bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of childhood IQ and education on social mobility in the Newcastle Thousand Families birth cohort
Authors: Forrest Lynne F , Hodgson Susan , Parker Louise , Pearce Mark S 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
It has been suggested that social, educational, cultural and physical factors in childhood and early adulthood may influence the chances and direction of social mobility, the movement of an individual between social classes over his/her life-course. This study examined the association of such factors with intra-generational and inter-generational social mobility within the Newcastle Thousand Families 1947 birth cohort.

Methods
Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the potential association of sex, housing conditions at age 5 years, childhood IQ, achieved education level, adult height and adverse events in early childhood with upward and downward social mobility.

Results
Childhood IQ and achieved education level were significantly and independently associated with upward mobility between the ages of 5 and 49-51 years. Only education was significantly associated (positively) with upward social mobility between 5 and 25 years, and only childhood IQ (again positively) with upward social mobility between 25 and 49-51 years. Childhood IQ was significantly negatively associated with downward social mobility. Adult height, childhood housing conditions, adverse events in childhood and sex were not significant determinants of upward or downward social mobility in this cohort.

Conclusions
As upward social mobility has been associated with better health as well as more general benefits to society, supportive measures to improve childhood circumstances that could result in increased IQ and educational attainment may have long-term population health and wellbeing benefits.
Public perception on the role of community pharmacists in self-medication and self-care in Hong Kong
Authors: You Joyce H , Wong Fiona Y , Chan Frank W , Wong Eliza L , Yeoh Eng-kiong 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
The choices for self-medication in Hong Kong are much diversified, including western and Chinese medicines and food supplements. This study was to examine Hong Kong public knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding self-medication, self-care and the role of pharmacists in self-care.

Methods
A cross-sectional phone survey was conducted, inviting people aged 18 or older to complete a 37-item questionnaire that was developed based on the Thematic Household surveys in Hong Kong, findings of the health prorfessional focus group discussions on pharmacist-led patient self management and literature. Telephone numbers were randomly selected from residential phone directories. Trained interviewers invited eligible persons to participate using the "last birthday method". Associations of demographic characteristics with knowledge, attitudes and beliefs on self-medication, self-care and role of pharmacists, and spending on over-the-counter (OTC) products were analysed statistically.

Results
A total of 1, 560 phone calls were successfully made and 1, 104 respondents completed the survey which indicated a response rate of 70.8%. 63.1% had adequate knowledge on using OTC products. Those who had no formal education/had attended primary education (OR = 3.19, 95%CI 1.78-5.72; p < 0.001), had attended secondary education (OR = 1.50, 95%CI 1.03-2.19; p = 0.035), and aged ≥60 years (OR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.02-3.26; p = 0.042) were more likely to have inadequate knowledge on self-medication. People with chronic disease also tended to spend more than HKD100 on western (OR = 3.58, 95%CI 1.58-8.09; p = 0.002) and Chinese OTC products (OR = 2.94, 95%CI 1.08-7.95; p = 0.034). 94.6% believed that patients with chronic illnesses should self-manage their diseases. 68% agreed that they would consult a pharmacist before using OTC product but only 45% agreed that pharmacists could play a leading role in self-care. Most common reasons against pharmacist consultation on self-medication and self-care were uncertainty over the role of pharmacists and low acceptance level of pharmacists.

Conclusions
The majority of respondents supported patients with chronic illness to self-manage their diseases but less than half agreed to use a pharmacist-led approach in self-care. The government should consider developing doctors-pharmacists partnership programs in the community, enhancing the role of pharmacists in primary care and providing education to patients to improve their awareness on the role of pharmacists in self-medication and self-care.
Use of a pLDH-based dipstick in the diagnostic and therapeutic follow-up of malaria patients in Mali
Authors: Ouattara Amed , Doumbo Safiatou , Saye Renion , Beavogui Abdoul H , Traoré Boubacar , Djimdé Abdoulaye , Niangaly Amadou , Kayentao Kassoum , Diallo Mouctar , Doumbo Ogobara K , Thera Mahamadou A 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Malaria is a major public health problem in Mali and diagnosis is typically based on microscopy. Microscopy requires a well trained technician, a reliable power source, a functioning microscope and adequate supplies. The scarcity of resources of community health centres (CHC) does not allow for such a significant investment in only one aspect of malaria control. In this context, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) may improve case management particularly in remote areas.

Methods
This multicentre study included 725 patients simultaneously screened with OptiMal-IT test and thick smears for malaria parasite detection. While evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of choroquine in 2 study sites, we compared the diagnostic values of thick smear microscopy to OptiMal-IT test applying the WHO 14 days follow-up scheme using samples collected from 344 patients.

Results
The sensitivity and the specificity of OptiMal-IT compared to thick smear was 97.2% and 95.4%, whereas the positive and negative predictive values were 96.7 and 96.1%, respectively. The percent agreement between the two diagnostic tests was 0.93. The two tests were comparable in detecting malaria at day 0, day 3 and day 14. The only difference was observed at day 7 due to high gametocytemia. Subjectively, health care providers found OptiMal-IT easier to use and store under field conditions.

Conclusion
OptiMal-IT test revealed similar results when compared to microscopy which is considered the gold standard for malaria diagnostics. The test was found to have a short processing time and was easier to use. These advantages may improve malaria case management by providing a diagnostic and drug efficacy follow-up tool to peripheral health centres with limited resources.
Annealing of gold nanostructures sputtered on polytetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Siegel Jakub , Krajcar Robert , Kolská Zdeňka , Hnatowicz Vladimír , Švorčík Václav 
Published: November 2011

AbstractGold nanolayers sputtered on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface and their changes induced by post-deposition annealing at 100°C to 300°C are studied. Changes in surface morphology and roughness are examined by atomic force microscopy, electrical sheet resistance by two point technique, zeta potential by electrokinetic analysis and chemical composition by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in dependence on the gold layer thickness. Transition from discontinuous to continuous gold coverage takes place at the layer thicknesses 10 to 15 nm and this threshold remains practically unchanged after the annealing at the temperatures below 200°C. The annealing at 300°C, however, leads to significant rearrangement of the gold layer and the transition threshold increases to 70 nm. Significant carbon contamination and the presence of oxidized structures on gold-coated samples are observed in XPS spectra. Gold coating leads to a decrease in the sample surface roughness. Annealing at 300°C of pristine PTFE and gold-coated PTFE results in significant increase of the sample surface roughness.
Endometrial cancer - reduce to the minimum. A new paradigm for adjuvant treatments?
Authors: Scheithauer Heike R , Schulz Diana S , Belka Claus 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Up to now, the role of adjuvant radiation therapy and the extent of lymph node dissection for early stage endometrial cancer are controversial. In order to clarify the current position of the given adjuvant treatment options, a systematic review was performed.

Materials and methods
Both, Pubmed and ISI Web of Knowledge database were searched using the following keywords and MESH headings: "Endometrial cancer", "Endometrial Neoplasms", "Endometrial Neoplasms/radiotherapy", "External beam radiation therapy", "Brachytherapy" and adequate combinations.

Conclusion
Recent data from randomized trials indicate that external beam radiation therapy - particularly in combination with extended lymph node dissection - or radical lymph node dissection increases toxicity without any improvement of overall survival rates. Thus, reduced surgical aggressiveness and limitation of radiotherapy to vaginal-vault-brachytherapy only is sufficient for most cases of early stage endometrial cancer.
Dantrolene is neuroprotective in Huntington's disease transgenic mouse model
Authors: Chen Xi , Wu Jun , Lvovskaya Svetlana , Herndon Emily , Supnet Charlene , Bezprozvanny Ilya 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the Huntingtin protein which results in the selective degeneration of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Our group has previously demonstrated that calcium (Ca2+) signaling is abnormal in MSNs from the yeast artificial chromosome transgenic mouse model of HD (YAC128). Moreover, we demonstrated that deranged intracellular Ca2+ signaling sensitizes YAC128 MSNs to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity when compared to wild type (WT) MSNs. In previous studies we also observed abnormal neuronal Ca2+ signaling in neurons from spinocerebellar ataxia 2 (SCA2) and spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3) mouse models and demonstrated that treatment with dantrolene, a ryanodine receptor antagonist and clinically relevant Ca2+ signaling stabilizer, was neuroprotective in experiments with these mouse models. The aim of the current study was to evaluate potential beneficial effects of dantrolene in experiments with YAC128 HD mouse model.

Results
The application of caffeine and glutamate resulted in increased Ca2+ release from intracellular stores in YAC128 MSN cultures when compared to WT MSN cultures. Pre-treatment with dantrolene protected YAC128 MSNs from glutamate excitotoxicty, with an effective concentration of 100 nM and above. Feeding dantrolene (5 mg/kg) twice a week to YAC128 mice between 2 months and 11.5 months of age resulted in significantly improved performance in the beam-walking and gait-walking assays. Neuropathological analysis revealed that long-term dantrolene feeding to YAC128 mice significantly reduced the loss of NeuN-positive striatal neurons and reduced formation of Httexp nuclear aggregates.

Conclusions
Our results support the hypothesis that deranged Ca2+ signaling plays an important role in HD pathology. Our data also implicate the RyanRs as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HD and demonstrate that RyanR inhibitors and Ca2+ signaling stabilizers such as dantrolene should be considered as potential therapeutics for the treatment of HD and other polyQ-expansion disorders.
Screening and control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in 186 intensive care units: different situations and individual solutions
Authors: Kohlenberg Anke , Schwab Frank , Behnke Michael , Geffers Christine , Gastmeier Petra 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Controversy exists about the benefit of screening for prevention of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in intensive care units (ICUs) and recent studies have shown conflicting results. The aim of this observational study was to describe and evaluate the association between MRSA incidence densities (IDs) and screening and control measures in ICUs participating in the German Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System.

Methods
The surveillance module for multidrug-resistant bacteria collects data on MRSA cases in ICUs with the aim to provide a national reference and a tool for evaluation of infection control management. The median IDs of MRSA cases per 1000 patient-days (pd) with the interquartile range (IQR) were calculated from the pooled data of 186 ICUs and correlated with parameters derived from a detailed questionnaire regarding ICU structure, microbiological diagnostics and MRSA screening and control measures. The association between questionnaire results and MRSA cases was evaluated by generalized linear regression models.

Results
One hundred eighty-six ICUs submitted data on MRSA cases for 2007 and 2008 and completed the questionnaire. During the period of analysis, 4935 MRSA cases occurred in these ICUs; of these, 3928 (79.6%) were imported and 1007 MRSA cases (20.4%) were ICU-acquired. Median MRSA IDs were 3.23 (IQR 1.24-5.73), 2.24 (IQR 0.63-4.30) and 0.64 (IQR 0.17-1.39) per 1000 pd for all cases, imported and ICU-acquired MRSA cases, respectively. MRSA IDs as well as implemented MRSA screening and control measures varied widely between ICUs. ICUs performing universal admission screening had significantly higher MRSA IDs than ICUs performing targeted or no screening. Separate regression models for ICUs with different screening strategies included the incidence of imported MRSA cases, the type of ICU, and the length of stay in independent association with the number of ICU-acquired MRSA cases.

Conclusions
The analysis shows that MRSA IDs and structural parameters differ considerably between ICUs. In response, ICUs have combined screening and control measures in many ways to achieve various individual solutions. The incidence of imported MRSA cases might be helpful for consideration in the planning of MRSA control programmes.
Collaborative care for major depressive disorder in an
occupational healthcare setting
Authors: Vlasveld M. C. , van der Feltz-Cornelis C. M. , Adèr H. J. , Anema J. R. , Hoedeman R. , van Mechelen W. , Beekman A. T. F. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryRandomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of collaborative
care in a Dutch occupational healthcare setting: 126 workers on sick leave
with major depressive disorder were randomised to usual care
(n = 61) or collaborative care (n =
65). After 3 months, collaborative care was more effective on the primary
outcome measure of treatment response (i.e. reduction in symptoms of ≥50%)
on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). However, the groups did not
differ on the PHQ-9 as a continuous outcome measure. Implications of these
results are discussed.
Ferumoxytol Infusion in Pediatric Patients with Gastrointestinal Disorders: First Case Series
Authors: Hassan Nabil , Cahill Jill , Rajasekaran Surender , Kovey Karen 
Published: November 2011

Objective: To report our preliminary experience using ferumoxytol as intravenous iron therapy for treating Iron deficiency anemia in 6 pediatric patients with underlying gastrointestinal disease. Case Summary: Between October 2010 and February 2011, 6 patients aged 6 months to 16 years who had malabsorption and/or ongoing gastrointestinal blood toss were given lerumoxytol infusions at a dose of 5.8–12 mg elemental iron/kg over 15–60 minutes, followed by 1 hour of observation to monitor for adverse effects. Discussion: Thirteen separate ferumoxytol administrations were given to 6 pediatric patients with various gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and short bowel syndrome, and/or chronic parenteral nutrition dependence. Twelve of 13 infusions were well tolerated at 5.8–12 mg elemental iron/kg/dose. No patient experienced adverse events that required clinical intervention. One patient developed mild pruritus that resolved spontaneously. Conclusions: Ferumoxytol doses of up to 12 mg elemental iron/kg administered over 15–60 minutes seem to be well tolerated in pediatric patients. Larger prospective studies are needed to determine the incidence and severity of adverse effects associated with ferumoxytol, both during administration and immediately after. Long-term studies will be required to assess to risk for iron overload toxicity.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy as a Complication of Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Sharp Randall P , Welch E Ben 
Published: November 2011

Objective: To examine the evidence regarding takotsubo cardiomyopathy as a complication of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Data Sources: Searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1966-August 2011) were conducted. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Published studies and case reports that mentioned takotsubo cardiomyopathy following ECT were reviewed. Data Synthesis: Twelve case reports were available for review. There were 7 documented cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy, 4 cases of myocardial stunning, and 1 case of cardiogenic shock following ECT. Although takotsubo cardiomyopathy was not mentioned in 5 of the cases, some clinical characteristics were consistent with this diagnosis. Left ventricular ejection fraction and the electrocardiogram returned to normal within a few days in the majority of the cases. All cases were in women, the majority of whom were postmenopausal (average age 64 years). Takotsubo cardiomyopathy developed after a single course of ECT in 6 of the cases, while the syndrome developed after more than 1 course in the other 6 cases. ECT was successfully readministered without syndrome recurrence in 4 of the cases, but only after 3 of the 4 patients received a β-adrenergic receptor blocking agent prior to each subsequent therapy session. The β-adrenergic blocking agents used were esmolol in 1 case and labetobl in the other 2. Conclusions: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a serious but transient potential complication of electroconvulsive therapy. Limited evidence indicates that β-adrenergic receptor blocking agents may help prevent its reoccurrence in patients needing further electroconvulsive treatment. Health care providers in psychiatry should be aware of this potential complication of electroconvulsive therapy, especially in postmenopausal women. However, many questions remain regarding this issue.
A US Perspective of Symptomatic Latrodectus spp. Envenomation and Treatment: A National Poison Data System Review
Authors: Monte Andrew A , Bucher-Bartelson Becki , Heard Kennon J 
Published: November 2011

Background: Black widow spider (Latrodectus spp.) envenomation remains the most clinically significant spider envenomation in the US. The syndrome is characterized by painful muscle rigidity and autonomic disturbances. Treatment has ranged from symptomatic care to administration of specific antivenom. Declining antivenom availability and, possibly, the fear of hypersensitivity allergic reactions, has limited antivenom use in the US. Objective: To describe Latrodectus spp. exposures and the subsequent treatment reported to US poison centers; the secondary objective was to Identify factors associated with shorter duration of symptoms (<24 hours). Methods: All Latrodectus spp. exposures reported to the National Poison Data System (NPDS) between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2008, were reviewed. Cases with at least minor clinical effects due to Latrodectus spp. exposure were extracted. Descriptive statistics were generated. The probability that symptom duration was less than 24 hours was modeled, using logistic regression. Results: From 2000 through 2006, a total of 23,409 Latrodectus spp. exposures were reported in 47 states; 9872 cases had at least minor clinical effects and were included in the subsequent analysis. Exposures peaked in September and fell to a nadir in January and February. Fifty-eight percent of the cases involved males, and the mean (SD) age was 31.5 (17.4) years. Sixty-five percent of the patients had minor clinical effects, 33.5% had moderate effects, 1.4% had major effects, and there were no deaths. Antivenom use was associated with symptom duration of less than 24 hours in moderate and major outcome groups. There was no evidence of shorter symptom duration in patients who received benzodiazepines or calcium. Adverse drug reactions were more common in patients receiving benzodiazepines and antivenom. Conclusions: In the US, most symptomatic Latrodectus spp. exposures reported to the NPDS are minor. Few patients receive antivenom, although antivenom is associated with shorter symptom duration among moderate and major outcomes.
Pharmacokinetic Assessment of Peramivir in a Hospitalized Adult Undergoing Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration
Authors: Scheetz Marc H , Griffith Milena M , Ghossein Cybele , Hollister Alan S , Ison Michael G 
Published: November 2011

Objective: To report a sieving coefficient for peramivir in a patient receiving continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CWH). Case Summary: An 16-year-old male presented with chills, myalgias, and dyspnea and was hospitalized. Nasal secretions were positive for influenza by rapid antigen test at an outside facility and oseltamrvir was commenced. Oral absorption was predicted to be unreliable, and Intravenous peramivir was accessed as an emergency investigational new drug application (eIND). CWH was initiated after the development of acute renal failure, with blood samples collected to determine peramivir concentrations. Discussion: Peramivir, an intravenous investigational neuraminidase inhibitor with activity against Influenza viruses, has limited data for dosing in the setting of CWH. A single patient received 600 mg of peramivir intravenously and had blood and ultrafittrate concentrations measured serially. A sieving coefficient of approximately 0.9 was identified. Conclusions: Peramivir is well cleared by CWH, and drug exposure is potentially predictable based on flow rates. Further study is necessary.