bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharyngeal Flora in a Sexually Active Population
Authors: Russell J M , Azadian B S , Roberts A P , Talboys C A 
Published: January 2017

During a 7-week period 1141 patients attending the Genitourinary Clinic at Charing Cross Hospital completed a brief questionnaire and had pharyngeal swabs cultured for Neisseria spp, β-haemolytic streptococci, corynebacterium and yeasts. The study included 397 heterosexual men, 492 heterosexual women, 189 homosexuals, 41 lesbians and 22 bisexual men and women. Four hundred and sixty patients (40%) admitted oro-genital contact in the preceding 2 weeks. The meningococcal carriage rate was 11.6%. Homosexuals had the highest carriage 23.8% and heterosexual females the lowest 5.9%. Significant differences in carriage rates were found between homosexual and heterosexual men ( P<0.0001), heterosexual men and women ( P<0.005) and between lesbian and heterosexual women ( P< 0.025). Recent oro-anal contact significantly increased meningococcal isolation ( P<0.001). A significant association between β-haemolytic streptococci and concomitant meningococcal carriage was also found ( P<0.01). Sexual orientation and oro-genital contact influences both meningococcal and pharyngeal yeast isolation and should be considered when interpreting pharyngeal culture results.
Non-visualized aorta in abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: Screening outcomes and the influence of subject and programme characteristics
Authors: Bennett Damien , Stewart Diane , Kearns Deirdre , Mairs Adrian , Ellis Peter 
Published: January 2017

Objectives To compare abdominal aortic aneurysm screening outcomes of men with non-visualized aorta at original scan with subsequent scans and to determine predictors of non-visualized aorta. Methods In the Northern Ireland Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening programme, outcomes (discharge, annual surveillance, three-monthly surveillance, or vascular referral) and patient and programme characteristics (age, deprivation quintile, family history, technician experience, and screening location) for men with non-visualized aorta were investigated at original scan, and first and second rescans. Results Non-visualized aorta proportions were 2.9, 11.4, and 4.7% at original, first, and second rescan, respectively. There were no differences in screening outcomes between scanning stages (98.4, 97.6, and 97.4% <3 cm). There were 42 men (0.13%) with aortas ≥5.5 cm at original scan, but none at first and second rescan. A significantly greater proportion with non-visualized aorta were from more deprived (5.0%) than less deprived areas (1.7%). Deprivation quintile and staff role were significant independent non-visualized aorta predictors at original scan, and staff role at first rescan. Men from less deprived areas were three times as likely to have aortas visualized than those from more deprived areas (OR = 3.0, CI = 2.4–3.8) at original scan. A man scanned by screening technician compared with lead sonographer was 51% less likely to have aorta visualized at original scan and 94% less likely at first rescan. Conclusions The risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm in men with non-visualized aorta on first or subsequent rescans is no more than for those with visualized aorta on original scanning. Men from deprived areas are much more likely to have non-visualized aorta at original scan.
Effect of sample storage temperature and buffer formulation on faecal immunochemical test haemoglobin measurements
Authors: Symonds Erin L , Cole Stephen R , Bastin Dawn , Fraser Robert JL , Young Graeme P 
Published: January 2017

Objectives Faecal immunochemical test accuracy may be adversely affected when samples are exposed to high temperatures. This study evaluated the effect of two sample collection buffer formulations (OC-Sensor, Eiken) and storage temperatures on faecal haemoglobin readings. Methods Faecal immunochemical test samples returned in a screening programme and with ≥10 µg Hb/g faeces in either the original or new formulation haemoglobin stabilizing buffer were stored in the freezer, refrigerator, or at room temperature (22℃–24℃), and reanalysed after 1–14 days. Samples in the new buffer were also reanalysed after storage at 35℃ and 50℃. Results were expressed as percentage of the initial concentration, and the number of days that levels were maintained to at least 80% was calculated. Results Haemoglobin concentrations were maintained above 80% of their initial concentration with both freezer and refrigerator storage, regardless of buffer formulation or storage duration. Stability at room temperature was significantly better in the new buffer, with haemoglobin remaining above 80% for 20 days compared with six days in the original buffer. Storage at 35℃ or 50℃ in the new buffer maintained haemoglobin above 80% for eight and two days, respectively. Conclusion The new formulation buffer has enhanced haemoglobin stabilizing properties when samples are exposed to temperatures greater than 22℃.
An Evaluation of the Prevalent round of the Breast Screening Programme in South East Thames, 1988–1993: Achievement of Quality Standards and Population Impact
Authors: Garvican Linda , Littlejohns Peter 
Published: January 2017

Objective –To evaluate the impact of the prevalent round of the NHS breast screening programme on the whole population of women aged 50–64 during the period 1988–92, by comparing the numbers of cancers detected at screening with those diagnosed symptomatically, in one United Kingdom health region (population 3.5 million). To relate this impact to the achievement of national quality standards and the observed sensitivity and specificity of the programme. Method –The breast screening programme computer systems and the Thames Cancer Registry database were used to diagnose cancers in women aged 50–64 during the period 1988–1992, who were classified into screen detected, interval cases, eligible but not yet invited, non-attenders, and those not registered with the programme. Results –The programme met all national quality assurance targets for uptake, diagnostic process, and detection, but screen detected cases comprised only 48% of those diagnosed during 1991 and 1992 when the breast screening programme was fully operational. As fewer than 40% of breast cancers registered occur in the eligible age range, this limits the impact of the programme to the possible early diagnosis of only 20% of all cases. A surprisingly high proportion occurred in women unknown to the programme, especially in inner London. The high number of interval cancers led to a programme sensitivity of only 73%, but 99.7% of women screening negative were correctly reassured as a result of screening—and for them the breast screening programme is a success. Conclusion –Despite achievement of quality standards, the breast screening programme is apparently having a low impact on the overall diagnosis of breast cancer in South East Thames, so a large mortality reduction due to screening alone is unlikely. Population coverage will need to be improved, and it may be necessary to reduce the screening interval, or extend the age range, or both.
Reliability of Statistics on Down's Syndrome Notifications
Authors: Huang T , Watt H C , Wald N J , Morris J K , Mutton D , Emeritus E Alberman 
Published: January 2017

Objectives— To evaluate the completeness of notifications of Down's syndrome live births and terminations to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) using data from the National Down Syndrome Cytogenetic Register (NDSCR). To examine the agreement of observed birth prevalence of Down's syndrome with the expected birth prevalence derived from published maternal age specific rates. Methods— The number of live births (adjusted to allow for the estimated under-ascertainment) and the number of terminations due to fetal Down's syndrome from NDSCR were compared with those figures reported to the ONS. Subsequently, using the NDSCR figures, the live birth prevalence of Down's syndrome that would have occurred in the absence of antenatal diagnosis and selective termination was calculated in England and Wales in the years 1990–1993. These figures were compared with those derived by applying published age specific prevalences to the maternal age distribution in England and Wales. Results— It is estimated that only 48% and 46% respectively of Down's syndrome live births and terminations of pregnancy were notified to ONS between 1990 and 1993. The annual expected birth prevalences of Down's syndrome obtained by applying maternal age specific prevalences to the maternal age distribution were in close agreement with observed rates from NDSCR. Conclusions— There is considerable underreporting of Down's syndrome births and terminations to ONS. The NDSCR data are more complete and therefore the effects of screening should be monitored using data from this source, or using estimates derived from the age specific rates of Down's syndrome.
Use of Two View Mammography Compared with One View in the Detection of Small Invasive Cancers: Further Results from the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme
Authors: Blanks R G , Moss S M , Wallis M G 
Published: January 2017

Objective— To examine further the effect of using two view mammography in comparison with one view mammography in the detection of small (<15 mm) invasive cancers for programmes in the National Health Service breast screening programme (NHSBSP). The study is in two parts: First the effect on the small invasive cancer detection rate for programmes that changed from using one view to two views for first (prevalent) screens, and secondly the effect on the small invasive cancer detection rate for programmes that used two views for subsequent (incident) screens compared with programmes that used one view. Setting— Screening programme data from the NHSBSP. Methods— Data were collated from all screening programmes in the United Kingdom on standard “Korner” returns (KC62 forms) for the screening years 1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995 and 1 April 199S to 31 March 1996. The comparison between one and two view mammography was made using indirectly age standardised invasive cancer detection rates. Results— For prevalent (first) screens, programmes changing from one view mammography in 1994/95 to two views in 1995/96 reported a 45% (95% confidence interval (CI) 25% to 68%) increase in the detection of invasive cancers of <15 mm. In comparison, programmes that were already using two views in 1994/95 showed no change in 1995/96. For incident (subsequent) screens the small number of programmes that have opted to use two views reported 25% (95% CI 1% to 55%) more invasive cancers of <15 mm than programmes using one view in 1995/96, and 42% (95% CI 11% to 81%) more in 1994/95. Conclusions— These results confirm the benefit of using two view mammography in the detection of small invasive cancers, and provide evidence that this effect is seen in subsequent screens as well as the first screen.
Enhanced Anticoagulant Effect of Coumarin Derivatives Induced by Doxycycline Coadministration
Authors: Caraco Yoseph , Rubinow Alan 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To report two cases of enhanced oral anticoagulant effect induced by doxycycline coadministration. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Two patients on chronic oral anticoagulation therapy who presented with severe bleeding and marked impairment in blood coagulation tests shortly after the initiation of doxycycline therapy. DISCUSSION: The literature concerning the possible effects of tetracyclines on hemostasis with or without antecedent anticoagulation therapy is reviewed and the speculated mechanisms for such an interaction are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of tetracyclines such as doxycycline to patients on chronic oral anticoagulation therapy may be associated with a marked enhancement in anticoagulant effect. In such patients the prothrombin ratio should be closely monitored and the anticoagulant dosage adjusted accordingly.
Adjuvant Corticosteroid Therapy for Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia in Aids Patients
Authors: Sistek Catherine J. , Wordell Cindy J. , Hauptman Stephen P. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To review published abstracts, case reports, and journal articles and evaluate data examining the use of systemic corticosteroids as adjuvant treatment for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in patients with AIDS. DATA SOURCES: Computerized online databases, peer-reviewed journals from January 1986 through September 1991, and personal communication with a National Institutes of Health correspondent. STUDY SELECTION: The authors identified 13 reports pertinent to this review. By author consensus, five studies were selected for analysis based on sample size, controlled study design, and clinical outcome measures. Recommendations of an expert panel from the National Institutes of Health and the University of California also are discussed. DATA EXTRACTION: Data are presented based on the methodologic strength of the studies reviewed. Studies are assessed on sample size, inclusion criteria, comparative cohort populations, specific patient outcome measures, and statistical analysis. DATA SYNTHESIS: Results of the study analysis support the use of systemic corticosteroids as early adjunctive therapy for AIDS patients with moderate-to-severe PCP who have an initial arterial oxygen partial pressure of <70 mm Hg or an alveolar-arterial gradient >35 mm Hg on room air. Improved outcomes included decreased mortality, respiratory failure, and deterioration of oxygenation. Data evaluated have shown that adjuvant corticosteroid therapy is most effective when initiated within 72 hours of beginning specific antipneumocystis therapy. A small, but sometimes significant, increased rate of infection in steroid-treated patients was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the literature reviewed, early systemic adjuvant corticosteroid therapy can benefit patients with moderate-to-severe AIDS-related PCP. The steroid regimen used in the largest controlled trial and recommended by the expert panel is prednisone 40 mg bid (days 1–5), then 40 mg/d (days 6–10), then 20 mg/d (days 1–21).
Sulfur Compounds in Therapy: Radiation-Protective Agents, Amphetamines, and Mucopolysaccharide Sulfation
Authors: Foye William O. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: Sulfur-containing compounds have been used in the search for whole-body radiation-protective compounds, in the design of amphetamine derivatives that retain appetite-suppressive effects but lack most behavioral effects characteristic of amphetamines, and in the search for the cause of kidney stone formation in recurrently stoneforming patients. METHODS: Organic synthetic procedures were used to prepare radiation-protective compounds having a variety of sulfur-containing functional groups, and to prepare amphetamine derivatives having electron-attracting sulfur functions. In the case of the kidney stone causation research, isolation of urinary mucopolysaccharides (MPS) from recurrently stoneforming patients was carried out and the extent of sulfation of the MPS was determined by electrophoresis. RESULTS: Whole-body radiation-protective agents with a high degree of protection against lethal doses of gamma-radiation in mice were found in a series of quinolinium and pyridinium bis(methylthio) and methylthio amino derivatives. Mechanism studies showed that the copper complexes of these agents mimicked the beneficial action of superoxide dismutase. Electron-attracting sulfur-containing functions on amphetamine nitrogen, as well as 4'-amino nitrogen provided amphetamine derivatives with good appetite-suppressant effects and few or no adverse behavioral effects. Higher than normal levels of sulfation of the urinary MPS of stone formers suggested a cause for recurrent kidney stone formation. A sulfation inhibitor was found to prevent recurrence of stone formation and inhibit growth of existing stones. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of various sulfur-containing functions in organic molecules yielded compounds having whole-body radiation protection from lethal doses of gamma-radiation in animals. The presence of electron-attracting sulfur functions in amphetamine gave derivatives that retained appetite-suppressant effects and eliminated most adverse behavioral effects. A therapy for recurrent urolithiasis resulted from inhibition of MPS sulfation, after the finding that stoneforming patients had abnormally high levels of MPS sulfation.
Critical Analysis of the Content and Enforcement of Mandatory Consultation and Patient Profile Laws
Authors: Nichol Michael B. , Michael Lucy W. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the experience of 12 states that mandate that pharmacists provide consult services to patients and maintain drug profiles. DATA SOURCES: An analysis of each state's statutes and regulations was complemented by telephone interviews of state licensing board staff. RESULTS: Nine states specify the information to be provided during consultations, but only one (Florida) requires a comprehensive list of drug information, including adverse drug reactions, drug—drug interactions, directions for use, and necessary warnings. Eleven of the 12 states also require pharmacists to maintain patient drug profiles, but only 6 states specify the type of information to be included in profiles. State efforts to inform consumers about the pharmacist consultation requirement are limited, with only 7 states undertaking minimal promotional programs. The fact that no states reported any consumer consultation complaints or disciplinary actions against pharmacists for failure to consult illustrates the limited nature of mandatory consultation statutes and regulations. CONCLUSIONS: The wide variety of requirements demonstrates that these laws do not represent a uniform standard of practice. The lack of documented evidence regarding implementation invites questions regarding their usefulness and reinforces the need for enhanced monitoring activities.
Adverse Reactions to Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Gales Barry J. , Erstad Brian L. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To describe the adverse effects associated with human serum albumin (HSA) administration. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search and bibliography scanning were used to identify pertinent review articles, clinical studies, and case reports. STUDY SELECTION: Emphasis was placed on reporting the results of human studies with the primary objective of investigating adverse effects attributable to HSA administration. Clinical trials that reported the occurrence of adverse effects possibly associated with HSA were also reviewed. Animal data were included where pertinent. DATA EXTRACTION: Although isolated case reports were reviewed, data were primarily extracted from human studies involving large series of patients or studies that were randomized and prospective in nature. DATA SYNTHESIS: Alterations in coagulation, renal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary functions were identified as potential adverse effects following the administration of HSA. Occurrences of hypersensitivity reactions, trace metal loading, and serum amino acid alterations associated with these infusions were also noted and are described here. Pulmonary and cardiovascular systems appear to be particularly prone to complications from excessive HSA administration. Adverse effects such as HSA-induced hypersensitivity reactions may be severe, but occur infrequently. CONCLUSIONS: Controlled studies involving large numbers of patients are not currently available for an accurate assessment of the incidence of adverse effects attributable to HSA administration. Many of the reported reactions appear to be extensions of albumin's pharmacologic activities and would be expected to worsen following large doses of HSA.
Use of Nifedipine in the Hypertensive Diseases of Pregnancy
Authors: Levin Anne C. , Doering Paul L. , Hatton Randy C. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To review the available data about the use of nifedipine to treat hypertension in pregnancy. DATA SOURCES: All English language cases and studies published after 1984 and indexed in MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica, and BIOSIS PREVIEWS under the headings nifedipine, hypertension in pregnancy, uteroplacental blood flow, maternal/fetal hemodynamics, preeclampsia, and pregnancy outcome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome indicators included the safety and antihypertensive efficacy of nifedipine in pregnancy; the effects of nifedipine on maternal/fetal hemodynamics; and the effect, if any, of nifedipine on perinatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional drug therapy choices for hypertension in pregnancy continue to be hydralazine for acute reduction of blood pressure and methyldopa for the management of chronic hypertension. Current data indicate that nifedipine is an appropriate second-line antihypertensive medication in pregnancy, but more clinical trials are needed before it can be considered an appropriate choice for initial therapy. As do other antihypertensive agents, nifedipine provides maternal benefit by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cerebral hemorrhage and end-organ damage. However, perinatal benefit of nifedipine remains to be established.
Relationship Between the Administration of Selected Medications and Falls in Hospitalized Elderly Patients
Authors: Gales Barry J , Menard Susan M 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To examine the relationship between administration of selected medications and falls experienced by hospitalized elderly patients. Benzodiazepines and other medications previously associated with falls in elderly patients residing in the community and nursing homes were the primary focus. Design: Retrospective case control. Setting: Private, not-for-profit, 575-bed acute care hospital. Participants: A total of 100 patients who had fallen and 100 control patients, aged at least 70 years, admitted during the same 17-month time period. Main Outcome Measures: We examined the relationship between falls and patient demographics, underlying disease states, number of concurrent disease states, and length of hospitalization. Possible associations between the administration of narcotics, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, other sedating agents, antihypertensives, diuretics, nitrates, and digoxin 48 hours prior to the fall or reference day were explored. The relationships between benzodiazepine half-life, dosage, administration frequency, cumulative dose, and falls were also examined. Results: Demographically the groups were similar except that patients who had fallen were hospitalized significantly longer (mean 18.8 vs 12.2 d; p < 0.00001) than control patients. Benzodiazepines were received by more (40% vs 20%, odds ratio = 2.67) patients who had fallen than control patients. The use of long (>24 h) half-life benzodiazepines was similar in patients who had fallen (48%) and control patients (45%). Long half-life benzodiazepines were commonly administered (65%) to patients who had fallen in doses greater than that recommended for the elderly. Benzodiazepine use, expressed as milligrams of diazepam equivalents received during the 48-hour study, was higher in patients who had fallen than in control patients (15.00 ± 17.80 vs 9.73 ± 6.58 mg), but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.1030). Congestive heart failure (37% vs 24%), digoxin therapy (35% vs 22%), or administration of 3 or more psychoactive agents (17% vs 4%) were all more common in patients who had fallen than in control patients. Conclusions: Falls experienced by the elderly patients in our acute care institution were associated with the presence of congestive heart failure along with digoxin therapy, benzodiazepine use, or the use of at least 3 psychoactive agents.