyrrole coated stainless steel and its mechanism research
Authors: Zhu R. L. , Li G. X. , Zheng J. H. , Jiang J. W. , Zeng H. B.
Published: November 2008

The electrosynthesis process of conducting polymer on stainless steel was investigated and a two-step process was adopted to obtain polypyrrole (PPy) films at low potentials. The effects of applied potentials on the electrochemical, structural and protective properties of PPy films have been explored using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, open circuit potential and potentiodynamic polarisation. Films electrodeposited at lower potentials have more homogeneous morphology and less overoxidation. The electroactivities decrease as applied potentials increase. Polypyrrole films exhibit effective inhibition of corrosion for stainless steel in 3⋅5%NaCl solution. Applying lower potential for the synthesis improves the anticorrosive efficiency of PPy film. The anodic current during polarisation process for stainless steel/PPy is mainly ascribed to the dissolution of stainless steel at pinhole defects for initial immersion, and to PPy oxidation after short time immersion.
Genome Environment Browser (GEB): a dynamic browser for visualising high-throughput experimental data in the context of genome features
Authors: Huntley Derek , Tang Y Amy , Nesterova Tatyana B , Butcher Sarah , Brockdorff Neil
Published: November 2008

Background

There is accumulating evidence that the milieu of repeat elements and other non-genic sequence features at a given chromosomal locus, here defined as the genome environment, can play an important role in regulating chromosomal processes such as transcription, replication and recombination. The availability of whole-genome sequences has allowed us to annotate the genome environment of any locus in detail. The development of genome wide experimental analyses of gene expression, chromatin modification and chromatin proteins means that it is now possible to identify potential links between chromosomal processes and the underlying genome environment. There is a need for novel bioinformatic tools that facilitate these studies.

Results

We developed the Genome Environment Browser (GEB) in order to visualise the integration of experimental data from large scale high throughput analyses with repeat sequence features that define the local genome environment. The browser has incorporated dynamic scales adjustable in real-time, which enables scanning of large regions of the genome as well as detailed investigation of local regions on the same page without the need to load new pages. The interface also accommodates a 2-dimensional display of repetitive features which vary substantially in size, such as LINE-1 repeats. Specific queries for preliminary quantitative analysis of genome features can also be formulated, results of which can be exported for further analysis.

Conclusion

The Genome Environment Browser is a versatile program which can be easily adapted for displaying all types of genome data with known genomic coordinates. It is currently available at http://web.bioinformatics.ic.ac.uk/geb/.
Conditional Inactivation of Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene in Dopamine-β-Hydroxylase Cells Impairs Chromaffin Cell Survival
Authors: Parlato Rosanna , Otto Christiane , Tuckermann Jan , Stotz Stefanie , Kaden Sylvia , Gröne Hermann-Josef , Unsicker Klaus , Schütz Günther
Published: November 2008

Glucocorticoid hormones (GCs) have been thought to determine the fate of chromaffin cells from sympathoadrenal progenitor cells. The analysis of mice carrying a germ line deletion of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene has challenged these previous results because the embryonic development of adrenal chromaffin cells is largely unaltered. In the present study, we have analyzed the role of GC-dependent signaling in the postnatal development of adrenal chromaffin cells by conditional inactivation of the GR gene in cells expressing dopamine-β-hydroxylase, an enzyme required for the synthesis of noradrenaline and adrenaline. These mutant mice are viable, allowing to study whether in the absence of GC signaling further development of the adrenal medulla is affected. Our analysis shows that the loss of GR leads not only to the loss of phenylethanolamine-N-methyl-transferase expression and, therefore, to inhibition of adrenaline synthesis, but also to a dramatic reduction in the number of adrenal chromaffin cells. We provide evidence that increased apoptotic cell death is the main consequence of GR loss. These findings define the essential role of GCs for survival of chromaffin cells and underscore the specific requirement of GCs for adrenergic chromaffin cell differentiation and maintenance.
Die Macht des »und« The power of the word »and«
Authors: Jacob Frank
Published: November 2008

Die Nutzer und die Hersteller von interaktiven Produkten und Softwaresystemen haben gelernt, eine bestmögliche Bedienbarkeit als besonderen Wert für sich einzufordern. Mit dieser Wertvorstellung verknüpft sich unmittelbar, dass Usability und Ästhetik in einer, diesen Wert schaffenden Einheit verstanden und realisiert werden muss. Zwei Beispiele aus der wirtschaftlichen Praxis von human interface.design und aus der akademischen Praxis der Muthesius Kunsthochschule Kiel illustrieren, was ein ganzheitliches Verständnis von Usability und Ästhetik zu leisten im Stande ist.
Warum man die Gestaltung des iPhones nicht kopieren sollte. Designalltag zwischen Ästhetik und Usability Why you should not just copy the iPhone design. Daily design routine between aesthetics and usability
Authors: Wiesenauer Bernd
Published: November 2008

In den letzten Jahren haben sich die Anforderungen an das Design interaktiver Produkte verändert. Ganzheitliche Gestaltung erfolgreicher Produkte spielt sich immer mehr im Spannungsfeld zwischen Design, Gebrauchstauglichkeit und Innovationen ab.
Preclinical Activity of Eltrombopag (SB-497115), an Oral, Nonpeptide Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonist
Authors: Erickson-Miller Connie L. , Delorme Evelyne , Tian Shin-Shay , Hopson Christopher B. , Landis Amy J. , Valoret Elizabeth I. , Sellers Teresa S. , Rosen Jon , Miller Stephen G. , Luengo Juan I. , Duffy Kevin J. , Jenkins Julian M.
Published: November 2008

Eltrombopag is a first-in-class, orally bioavailable, small-molecule, nonpeptide agonist of the thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR), which is being developed as a treatment for thrombocytopenia of various etiologies. In vitro studies have demonstrated that the activity of eltrombopag is dependent on expression of TpoR, which activates the signaling transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathways. The objective of this preclinical study is to determine if eltrombopag interacts selectively with the TpoR to facilitate megakaryocyte differentiation in platelets. Functional thrombopoietic activity was demonstrated by the proliferation and differentiation of primary human CD34+ bone marrow cells into CD41+ megakaryocytes. Measurements in platelets in several species indicated that eltrombopag specifically activates only the human and chimpanzee STAT pathways. The in vivo activity of eltrombopag was demonstrated by an increase of up to 100% in platelet numbers when administered orally (10 mg/kg per day for 5 days) to chimpanzees. In conclusion, eltrombopag interacts selectively with the TpoR without competing with Tpo, leading to the increased proliferation and differentiation of human bone marrow progenitor cells into megakaryocytes and increased platelet production. These results suggest that eltrombopag and Tpo may be able to act additively to increase platelet production.
Epigenetic Reprogramming of IGF1 and Leptin Genes by Serum Deprivation in Multipotential Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Sanchez Cecilia , Oskowitz Adam , Pochampally Radhika R.
Published: November 2008

Recent studies on the therapeutic effect of multipotential mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in various models of injury have shown that paracrine factors secreted by MSCs are responsible for tissue repair with very little engraftment. In this study we tested the hypothesis that MSCs under stress undergo epigenetic modifications that direct secretion of paracrine factors responsible for tissue repair. Microarray assays of MSCs that had been deprived of serum (SD-MSCs), to induce stress, demonstrated an increase in the expression of several angiogenic, prosurvival, and antiapoptotic factors, including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and leptin. Real-time polymerase chain reaction assays demonstrated a >200-fold increase in the expression of IGF1 and leptin in SD-MSCs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation of SD-MSCs revealed histone tail modifications consistent with transcriptional activation of IGF1 and leptin promoters in a reversible manner. To identify the functional significance of the epigenetic changes in stressed MSCs, we tested the prosurvival properties of SD-MSCs and the ability of conditioned medium from SD-MSCs to enhance survival of apoptotic cancer cells. First, we showed that SD-MSCs are more resistant to oxidative damage than MSCs using alkaline comet assays. Next, we demonstrated that conditioned medium from SD-MSCs decreased staurosporin-induced cell death in the KHOS osteosarcoma cell line, and that this effect was partially reversed by immunodepletion of IGF1 or leptin from the conditioned medium. In conclusion, we demonstrate that serum deprivation induces epigenetic changes in MSCs to upregulate the expression of the proangiogenic and antiapoptotic factors IGF1 and leptin.
HEALTH HAZARDS OF THE DYE INDUSTRY
Authors: Smith A. K.
Published: November 2008

The first step in prevention of poisoning in the dye industry includes well-ventilated, properly equipped buildings. Selection of workmen is important and the use of the best methods in manufacturing. These investigations, which are based on 2,500 employees, whose blood was tested periodically, yield some minor diagnostic material.
DETECTION OF MANURAL POLLUTION IN MILK BY THE ANAËROBIC SPORE TEST
Authors: Weinzirl John
Published: November 2008

The anaërobic spore test for manurial pollution of milk has certain definite advantages. Total bacterial count is at best an indefinite warning, visible dirt gives no clue to manure in solution, while B. coli depends on temperature and may give false indications. The anaërobic spore test is simple and meets requirements.
BREAST FEEDING IN THE REDUCTION OF INFANT MORTALITY
Authors: Sedgwick J. P. , Fleischner E. C.
Published: November 2008

These authors do not absolve their brother physicians from responsibility in the high infant mortality through bottle feeding and note that medical schools spend hours teaching artificial feeding against a casual attitude in discussing maternal nursing. The story is told of the Minneapolis demonstration which helped reduce infant mortality there from 81 to 65.
IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HYGIENE DURING CHILDHOOD
Authors: Butler Harry B.
Published: November 2008

Civilization is robbing the human race of its teeth and toothless man seems not far distant. The possibility of education to a coarser diet appears to be most remote, so the most hopeful coarse lies in prophylactic measures. The field is the child and the woman Dental Hygienist is the most promising missionary of preventive dentistry.
A STUDY OF THE INCIDENCE, MORTALITY AND FATALITY OF DIPHTHERIA
Authors: Deacon W. J. V.
Published: November 2008

Diptheria is a disease of childhood.

Seventy per cent of all cases and ninety per cent of all deaths occur under fifteen years of age.

More boys than girls and more women than men have diphtheria.

The fatality rate is higher for males than for females.
Quality of care given to first time birth control patients at a free clinic.
Authors: Grover M , Greenberg T
Published: November 2008

In an empirical study of the quality of care at a free clinic, criteria for optimal care for female first visits for birth control were established and 100 charts were reviewed, 50 in April 1974 and 50 in April 1975 with an interval in between of in-service training accompanied by new medical forms and procedures. An encouraging improvement in record keeping was observed. The authors feel it is important that free clinics concentrate on quality as well as quantity and accessibility of care.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis from pet hamster exposure: a local public health experience.
Authors: Maetz H M , Sellers C A , Bailey W C , Hardy G E
Published: November 2008

Eleven cases of hamster associated lymphocytic choriomeningitis occurred within a space of four months in Jefferson County, Alabama residents. A single Birmingham breeder was the source of the infected hamsters. Ten cases experienced an illness of one to three weeks duration with grippe-like symptoms being most frequent. Complaints of nine cases suggested meningeal involvement, and one was asymptomatic. All patients recovered uneventfully. Frequent hamster contact had occurred in most cases, although three individuals reported infrequent or room exposure to the animals. The holding of hamsters for observation prior to sale, random testing of all breeders' stock, and the distribution of printed information with each hamster sold are suggested as precautions against future outbreaks of this nature.
Reporting of Down's syndrome from birth certificate data in the State of Minnesota.
Authors: Venters M , Schacht L , Bensel R T
Published: November 2008

Following a study of 421 suspected cases of Down's syndrome which were referred during a 10-year period to the Human Genetics Unit of the Minnesota Department of Health for chromosomal analysis, the following conclusions were reached: 1. There was an overall underreporting on the matched birth certificate of 52% of the cytogenetically confirmed cases. 2. This underreporting on birth certificates was greater (79%) for those born in the years 1946-1964 when less specific information was requested than in more recent years (36%), 1967-1974, when identification of the abnormality was requested.
Tapering off of tuberculosis among the elderly.
Authors: Myers J A
Published: November 2008

Tuberculosis has long been prevalent among elderly people. When tubercle bacilli first enter human bodies they usually remain through the rest of their hosts' lives and are capable of causing clinical disease any time, even in old age. In 1900, a large percentage of people of all ages were harboring tubercle bacilli and high mortality and case rates obtained among elderly people. The only way to solve the problem among future old people was to protect infants, children, and youths from becoming infected and remain so throughout life. As far as possible that was accomplished by isolating and treating tuberculosis patients in sanatoriums and hospitals, with anti-tuberculosis drugs after 1946, and controlling the disease among cattle. In due time, large numbers of children entered adulthood uninfected. From year to year, they replaced those heavily infected as they advanced in years. By 1973 the mortality rate was only a fraction of 1.0 per 100,000 among people under 34 years but of those of 65 to 84 years it was 9.7. The case rate was 28.1 for those older than 45 years. Although tuberculosis among the elderly has tapered off phenomenally, much time and work are necessary to accomplish eradication.
An evaluation of emergency room services during the New York City house officer strike.
Authors: McNamara J J , Greene M
Published: November 2008

A chart audit of emergency services provided by attending staff during the New York City House Officers' strike is compared to an audit of work previously performed by house staff. The usual quality of services provided in this institution was maintained during the strike. However, deficiencies in quality noted in house staff charts, continued to be noted in the charts of attending staff. Failure to improve quality of medical records when trained staff substitute for trainees suggests that the central strike issue of poor working conditions contributes to low quality of care.
Serosurvey of dogs for Brucella canis infection in Memphis, Tennessee.
Authors: Lovejoy G S , Carver H D , Moseley I K , Hicks M
Published: November 2008

Following occurrence of a rare case of human Brucella canis in Memphis, Tennessee, the free roaming and confined dog populations of that community and a similar geographical location were surveyed for B canis positivity to identify the foci of infection and to compare positivity rates. Three hundred and two dogs were sampled. Positivity was found only in free roaming dogs in both communities. It is concluded that presence of B canis positivity in free roaming dogs may pose an additional medical threat to communities, thus providing one more sound reason for controlling strays and confining dogs.
Issues in national health insurance.
Authors: Donabedian A
Published: November 2008

Health insurance, by reducing net price to the consumer and increasing the opportunities for revenue to the provider, has profound effects, among other things, on the volume, content and distribution of services, their prices, and the capacity of providers to produce them. The magnitude and nature of these effects depend, partly, on the design of insurance benefits and, partly, on the nature of the health care system, particularly its current and potential capacity and the methods it uses to pay providers. Those who believe that the unique aim of insurance is to protect against unpredictable expenses attempt to suppress these effects, mainly by imposing financial disincentives to utilization which, in turn, reduce protection for those who need it most. Those who wish to reform the system have a broader range of objectives which include protective efficacy, cost control, quantitative adequacy, qualitative adequacy, efficiency of production, efficiency of allocation, equity, and redistribution of capacity. An analysis of the effects of insurance in the light of these objectives reveals favorable as well as unfavorable consequences. The provision of comprehensive benefits generates the necessity for a fundamental change in the organization of health services, if the advantages are to be fully realized and the disadvantages minimized.
Veneral infections in three ethnic groups in Sacramento.
Authors: Darrow W W
Published: November 2008

Blacks treated in Sacramento County (CA) Clinics were most likely to have gonorrhea. Chicanos were slightly more likely to have nonspecific urethritis and other sexually transmitted diseases, and Whites were most likely to be uninfected. Whites tended to name greater numbers of different sexual partners, but differences among the three groups were not statistically significant. Black men more frequently reported to clinics with genitourinary symptoms and delayed significantly longer before seeking treatment. Future research should assess the relative contributions of sexual and health behaviors to the distributions of different sexually transmitted diseases in different groups.
The use of utilization review records as a source of data on nursing home care.
Authors: Kane R L , Olsen D M , Thetford C , Byrnes N
Published: November 2008

Data form the Utah nursing home Utilization Review Program, 1970-73, provide a description of the population of nursing home patients in Utah and changes over time in patient medication and measures of activity. These data are analyzed according to type of care in home: personal, intermediate, or comprehensive. The collection of data in utilization review programs can help to evaluate the quality of care as well as appropriateness of placement, provided the information collected is designed with these ends in mind.
Communication, compliance, and concordance between physicians and patients with prescribed medications.
Authors: Hulka B S , Cassel J C , Kupper L L , Burdette J A
Published: November 2008

Forty-six practicing physicians and 357 patients with diabetes mellitus or congestive heart failure were the subjects for this study, which focuses on the impact of medication regimen and doctor-patient communication in affecting patient medication-taking behavior and physician awareness of these behaviors. Four types of medication errors were defined: omissions, commissions, scheduling misconceptions and scheduling non-compliance. The average error rates were 19 per cent, 19 per cent, 17 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. The combined average error was 58 per cent; scheduline non-compliance on the part of the patient was a minor component. Specific aspects of the medication regimen were associated with increased errors: (1) the more drugs involved between the doctor-patient pair, the greater the errors of omission and commission; and (2) the greater the complexity of the scheduling, the greater the errors of commission and scheduling misconceptions. If the patient did not know the function of all his drugs, errors of commission and scheduling misconception increased. Neither characteristics of patients nor the severity of disease were influential in determining the extent of medication errors. For patients with congestive heart failure, good communication of instructions and information from physician to patient was associated with low levels of all types of errors.
Brucella canis infectivity rates in stray and pet dog populations.
Authors: Brown J , Blue J L , Wooley R E , Dreesen D W
Published: November 2008

A serological survey of 200 healthy, mature dogs was made to determine Brucella canis infectivity rates. The 9 per cent rate reported in the stray dogs was significantly higher (0.05 less than P greater than 0.025) than the 1 per cent rate found in pet dogs. These rates coupled with a predictably growing stray dog population have patent zoonotic implications.
Provider expectations and consumer perceptions of the importance and value of dental care.
Authors: Frazier P J , Jenny J , Bagramian R A , Robinson E , Proshek J M
Published: November 2008

Seventy-eight inner city mothers of third and fourth grade children in three racial groups--white, black, and American Indian--known to need dental treatment for disease on permanent teeth, were interviewed at home by a trained community resident interviewer. Sixty-two per cent of the mothers were on public assistance. Information relating to the mothers' perceptions of the importance and value of dental care both for herself and for her children were collected. Utilization data were obtained via two dental examinations conducted one year apart. Data were also collected from a sample of provider dentists via mail questionnaire. A yield of 315 usable questionnaires was obtained, a return rate of 53 per cent. Provider-dentists felt that low socioeconomic consumers do not value dental services, as compared to other types of consumer goods and services, and that they do not believe dental care is important. Low income mothers in the same city reported that they did value dental care and believed it important. Expectations of and orientations toward the importance of dental care were found discongruent between the two groups of respondents. These discongruities on the dentist-patient relationship are discussed as a barrier to utilization. Although financial resources were available to many of the study families, only 49 per cent of these children received the needed care. It is suggested that the psychological cost to a patient of seeking care in inhospitable settings may act as a barrier to utilization.
A survey of local public health departments and their directors.
Authors: Miller C A , Brooks E F , DeFriese G H , Gilbert B , Jain S C , Kavaler F
Published: November 2008

In 1974 a questionnaire was mailed to the nation's local health officers. Responses were received from 1,345, at least 68 per cent of all local health departments. The present paper presents selected summary data from respondents concerning the health departments, their jurisdictions, organization, finance, functions, staffing, and about the training, salaries, and other characteristics of local health officers. Health departments are extensively involved in rendering health services, including direct personal services (25 per cent of all departments). For many services the health department is the sole provider of essential services in the area of jurisdiction. These services include ambulatory care (8 per cent), maternal and child health (48.5 per cent), home care (44.8 per cent), and family planning (38 per cent). The major constraints to improvement and expansion of programs are perceived as limited financial support, insufficient staff, and inadequate facilities.
Daily Relaxation Response Breaks in a Working Population
Authors: Peters Ruanne K. , Benson Herbert , Peters John M.
Published: November 2008

A 12-week randomized experiment investigated the effects of daily relaxation breaks on office workers with “normal” blood pressure. Blood pressures of 126 volunteers from the corporate offices of a manufacturing firm were measured biweekly. After four weeks of baseline monitoring,volunteers were divided randomly into three groups: Group A was taught a technique for producing the relaxation response; Group B was “taught” to sit quietly; and Group C was taught nothing. Groups A and B were asked to take two 15-minute relaxation breaks daily. During the baseline period, mean systolic blood pressures (SBP) were 119.7, 118.4, and 114.2 for Groups A, B and C respectively; mean diastolic pressures (DBP) were 78.7 and 75.7 Between the first and last measurements, mean changes in SBP were -11.6, -6.5, and +0.4 mm Hg in Groups A, B, and C; mean DBP decreased by 7.9, 3.1, and 0.3. Between the fourweek baseline period and last four weeks of the experimental period, mean SBP and DBP, mean changes in Group A were significantly greater than those in Group B (p < 0.05) and in Group C (p < 0.001). The same pattern of changes among the three groups was exhibited by both sexes, all ages, and at all initial levels of blood pressure. However, in general, within Group A, the higher the initial blood pressure, the greater the decrease. (Am. J. Public Health 67;954-959, 1977)
A large outbreak of foodborne salmonellosis on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, epidemiology and secondary transmission.
Authors: Horwitz M A , Pollard R A , Merson M H , Martin S M
Published: November 2008

In September 1974, the largest outbreak of foodborne salmonellosis ever reported to the Center for Disease Control--affecting an estimated 3,400 persons--occurred on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. The responsible agent was Salmonella newport and the vehicle of transmission was potato salad served to an estimated 11,000 persons at a free barbecue. The cooked ingredients of the potato salad had been stored for up to 16 hours at improper holding temperatures. The magnitude of the outbreak allowed us to study secondary transmission by calculating the rates of diarrheal illness during the 2 weeks following the outbreak in persons who did not attend the barbecue and by examining the results of stool cultures obtained after the outbreak. We found no secondary transmission. We conclude that a health official should monitor food preparation and service at large social gatherings and that person-to-person transmission of salmonellosis probably does not normally occur even in settings considered highly conductive to cross-infection.
Abortion applicants: characteristics distinguishing dropouts remaining pregnant and those having abortion.
Authors: Swigar M E , Quinlan D M , Wexler S D
Published: November 2008

This study, of two groups of women who applied for induced hospital abortion, compares 100 women who had the abortion with 100 women who dropped out to carry to term. Dropout applicants who elected to carry to term had less education, had partners with less education, tended to be indecisive, and when they told their partners tended to receive negative responses toward abortion. In addition, these women expressed greater concern about the procedure and about the moral implications of abortion. Implications of this study for further research on women's and their partners' decision-making about abortion using the Janis-Mann model are discussed.
Evaluation and measurement: some dilemmas for health education.
Authors: Green L W
Published: November 2008

Seven dilemmas of evaluation and measurement posed by the nature of health education are presented, together with suggestions for their resolution. These include the dilemmas of : 1) rigor of experimental design vs significance or program adaptability; 2) internal validity or "true" effectiveness vs external validity or feasibility; 3) experimental vs placebo effectsl 4) effectiveness vs economy of scale; 5) risk vs payoff; 6) measurement of long-term vs short-term out-comon. Emphasis is placed on the need to develop a more cumulative data base through standardization of measures, replication of experiments in different settings, and better documentation, reporting, and diffusion of experiences in practice.
Alcohol and motorcycle fatalities.
Authors: Baker S P , Fisher R S
Published: November 2008

A series of 99 fatal motorcycle crashes in Maryland was studied retrospectively, using police and medical examiner records. Blood alcohol concentrations were determined for 62 motorcycle drivers; measurable amounts of alcohol were found in two-thirds (41), and one-half (31) had illegally high concentrations of 100 mg/100 ml or more. The police report mentioned alcohol in only 9 instances. High blood alcohol concentrations were found most commonly among drivers age 20-34.
Patient education and intrauterine contraception: a study of two package inserts.
Authors: Benson H , Gordon L , Mitchell C , Place V
Published: November 2008

In July 1975 the Food and Drug Administration proposed a patient information package insert for all women considering use of an intrauterine device. In the same year we also prepared a brochure to be given to women considering use of a specific intrauterine contraceptive, the PROGESTASERT system. To compare these information sources for the patient, we surveyed by mail 253 women who are or had been PROGESTASERT system users. Each woman received either the FDA or our own prepared version. Comprehension of the two inserts was generally comparable, but readers of our insert found its informational content more complete. The survey findings affirmed the desirability of providing the patient with an educational brochure to be read prior to IUD insertion.
Liberalized abortion in Oregon: effects on fertility, prematurity, fetal death, and infant death.
Authors: Quick J D
Published: November 2008

An analysis of Oregon Vital Statistics data from 1965 to 1975 was conducted to assess the impact of Oregon's 1969 abortion legislation, which substantially increased the number of reported medically induced abortions. This increase was associated with a slight increase in the age-adjusted 1970 fertility rate and there was no decrease in births to women in the age groups obtaining proportionately the most abortions. A significant and persistent 11 per cent reduction in premature births to women over age 20 (p less than .001) and a 22 per cent reduction in spontaneous fetal deaths (p less than .05) were associated with liberalized abortion. Decreases in neonatal and postneonatal infant mortality were observed, but were indistinguishable from an ongoing trend toward improved infant health. A gradual 25 per cent decline in the age-adjusted fertility rate occurred between 1969 and 1975, but the increase in the number of reported abortions could account for only one-fourth of this decrease. A seven-fold increase in the use of family planning clinics between 1970 and 1973 and more liberalized laws regarding provision of family planning service appeared to account for a much higher proportion of the decreased fertility than did liberalized abortion.
Family nurse practitioners in primary care: a study of practice and patients.
Authors: Pesznecker B L , Draye M A
Published: November 2008

In this nationwide study 8,905 patients were seen by 356 family nurse practitioners (FNPs) during February through April 1977. The ratio of white to black and white to "other" patients was six to one. Racial minorities were seen significantly more often than were whites in public clinics supported predominantly by public tax monies. The smallest number of patients seen was in the "elderly" age group, 65 and over. Elderly patients were located to a greater extent in the South and they used both private and public clinics. The number of infants and children seen was greater in the Western region and in semi-urban areas. The predominant patient problems seen by FNPs were Prevention/Health Supervision and Respiratory. Although there were similarities between top ranking primary care problems seen by FNPs in this study compared with primary care physicians in other studies, proportionately more FNP patient contacts were for Prevention/Health Supervision and the patients tended to be in the younger age group.
Use of ambulatory health services by the near poor.
Authors: Skinner E A , German P S , Shapiro S , Chase G A , Zauber A G
Published: November 2008

Individuals in the gray area between Medicaid eligibility and sufficient income to meet the costs of health care, the near poor, utilize health services less than other groups. As part of a study of health care behavior in an inner-city area based on a household survey of three distinct populations (HMO) members, public housing project residents, and a defined geographical area), we examined this question more thoroughly. Survey results show that the near poor had lower levels of use than Medicaid recipients when other factors were controlled. Particularly among those classified as in poor health, the near poor were more likely to be non-users and less likely to make multiple visits. However, differences in use between the near poor and the Medicaid recipients are substantially and consistently smaller for the HMO users (whose costs were covered by a special contract) than for users of a hospital outpatient department. The patterns persist for regular care received for a chronic condition but not for care sought for episodes of illness. These findings point to the special disadvantage faced by low income individuals who are not receiving Medicaid.
Treating obesity in children and adolescents: a review.
Authors: Coates T J , Thoresen C E
Published: November 2008

Researchers and health practitioners are becoming increasingly concerned with the problems associated with obesity among children and adolescents. Obesity tends to persist into adulthood and to be associated with a variety of physical and psychological problems. Treatment approaches used to date are generally impotent, but some promising short-term results have been achieved with some forms of dietary counseling, exercise programs, total environmental management, and behavior therapy. But even with these strategies, clinically significant weight loss is rare and advances during treatment are rarely maintained. Radical departures from current treatment strategies are needed in the form of more structured and intensive treatments, family involvement, and training in problem solving. Closer adherence to sound scientific methodology might at least provide a foundation from which more effective treatments might be developed.
Quantitative care norms for a psychiatric ambulatory population in a county medical assistance program.
Authors: Siegel C , Laska E , Griffis A , Wanderling J
Published: November 2008

An approach for developing quantitative care norms for outpatient acute psychiatric patients is presented. Both the methodological concept of the norming procedure and its application to the needs of Medicaid in Rockland County, New York are given. The methodology is totally general in that it could be applied to concerns related to characterization of services rendered in a wide variety of applications ranging from planning to utilization review. The norms developed relate both to monthly quantity of services rendered and length of active treatment period. Further, the impact of a review rule is discussed in terms of its implication to number of cases reviewed.
Dental examinations for quality control: peer review versus self-assessment.
Authors: Milgrom P , Weinstein P , Ratener P , Read W A , Morrison K
Published: November 2008

This paper reports the dental care norms for restorative dentistry collected from examinations of 1,466 patients in 105 dental offices in Washington State during 1976. These results are part of a larger study, "Assessment of Care and Continuing Dental Education," being conducted by the University of Washington with the endorsement and cooperation of the Washington State Dental Association. Treatments in volunteer offices were evaluated either by colleagues (peer review) or by the practitioner himself (self-assessment). Two hundred twenty-four of 1,196 eligible dentists volunteered for the study. Patients from the practitioners' offices were randomly selected from office files by project staff. The study tests the proposition that, using standardized clinical evaluation procedures and comparable samples of treatment, dentists will be more critical of their own work than that of others. Results suggest a generally high level of care provided by volunteer practitioners and that self-assessments were significantly more critical than peer review.
Manganese pollution in the city environment and its relationship to traffic density.
Authors: Joselow M M , Tobias E , Koehler R , Coleman S , Bogden J , Gause D
Published: November 2008

As lead is phased out of gasoline, other additives with anti-knock properties, particularly organic manganese compounds, are being substituted. Unavoidably, such compounds go through the combustion process, are eliminated in exhaust gases, and become part of the city environment. To obtain some indication of the extent of this new pollution street soils from various locations in a heavily trafficked city (Newark, NJ) were analyzed for manganese and lead by atomic absorption. Highly signigicant inverse relationships were found between the concentrations of both contaminants and distances from major traffic arteries. Strong circumstantial evidence is thus provided that: 1) manganese pollution is occurring, along with lead, in the city environment; 2) this new pollution is related to traffic density; and 3) the most likely sources are automobile exhausts. This suspicion is further strengthened by the significant correlations observed between manganese and lead contents in children's blood, suggesting a common source for both. Substantiation of the safety of this practice of adding manganese to gasoline is needed.
Genetic counseling as part of hospital care.
Authors: Riccardi V M , Cohen A , Chen M T
Published: November 2008

In order to determine whether genetic counseling was part of routine inpatient care in a medical school affiliated children's hospital, a retrospective review of selected patient charts was performed. The charts of a sample of 478 patients with any of ten specified types of genetic or congenital disorders were carefully studied to document whether the recording of genetic counseling had been given, "offered only," or "considered only." The disorders included were of four types: chromosomal, single gene, polygenic, and those characterized by multiple congenital anomalies, with or without a syndrome designation. One thousand six hundred and thirty-three (4.2 percent) of the hospital's patients had one of the ten disorders, but in the sample of charts studied genetic counseling was given five times and "offered only" twice; in no case was it "considered only." [The authors suggest that under-utilization of genetic knowledge and resources may be remedied in part by incorporation of a formal genetic disposition into hospital discharge protocols.]
Parent-inclusive pediatric units: a survey of policies and practices.
Authors: Hardgrove C B , Kermoian R
Published: November 2008

A nation-wide survey of Parent-Inclusive Pediatric Units identified innovations and restrictions in policies and practices. Questionnaires mailed to Directors of Nursing Service at 84 general hospitals which encourage parental "living-in" indicated that parents are provided with a place to sleep but infrequently are offered additional facilities, services, and guidance necessary to optimize their presence on the Parent-Inclusive Pediatric Unit. Restrictions on parents remaining with their children are common during highly stressful procedures. Results indicate a gap between research on the importance of parental presence and current hospital practice.
Factors associated with increased dental care utilization in five urban, low-income areas.
Authors: Okada L M , Wan T T
Published: November 2008

Survey data were used to measure change in dental utilization in five urban low-income areas as a result of increased financial (Medicaid) and facility (community health centers) access to dental care. The average annual dental visit between the baseline and follow-up surveys showed a dramatic increase in four of the five survey areas. With the exception of Roxbury, Massachusetts, where the rate was already high in the earlier survey, the dental visit rate in the remaining areas increased 33 to 80 per cent compared to an increase of only 7 per cent nationally between 1969 and 1975. Both CHC and Medicaid programs made important contributions to increased dental care. Among persons who saw a dentist in the year in these areas, 25 per cent reported CHC as their usual source of dental care and 46 per cent reported that their dental care costs in the year were borne by Medicaid. In spite of recent increases, however, the average annual dental visit rate was only 1.0 in the five areas compared to 1.6 nationally, which is 60 per cent higher. The generally low dental utilization levels among persons covered by Medicaid or served by CHCs may indicate that much of the increased dental utilization which occurred in these areas was limited to taking care of existing dental problems while neglecting preventive dental care.
A vitamin profile of heroin addiction.
Authors: el-Nakah A , Frank O , Louria D B , Quinones M A , Baker H
Published: November 2008

Circulating thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinates, folates, vitamin B12, B6, A, and carotenes of 149 heroin addicts aged 17-60 years were compared to 204 healthy subjects not using drugs or vitamins. Only 24 per cent of the addicts had no evidence of hypovitaminemia; 45 per cent and 37 per cent had vitamin B6 and folate deficit respectively, whereas deficits of thiamine, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and nicotinate were recorded for 13-19 per cent of the addict population; impaired liver function in addicts did not influence these results.
Rescreening for gonorrhea: an evaluation of compliance methods and results.
Authors: Judson F N , Wolf F C
Published: November 2008

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a routine rescreening (RS) culture several weeks after treatment for gonorrhea, as well as the specific efforts to ensure return visits, we followed 438 consecutive patients, 347 men and 91 women. Return visit compliance rates were 70 per cent for a test-of-cure culture, 27 per cent for a six-week RS, and 15 per cent at 12 weeks. The program detected seven cases of gonorrhea at $796 per case. In our clinic, RS is not a cost-effective way go control gonorrhea.