bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis: A Status Report
Authors: Norman Ross MG , Townsend Laurel A 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To review the nature of cognitive-behavioural interventions for psychosis and to evaluate evidence of their effectiveness. Method: Electronic (Medline and Psychinfo) and bibliography-based searches were carried out to locate descriptions and evaluations of cognitive-behavioural interventions for psychosis. Results: Various cognitive-behavioural interventions have been used for reducing psychosis. These have usually been applied to auditory hallucinations and/or delusions in otherwise treatment-resistant patients. Most evaluations comprise case studies or simple pre-post designs. Controlled trial evaluations are few, and although the results are promising, methodological problems limit the conclusions that can be drawn concerning the clinical utility of such approaches. Conclusions: More and better controlled trial evaluations of cognitive-behavioural interventions are needed in this area. If further research supports the efficacy of these techniques, issues related to clinical effectiveness, mediators of treatment effects, risks, and cost-effectiveness will also need to be addressed.
Olanzapine for Patients with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: A Naturalistic Case-Series Outcome Study
Authors: Dursun Serdar M , Gardner David M , Bird Diane C , Flinn Janet 
Published: January 2017

Objective: This prospective, consecutive case-series outcome investigation evaluates the effectiveness of olanzapine in 16 patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Method: Treatment resistance was defined as nonresponsiveness to at least 3 antipsychotic drugs from at least 2 different chemical classes. A minimum baseline score on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) of 45 was required for enrolment. Outcome evaluation measures included the BPRS, Global Assessment Scale (GAS), and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). Results: Subjects (n = 16) had a mean age of 40 years and mean duration of illness of 16 years. Olanzapine treatment was initiated at 5 mg daily and was increased based on clinical judgement up to a maximum of 40 mg daily. Significant decreases in mean BPRS (P < 0.001) and GAS (P < 0.01) scores were observed at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16, compared with baseline. Eight of 16 patients responded to olanzapine, as defined by a 20% decrease in BPRS score by week 16. Dyskinetic movements significantly increased at week 4 (P < 0.01) but did not differ from baseline at weeks 8 and 16. Conclusion: These results suggest that olanzapine at moderate to high doses may offer an effective treatment for a significant proportion of patients with schizophrenia nonresponsive to multiple trials of conventional antipsychotics. A randomized controlled trial is encouraged to validate these findings, and comparative trials are required to determine when clinicians should consider this approach.
‘‘Quit & Win’’ Contests Among College Students
Authors: Thomas Janet L. , Luo Xianghua , Bengtson Jill E. , Weber-Main Anne Marie , Lust Katherine , Ahluwalia Jasjit S. , An Lawrence 
Published: January 2017

Purpose: To determine smoking abstinence rates and predictors of abstinence among college students enrolled in a campus-based Quit & Win contest. Design: Pre-post measure with no comparison group. Setting: Contests conducted on seven college campuses in 2007. Subjects: Subjects (N = 484) were 23.7 ± 6.8 years of age, 61% female, 16.3% nonwhite, and smoked 12.5 ± 7.8 cigarettes per day on 28.0 ± 4.8 days in the past month. Intervention: Participants abstinent for the 30-day contest were eligible for a lottery-based prize. Assessments were completed at baseline, end of contest, and 6 months after enrollment. Measures: The 6-month survey assessed retrospective abstinence during the contest period and the prior 6 months and 7- and 30-day point prevalence abstinence at the time of the survey. Analysis: Chi-square test was used to compare baseline characteristics among participants from 2-versus 4-year schools. Smoking abstinence was assessed by participant self-report. Both a simple imputation method (i.e., missing = smoking) and completers-only analyses were conducted. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine baseline predictors of abstinence. Results: Thirty-day abstinence rate was 52.5% during the contest month and 20.5% at the 6-month follow-up. Baseline intention to stay quit (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, p = .01), cigarettes smoked per day (OR = .67, p = .04), and 2-year (vs. 4-year) college (OR = 1.65, p = .05) predicted abstinence at 6 months. Conclusion: Intention to stay quit even without winning a prize, a measure of intrinsic motivation, predicted both short- and long-term abstinence.
The Impact of College Student Financial Health on Other Dimensions of Health
Authors: Bemel James E. , Brower Christopher , Chischillie Alyssa , Shepherd Jessica 
Published: January 2017

Purpose: Researchers examined college students’ financial health and other health indicators to determine whether the integration of financial health into undergraduate health courses is justified and justify financial health as the newest dimension of health within the field of health promotion. Design: The study utilized a cross-sectional design. Setting: The study was conducted at a large public university located in the western region of the United States. Participants completed the survey from any computer with Internet access. Subjects: A sample of 3000 undergraduate students was selected. A total of 686 surveys were completed (22.9% response rate). Data were collected from college students ages 18 to 30 during the first 2 weeks of June 2013. Measures: Participants completed an online survey regarding their financial health and other dimensions of health. Analysis: SPSS version 19.0 was used to examine the relationships between financial health and individual health variables using χ2, independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson R, point-biserial correlation, and nonparametric analyses. Results: Every dimension of health was impacted significantly by lower levels of financial health. Participants’ emotional health was impacted far more than any other dimension, with significant impacts on concentration ( p = .005), usefulness ( p = .006), decision making ( p = .014), and happiness ( p < .001) by the mere presence of a budget. Conclusion: Findings indicate an apparent relationship between financial health and other health indicators and support the need for financial education by parents and middle/high schools and the incorporation of financial health into undergraduate health courses.
Effects of Community Singing Program on Mental Health Outcomes of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Authors: Sun Jing , Buys Nicholas 
Published: January 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of a meditative singing program on the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Design: The study used a prospective intervention design. Setting: The study took place in six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Community Controlled Health Services in Queensland, Australia. Subjects: Study participants were 210 Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 18 to 71 years, of which 108 were in a singing intervention group and 102 in a comparison group. Intervention: A participative community-based community singing program involving weekly singing rehearsals was conducted over an 18-month period. Measures: Standardized measures in depression, resilience, sense of connectedness, social support, and singing related quality of life were used. Analysis: The general linear model was used to compare differences pre- and postintervention on outcome variables, and structural equation modeling was used to examine the pathway of the intervention effect. Results: Results revealed a significant reduction in the proportion of adults in the singing group classified as depressed and a concomitant significant increase in resilience levels, quality of life, sense of connectedness, and social support among this group. There were no significant changes for these variables in the comparison group. Conclusions: The participatory community singing approach linked to preventative health services was associated with improved health, resilience, sense of connectedness, social support, and mental health status among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.
Penile Human Papillomavirus Carriage among Men Attending Swedish STD Clinics
Authors: Wikström A , Lidbrink P , Johansson B , von Krogh G 
Published: January 2017

Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, we found that up to 84% of 228 men consecutively attending two Swedish STD clinics harboured human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 or 16. Mean age of the patients was 28 years (range 17–58); 70% were between 17 and 30 years old. Among men without a previous history of, or contact with, condylomata the frequency of HPV 6 detection was 76% using the PCR/dot blot (DB) analysis and 43% with the PCR/agarose gel (AG) technique. The corresponding figures for HPV 16 were 46% and 13%, respectively. These figures were comparable to those found in men with existing condylomata infection or sexual exposure to a partner with condylomata. Although the test group represents a selected high-risk population for STD including HPV, our results indicate that a high frequency of occult HPV carriage exists among sexually-active males. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Cost-Effectiveness of Population Screening for Helicobacter Pylori in Preventing Gastric Cancer and Peptic Ulcer Disease, Using Simulation
Authors: Roderick P , Davies R , Raftery J , Crabbe D , Pearce R , Patel P , Bhandari P 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of population screening for Helicobacter pylori in preventing gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease in England and Wales. Methods: A discrete event simulation model used parameter estimates, derived from peer-reviewed literature, routine data and statistical modelling. Population screening was compared with no screening but with opportunistic eradication in patients presenting with dyspepsia. Costs included screening, eradication and costs averted to provide costs per life years saved (cost/LYSj for preventing gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken. Results: The cost/LYS from screening at age 40 years was £5860 at discount rates of 6%. The outcomes were sensitive to H. pylori prevalence, the degree of opportunistic eradication, the discount rate, the efficacy of eradication on gastric cancer risk, the risk of complicated peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer associated with H. pylori infection, and the duration of follow-up. In sensitivity analyses, the cost/LYS rarely exceeded £20000 over an 80-year follow-up, but did for shorter periods. Conclusions: H. pylori screening may be cost-effective in the long term. However, before screening can be recommended further evidence is needed to resolve some of the uncertainties, particularly over the efficacy of eradication on risk of gastric cancer, the risk associated with complicated peptic ulcers, and the effect of more widespread opportunistic testing of patients with dyspepsia.
Using Economics to Assess the Place of Screening
Authors: Donaldson Cam 
Published: January 2017

To an economist the place of screening is, in principle, no different from that of any other medical intervention. Any screening activity should be evaluated in terms of the costs it incurs and the benefits it produces. The reasoning for this is based on one fundamental principle of economics: That of opportunity cost. Resources are scarce, requiring choices to be made about what health care to provide and what not to provide. Sacrifices will be made through not taking up some opportunities, and the benefits of these sacrifices are known as opportunity costs. The place of economics is to assist decision making to promote efficiency and equity in the health care sector. To do this it is necessary to relate the benefits of any screening activity to its costs. Of course, the practicalities of applying economics to assessment of screening activities may be different than for other areas of health care. For instance, screening has a broader range of outcomes than most types of health care, including investment in knowledge as well as health gain. This does have implications for the way in which these outcomes are valued in an economic analysis. This means that economics can be applied to a wide range of policy questions about screening. In this paper examples from applications of economics are used to consider the following issues: How should we set out and estimate costs and benefits (using the example of cholesterol screening)? What is benefit and how should it be measured (using an example from cystic fibrosis carrier screening)? How can economics be used to examine equity issues in screening (using an example from bone mineral density screening)? Together, these case studies highlight the range of screening issues to which economics can be usefully applied.
Detection of Benzodiazepines in Human Hair by Radioimmunoassay
Authors: Sramek John J. , Baumgartner Werner A. , Ahrens Thomas N. , Hill Virginia A. , Cutler Neal R. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: In this preliminary investigation, we sought to determine whether a standard benzodiazepine radioimmunoassay (RIA) could detect three benzodiazepines in human hair. DESIGN: Hair samples of 20–50 strands (minimum 10 mg) were cut from eight patients receiving diazepam, two patients receiving alprazolam, three patients receiving lorazepam, and two negative controls. Samples were treated with ethanol and phosphate buffer washes at 37 ° to remove external contamination. The protein hair matrix was destroyed using proprietary procedures, then analyzed with Abuscreen RIA designed to detect various benzodiazepines and their metabolites, using oxazepam as a reference standard. SETTING: Patients were hospitalized in a locked psychiatric facility. PATIENTS: Twelve patients with chronic psychiatric conditions who had received therapeutic dosages of benzodiazepines for 1–11 months were included in the sample. One outpatient who reported heavy prior diazepam use was also included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Detection of benzodiazepines was well above a 1.5 ng/10 mg cutoff level with the Abuscreen assay. RESULTS: Diazepam was readily detected, but alprazolam and lorazepam were not detected. CONCLUSIONS: There is no test that can currently determine duration and extent of prior benzodiazepine use. Hair analysis for diazepam offers a potential, new clinical and research tool for characterizing prior level and extent of usage.
In Vitro Delivery of Crushed Ciprofloxacin through a Feeding Tube
Authors: Druckenbrod Richard W. , Healy Daniel P. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relative delivery of ciprofloxacin through a small-bore feeding tube (8 fr, 106 cm, Argyle). DESIGN: Ciprofloxacin 750-mg tablets were individually ground in a mortar and dissolved in 50 mL of water. Each resulting solution was drawn into a syringe and injected into a glass beaker (n=10) or through a feeding tube into a beaker (n=10) over one minute. Syringe apparati were flushed with two 60-mL portions of water. Aliquots from each of the 20 beakers were taken in triplicate, diluted 1:1000 with water, and assayed by HPLC. RESULTS: Ciprofloxacin concentrations (mean ± SD) for the samples without and with feeding tubes were 11.77 ± 0.78 μmol/L and 12.16 ± 0.65 μmol/L, respectively. The 3.3 percent difference is statistically significant (p=0.04), but clearly is not clinically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of crushed ciprofloxacin through a small-bore feeding tube in the manner described does not result in any measurable loss of drug delivered to the gastrointestinal tract.
Fixed Drug Eruption of the Scrotum Due to Methylphenidate
Authors: Cohen Herman A. , Ashkenazi Arie , Nussinovitch Moshe , Gross Shmuel , Frydman Moshe 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To report two cases of fixed drug eruption induced by methylphenidate. CASE SUMMARY: Two children with attention deficit disorder treated with methylphenidate as a simple drug developed fixed drug eruption of the scrotum. Drug discontinuation was followed by a complete resolution of the skin eruption. Rechallenge resulted in the same drug rash. Macrophage migration-inhibiting factor (MIF) assay with methylphenidate was positive. DISCUSSION: The pathogenesis of fixed drug eruption and the role of MIF assay in the diagnosis of adverse drug reaction is discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Fixed drug rash induced by methylphenidate is a possible but rare phenomenon.
Over-the-Counter Medications in Cardiac Transplant Recipients: Guidelines for Use
Authors: Lake Kathleen D. , Nolen Jacqueline G. , Slaker Ralph A. , Reutzel Thomas J. , Milfred Sherry K. , Solbrack Diane F. , Hoffman Frances M. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the pathophysiology of the denervated heart and the factors that need to be considered before recommending the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications in the cardiac transplant recipient. DATA SOURCES: Pharmacology and therapeutic textbooks, English-language journal articles, and physiology textbooks published between 1969 and 1991. DATA EXTRACTION: Case reports, controlled case studies, and textbook chapters evaluating drug interactions with immunosuppressive agents were reviewed. The effects of various OTC medications on the denervated heart were examined and relevant material was extrapolated. DATA ANALYSIS: The number of cases or studies in which a particular effect or interaction occurred was reported. Those findings that were less well documented were either identified as such or were not included in the review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Common pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions with the primary immunosuppressive agents (e.g., cyclosporine, azathioprine, prednisone) are reviewed. The physiology and altered responses of the denervated heart to various medications are also explained. Using this information, recommendations are given for the use and monitoring of OTC analgesics, antacids, laxatives, sleep aids, stimulants, and other medications that may be used in the cardiac transplant recipient. CONCLUSIONS: Many OTC medications can be used safely in the cardiac transplant recipient. In each situation, risk/benefit assessments must always be made and therapy should be monitored closely. Most important, patients should always notify the transplant team before adding an OTC product to their immunosuppressive regimen.
Use of Drugline—A Question-and-Answer Database
Authors: Öhman Birgitta , Lyrvall Helena , Alván Gunnar 
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND: DRUGLINE is a full-text, question-and-answer database offering drug information that has been evaluated as a result of consultations in a drug information center. A problem-oriented database such as DRUGLINE can be an efficient way to meet the increasing need among healthcare professionals for timely and accurate drug information. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how DRUGLINE was used during the years 1988 and 1990 and to identify any changes in needs, expectations, satisfaction, and use that occurred during those two years. DESIGN: This study investigated the use of DRUGLINE during two separate years. Questionnaires relating to DRUGLINE use during 1988 and 1990 were sent on two occasions to all users having access to the database. The anonymous questionnaires contained 17 and 18 questions, respectively. SETTING: The setting included MEDLINE/DRUGLINE use in healthcare institutions, pharmacies, medical libraries, and the pharmaceutical industry. PARTICIPANTS: The questionnaires were sent to all customers of the database host Medical Information Centre at the Karolinska Institute Library and Information Centre having access to DRUGLINE during 1988 and 1990. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The responses were organized into those from users and nonusers within the following professions: Physicians, pharmacists, librarians, and others. RESULTS: The response rates were 87 percent in 1989 and 89 percent in 1991. The professional distribution among the respondents in 1991 was physicians, 36 percent; pharmacists, 20 percent; medical librarians, 21 percent; and others, 23 percent. One-third of the respondents had searched DRUGLINE during 1988 and 1990. The number of users increased by 25 percent between 1988 and 1990; however, the percentage of users versus nonusers did not change. Pharmacists comprised the largest user group and experienced the greatest increase in users. Most users were satisfied with the result of their searches, usually because they were guided to solve a specific drug problem at a reasonable cost. CONCLUSIONS: A full-text, question-and-answer drug information database has great potential to help problem-solving in medical care. The technical versatility of the information system and its factual contents need to be continuously assured. Health professionals have to identify their information needs and develop efficient procedures to meet these needs.
Loracarbef: A New Orally Administered Carbacephem Antibiotic
Authors: Force Rex W. , Nahata Milap C. 
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the in vitro activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and relative merits of loracarbef, a new orally administered carbacephem antibiotic. DATA SOURCES: Pertinent literature was identified by a review of selected journals and a MEDLINE search. Additional information was provided by the manufacturer of loracarbef. STUDY SELECTION: All studies that have evaluated the clinical efficacy of loracarbef were included. In vitro studies were included if they used similar methodologies. Additional information was incorporated regarding the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects of loracarbef. DATA SYNTHESIS: Loracarbef has antibacterial activity against most community-acquired respiratory tract, skin and skin structure, and urinary tract pathogens. The drug is well absorbed after oral administration and plasma concentrations achieved in patients are greater than the in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations for most of the above bacteria. Although the majority of the clinical studies with loracarbef have methodologic deficiencies, loracarbef therapy has demonstrated similar efficacy in the treatment of upper respiratory tract (except otitis media), lower respiratory tract, skin and skin-structure, and urinary tract infections compared with accepted antibiotics. Potential advantages of the new carbacephem may be improved patient compliance with its less frequent dosing schedule (once or twice a day, depending on the infection), and a low incidence of adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data indicate that loracarbef may be an alternative agent for the treatment of a variety of community-acquired infections. Additional clinical experience and rigorously controlled comparative clinical trials are necessary to enable practitioners to fully define the therapeutic role of loracarbef.