bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbiologic and Economic Evaluation of Multiday Infusion Pumps for Control of Cancer Pain
Authors: Ohlsson Lennart J , Rydberg Tony S , Edén Tony , Glimhall Boel AK , Thulin Lars A 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To confirm established methods and assess bacteriologic and economic consequences of using external portable infusion pumps for the control of cancer pain in the home environment. Methods: Sixteen patients with terminal cancer were treated subcutaneously or epidurally with continuous infusions of morphine using external multiday infusion pumps. Bacterial growth in the pumps and costs linked to use in a hospital or at home were assessed. Patients treated at home received 2 pumps weekly, marked A for first use and B for second use, and patients treated in the hospital received 1 pump every fourth day. After use, the remaining solution in the reservoirs was examined for microbiologic contents. Results: A total of 317 pumps was used and 211 pumps were cultured (66.6%). Growth was found in 16 (7.6%) ( Staphylococcus albus in 13, Escherichia coli in 2, and Candida albicans in 1 pump). There were no significant differences in contamination between pumps used in the hospital or A or B pumps used at home. No patient showed any signs of clinical infection associated with the infusions. The use of multiday devices led to overall cost savings of $284 553 (2.1 million SKr) and a maximum cost savings potential of $379 404 (2.8 million SKr). Conclusions: The multiday pump system used and the methods established were found to be safe and bacteriologically satisfactory, as well as cost-effective for both hospital and home use.
Comparison of Activities and Attitudes of Baccalaureate Level and Entry-Level Doctor of Pharmacy Graduates of the University of Illinois at Chicago
Authors: Fjortoft Nancy F , Lee Mary WL 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To determine whether (1) differences exist between BSPharm and PharmD pharmacists in practice site selection, activities, and attitudes; and (2) differences in activities and attitudes exist uniquely between BS and PharmD pharmacists in hospital settings and in community settings. Design: A survey was designed and sent through the mail. Setting: The BSPharm graduating classes of 1985 and 1986 and the PharmD graduating classes of 1988–1990 from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Participants: Usable responses were received from 65% (n = 159) of the BSPharm cohort and 54% (n = 176) of the PharmD cohort. Main Outcomes: The outcomes under study were: (1) the choice of practice setting of the first job and the current job; (2) percent of time spent in 4 broad categories of pharmacists' activities: prescription processing, clinical activities, management, and educating; (3) levels of intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction; and (4) levels of professional commitment. Results: Chi-square results indicated that more BS pharmacists were practicing in community settings than were PharmD pharmacists. Multivariate analysis of variance results indicated that PharmD pharmacists were spending significantly more time in clinical and educating activities, and less time in prescription processing, controlling for any effect associated with age. PharmDs were significantly more committed to the profession and had higher levels of intrinsic job satisfaction. Analysis of data on 122 hospital pharmacists showed that PharmDs were spending significantly more time on educating activities and less time in processing prescriptions than BSPharm pharmacists, and that they were more intrinsically satisfied. No differences were found between BSPharm pharmacists and PharmD pharmacists in community settings. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the additional clinical education in PharmD programs may have a role in developing pharmacists with greater professional commitment and job satisfaction.
Treatment of Non-HIV Cryptosporidial Diarrhea with Azithromycin
Authors: Bessette Robert E , Amsden Guy W 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To report a patient with non-HIV-related cryptosporidial diarrhea who was treated effectively with a regimen of high-dose azithromycin therapy. Case Summary: A 42-year-old immunocompetent man contracted cryptosporidiosis from an ailing calf that he had purchased. He finally was admitted to the hospital because of excessive weight loss and profuse diarrhea. The patient was started on a course of high-dose azithromycin therapy and symptoms resolved within 48 hours. Follow-up stool cultures were negative for the parasite. Discussion: Although usually associated with immunocompromised patients, cryptosporidiosis occurs in immunocompetent hosts in a significant portion of the reported cases each year. Although self-limiting in most cases in this population, the disease can be severe at times and require treatment. Paromomycin therapy has been used in the past with good results. Although macrolides have had erratic effects against this parasite in the past, azithromycin (an azalide) demonstrated good efficacy in this patient. Conclusions: Azithromycin has demonstrated that it may be an effective option for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent patients. Studies involving its use in immunocompromised patients are currently underway.
Rifampin-Fluconazole Interaction in Critically ILL Patients
Authors: Nicolau David P , Crowe Helen M , Nightingale Charles H , Quintiliani Richard 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To report the influence of rifampin coadministration on the pharmacokinetics of fluconazole in 2 critically ill patients. Case Summaries: The pharmacokinetics of fluconazole are reported in 5 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), 2 of whom received rifampin and 3 who received only fluconazole. Patient 1 was a 52-year-old man with bilateral pneumonia who received rifampin for 9 days in addition to other antibiotics when fluconazole was added for suspected fungal superinfection. Patient 2, a 39-year-old man with steroid-dependent asthma was admitted to the ICU with a right middle lobe pneumonia and ventilatory insufficiency. Because of rapid clinical deterioration, intravenous rifampin 600 mg q12h and fluconazole 100 mg q24h were added to conventional antibacterial therapy. Patients 3–5 received intravenous fluconazole therapy, but were never administered rifampin prior to their antifungal therapy. Discussion: Fluconazole has gained wide use as an antifungal agent because of its efficacy, limited toxicity, and the paucity of reported drug interactions. In some clinical situations, however, the drug must be coadministered with rifampin. Limited data in healthy volunteers suggest that the coadministration of rifampin and fluconazole results in a 23% reduction in the fluconazole area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). In this report, we found a statistically significant lowering of the AUC (52%) and a 93% higher total body clearance of fluconazole in patients treated with rifampin. Conclusions: Although limited data are available describing the magnitude of the interaction between fluconazole and rifampin in patients, our data suggest a more significant interaction than previously reported. If the concurrent administration of the 2 drugs is unavoidable, the patient's clinical response to treatment should be monitored closely, as the unexpectedly large reduction in fluconazole serum concentrations may lead to poor treatment outcomes.
US and Canadian Pharmacy Residencies and Fellowships: 1995
Authors: Ohri Linda K , Pincus Kelly T , Brantley Helen T 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To report statistical information about pharmacy postgraduate experiential training programs in the US and Canada. Data Source: RESFILE-95 database. Measurements: A questionnaire is mailed annually to the contact listed for each residency or fellowship in the RESFILE database. The data for this report were entered into the database between June and December 1994. The information obtained on the survey includes (1) program type and accreditation status, (2) primary focus of the program, (3) number of positions, (4) stipend, and (5) availability to BS graduates. Results: Six hundred sixty-eight programs are listed in the RESFILE database, including 540 residencies (70% accredited and 30% nonaccredited) and 128 fellowships. Fifty programs are located in Canada. There are a total of 1070 positions available, with a mean of 1.6 positions per program. Pharmacy practice residencies constitute 55% of accredited residencies in the US. General hospital residencies account for 88% of Canadian programs. Primary/ambulatory care residencies are the most common specialty focus. Infectious disease is the most common fellowship focus. The mean stipend for all programs is $24 837. Overall, at least 90% of the responding programs offer specified benefits. Forty-eight percent of the residency programs are available to BS graduates; most fellowships are not. Having completed a previous generalist residency is frequently preferred but often is not required to perform a specialty residency or fellowship. Conclusions: The statistical data in this report will be useful to those assessing the role of postgraduate experiential training, institutions in the process of developing a residency or fellowship, and those considering application to enter such programs.
Recent Advances: Antiinfectives
Authors: Briceland Laurie L , Cleary John D , Fletcher Courtney V , Healy Daniel P , Peloquin Charles A 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To update readers on the significant changes in infectious diseases pharmacotherapy. Data Sources: An Index Medians and Iowa Drug Information Service search (1993–1994) of English-language literature pertaining to the selected topic areas was performed. Additional information from abstracts presented at scientific meetings were identified by the authors. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All identified studies were screened and those judged relevant to the update were evaluated. Data Synthesis: New or clinically significant data since 1992 that related to peptic ulcer disease, microbial resistance (e.g., Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Candida albicans), immunomodulators, and AIDS were evaluated and compared with previous data. Conclusions: There have been several exciting and significant changes in infectious diseases pharmacotherapy evident from this review.
Topical Review: MACI as an Emerging Technology for the Treatment of Talar Osteochondral Lesions
Authors: Dekker Travis J. , Erickson Brandon , Adams Samuel B. , Gross Christopher E. 
Published: July 2017

Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) is a viable procedure that can be used as both a primary or revision cartilage regenerative procedure in high-functioning individuals without tibiotalar arthritis. Both short-term and midterm follow-up results demonstrate clinical, radiographic, and functional improvements with high rates of return to full activities. Cost remains a chief concern with the use of this technique, but theoretical improvements in the durability of repair with type II cartilage replacement may offer long-term benefits. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
High Prevalence of Chronic Pain With Neuropathic Characteristics After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures
Authors: Rbia Nadia , van der Vlies Cornelis H. , Cleffken Berry I. , Selles Ruud W. , Hovius Steven E. R. , Nijhuis Tim H. J. 
Published: July 2017

Background: Unstable ankle fractures require treatment with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Long-term functional outcome is satisfying in most patients; however, a number of patients have persistent complaints. Superficial nerve complications following ankle surgery may be the cause of chronic pain and disability. Methods: In this observational retrospective survey, a cohort of 527 women and men, who underwent ORIF in the period from January 2007 to January 2014, were invited to an online questionnaire. Pain symptoms were assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Douleur Neuropathic en 4 Questions (DN4) Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present patient characteristics; a logistic regression model was used to analyze prognostic factors of neuropathic pain. A total of 271 patients completed the questionnaire. Mean follow-up period was 5.8 years (±1.9). Results: Persistent neuropathic pain symptoms were present in 61 of all patients, and 51 of these patients reported an impaired quality of life caused by their symptoms. In univariate analysis, the following parameters were associated with neuropathic pain: age, hypertension, a thyroid disorder, lower back pain, fracture dislocations, and late complications such as nonunion, posttraumatic arthritis, or osteochondral injury. In multivariate analysis, an age between 40 and 60 years was found to be a significant predictor of neuropathic pain. Hypertension, dislocation, and late complications were significant predictors of persistent pain without neuropathic characteristics. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a prevalence of persistent neuropathic pain symptoms after ORIF for ankle fractures in 23% of the respondents, which caused an impaired health-related quality of life. We identified 4 significant predictors of chronic and neuropathic pain after ORIF. This knowledge may aid the treating surgeon to identify patients who are at increased risk of persistent postoperative neuropathic pain and may affect the treatment of pain in these patients. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Dynamic tomographic studies of interscapular feline injection-site sarcoma: essential or useless practice?
Authors: Longo Maurizio , Zani Davide Danilo , Ferrari Roberta , Bassi Jessica , Andreis Maria Elena , Stefanello Damiano , Giudice Chiara , Grieco Valeria , Liuti Tiziana , Handel Ian , Di Giancamillo Mauro 
Published: July 2017

Objectives Feline injection-site sarcomas (FISSs) are soft tissue tumours typically characterised by an interscapular location and highly infiltrative behaviour. CT is considered the modality of choice for FISS staging and double positioning (dynamic approach) was reported to successfully detect the exact extent of infiltration into the muscles. The aim of the present study was to investigate the utility of the dynamic approach in feline patients referred for preoperative staging of interscapular FISS. Methods Tumour volume estimates were compared between the ellipsoid and the semi-automated segmentation methods. Two radiologists blinded to the patient coding used images from each position to assess the extent of muscular infiltration. The distance between the neoplasm and the adjacent skeletal structures (scapulae, spinous processes) was recorded in both positions by a single radiologist. Results Fifty-nine of 84 neoplasms invaded the adjacent muscular structures, with up to 15 muscles infiltrated. Between the extended and flexed position the average estimated numbers of muscles infiltrated were 1.9 (extended) and 1.84 (flexed) for observer A and 1.89 (extended) and 1.85 (flexed) for observer B. Good agreement between observers was established, with higher tumour volumes detected via the ellipsoid method. Moreover, tumours with smaller volumes showed slightly decreased muscular infiltration. Marked difference in the recorded distance between the skeletal structures and the neoplasm in the two different positions was established (mean ± SD difference spinous processes: 9.74 ± 9.57 mm; mean ± SD difference scapulae: 15.15 ± 11.76 mm). Conclusions and relevance A dynamic approach should be used for a complete evaluation of the invasiveness of FISS along with appropriate methodology for tumour volume measurement, which could potentially alter the tomographic estimation of the real dimension of the neoplasms.
The Glory and the Burden: Teaching a Course on Politics and the Media
Authors: Paletz David L 
Published: July 2017

The article describes the genesis, purposes and construction of an innovative course relating politics and the media of communication. Focusing on authority, the course (the glory) is designed to assist students to understand, on the one hand, how and why the media depict authority systems, structures, positions, individual authority wielders, and sanctioned policies in particular ways; and, on the other hand, to understand how public officials in the United States and other nations try to use the mass media to enhance their authority. Feature and “documentary” film, videotapes of television news and political campaign commercials are analyzed for their structures, codes, and possible effects. The success of the course is indicated by the range of quality of original, media-using, student projects. The teacher of such a course encounters a heavy “burden”. It includes administrative difficulties, technical obstacles, and the unavailability of visual material. Facing such problems directly, the Task Force on Audio-Visual Instruction in Political Science of the American Political Science Association (of which the author was a member) issued a series of sweeping recommendations in the areas of information and evaluation of technological resources and media material production, exhibition, distribution, circulation, and preservation. Most of these recommendations have thus far encountered benign neglect.
African Television News Flow into Australia: A Case Study
Authors: Overton Derek J 
Published: July 2017

A six months monitoring, May October 1979, of Tasmanian television news provides insights into the nature of African news. Shortcomings emerge such as the fact that while some regions received extensive attention the coup d'etat in Ghana went totally unreported. The television international news agencies, Visnews and UPITN are looked at. Though at the time of the monitoring Visnews was a monopoly in international TV news supply, UPITN has now broken into the Australian market. UPITN is of considerable interest to Africanists. Until 1979 it had covert ties with the South African Department of Information. Since television news reports on Africa dwellon crises, and provide little information of a positive nature, they project a decidedly negative image of Africa to the Australian public.
Industrial Accidents in the Construction Industry
Authors: Fredin Hans , Gerdman Peter , Thorson Jan 
Published: July 2017

In this investigation, accidents in the Swedish construction industry in 1967 leading to permanent disability or death were studied. The aims were to illustrate the magnitude of the problem and to create a basis of decision for the taking of preventive measures. The population consisted of nearly 400 cases. The whole population excluding a 5% non-response was studied. The course of events and causes of the accidents were analysed according to the statements of workers, employers and police. The injured workers were interviewed by telephone; otherwise information was acquired from police reports and injury reports of the National Social Insurance Board. Not only had the injured been subjected to physical suffering and financial problems as a result of the accidents, but the humanitarian losses, in terms of limitations to family life and leisure activities were striking. Accident prevention must not be restricted to mere technical and psychological measures. According to our results it would be more fruitful to attack juridical, organizational, professional-economical, political circumstances. It is particularly important that a practical plan be formulated and accepted by the responsible authorities.
Methodological Considerations in the Study of Frequency, Risk Factors and Outcome of Reduced Fertility
Authors: Sundby Johanne 
Published: July 2017

Infertility is a major health problem for many couples. Many clinicians believe that its prevalence is increasing. This may be attributable to greater concern about infertility in society and development of new treatment methods. Infertility is also a complex medical, social and individual problem. We do not know enough about the risk factors and their mechanisms of action. In the study of reduced fertility there is a need for clear definitions and careful selection of study populations. There are several sources of bias. One is selection bias in the ascertainment of infertility couples, others are recall bias and exposure assesment bias. Furthermore, medical classification of causes is difficult in population based studies. This paper will discuss problems in the interpretation of results of past studies and in methods already in use. Some new design options in future research are presented.
Nordic Registers of Visually Impaired Children
Authors: Riise Ruth 
Published: July 2017

A Nordic study group, NORDSYN, consisting of ophthalmologists from Denmark (Thomas Rosenberg), Finland (Sirkka-Liisa Rudanko), Iceland (Gudmundur Viggosson), Norway (Tor Flage, Egill Hansen, Ruth Riise) and Sweden (Kristina Tornqvist), has compiled data from registers in Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway of 2527 visually impaired children. The Swedish register was established later in 1990. Each record contains the following information: sex, year of birth, year of registration, classification of visual impairment, ocular diagnosis, systemic diagnosis, aetiology and evt. additional impairments. The ocular diagnoses were compiled into groups among which congenital malformations and neuro-ophthalmological diseases were the most dominating. A coding system for aetiology was developed. It was demonstrated, that prenatal factors, including genetic aetiologies, were involved in a large proportion (66%) of the cases. The sex distribution revealed a dominance of males compared to the general population at the same age. The age-specific national prevalences for registration of childhood blindness (WHO-definition: best corrected visual acuity in the best eye less than 3/60 or visual field less than 10 degrees around fixation for the ages 0–15 years) were (N/100 000): Denmark 41, Finland 15, Iceland 19 and Norway 15. The differences were primarily presumed to be due to varying efficiency in registration. A coding system for additional impairments was developed. The proportion of visually impaired children with an additional mobility, hearing or mental impairment was between one third and one half of the national materials thus indicating the need for interdisciplinary tracing of and care for the visually impaired child.
Sex Differences in Response Style to Two Self-report Screening Tests on Alcoholism
Authors: Österling Agneta , Berglund Mats , Nilsson Lars-Häkan , Kristenson Hans 
Published: July 2017

The revised Malmö modification of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (Mm-MAST) of 10 items including all four CAGE (an acronym for Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) items and one item on total sobriety was used in a health screening of a total birth-year cohort in Malmö. Seventy-two percent of the female and 68% of the male population participated. Nine hundred and eleven women and 911 men were included in the study population. The revised Mm-MAST yielded a higher proportion of scores indicative of problem drinking than the CAGE in both sexes; 4% of the women and 17% of the men had positive Mm-MAST scores (≥ 3 yes-answers). Rates of positive CAGE scores (≥ 2 yes-answers) were 1% and 7%, respectively. Frequencies of problem drinking in the Mm-MAST and CAGE positive scorers, respectively were similar for both women and men. The reliability of the revised Mm-MAST was better in the male population producing a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.69 compared with 0.58 in the female population. In men the four CAGE items had the highest item-total scale correlations, which was found in only one CAGE item in women. We suggest that the revised Mm-MAST is a better screening instrument than the CAGE in both sexes. Nevertheless the reliability of the total revised Mm-MAST was poorer in women and the need for a female oriented alcohol questionnaire is promoted.