Detection of IgE anti-parvovirus antibodies in human breast milk. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2008;38(2):168-73 Authors: Smith-Norowitz TA, Drew H, Norowitz HM, Nowakowski M, Bluth EF, Durkin HG, Bluth MH Breast milk is a complex fluid, rich in nutrients and non-nutritional bioactive components, including antimicrobial factors, immunoglobulins, cytokines, and anti-inflammatory substances. Although IgE is implicated in viral immunity, its role in breast milk in parvovirus B19 immunity has not been studied. Total immunoglobulin levels of IgE, IgG, and IgE anti-parvovirus B19 antibodies were determined by ELISA and Western blot analysis in breast milk and in sera from a mother and her nursing infant (female, 10 mo). For specific IgE protein determination, breast milk was fractionated by chromatography on G-100 Sephadex; 3 peaks were collected and separated by SDS PAGE. The levels of total IgE in breast milk and its fractions were low (<2.4 ng/ml), and those of maternal and infant serum were negligible (18 and 4.3 IU/ml, respectively). Nevertheless, the breast milk and maternal and infant sera contained IgE anti-parvovirus B19 antibodies, even though the infant was never infected with parvovirus B19. Total serum levels of maternal IgG were within the normal range and those of infant IgG were low (473 mg/dl); total IgG in breast milk was not determined. Maternal serum contained some detectable IgG anti-parvovirus antibodies that were not present in infant serum or breast milk. Total maternal and infant serum levels of IgM and IgA were within the normal ranges. The presence of IgE anti-parvovirus B19 antibodies in breast milk suggests that IgE anti-viral antibodies are transmitted in breast milk and may provide protective responses in nursing children. PMID: 18469364 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science)]]>Unusual type of colonic neuromuscular disorder with extensive vacuolization.  Related Articles | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unusual type of colonic neuromuscular disorder with extensive vacuolization.
Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2008;38(2):143-8
Authors: Sundaram S, Brown RE, Zhang PL
Various pathological abnormalities of smooth muscle and innervation result in clinical syndromes with disordered motility of the small intestine and colon. Although these abnormalities have been extensively reported clinically, their pathologic changes and pathophysiologic mechanisms have not been well elucidated. We report a case of visceral neuropathy with secondary muscle changes in a 7-yr-old ventilator dependent, mentally retarded child who presented with a history of chronic constipation and symptoms of intestinal obstruction. The muscle layer of the colectomy specimen showed extensive infiltration of vacuolated cells that were positive for S-100 and synaptophysin but negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neural filament protein (NFP). Calretinin positivity was preserved in submucosal ganglion cells but was absent in vacuolated nerve branches. Masson's trichrome stain showed evidence of fibrosis, indicative of muscle damage. There was a reduced number of intestinal cells of Cajal in the muscularis propria, as indicated by CD117 (c-kit) immunostaining. This disorder is most likely a sporadic visceral neuropathy, secondarily affecting muscular function, that causes colonic pseudo-obstruction.
PMID: 18469360 [PubMed - in process]
(Source: Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science)]]>Progesterone administration modulates tlrs/nf-kappab signaling pathway in rat brain after cortical contusion.
Progesterone administration modulates TLRs/NF-kappaB signaling pathway in rat brain after cortical contusion.
Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2008;38(1):65-74
Authors: Chen G, Shi J, Jin W, Wang L, Xie W, Sun J, Hang C
This study investigated whether progesterone administration modulates toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway in the injured rat brain following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Right parietal cortical contusion was made by a weight-dropping method. Male rats were given 0 or 16 mg/kg injections of progesterone at postinjury hr 1 and 6 and on days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Brain samples were extracted at 5 days after trauma. We measured mRNA expression of TLR2 and TLR4 by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), NF-kappaB binding activity by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), concentrations of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression by immunohistochemistry, and brain damage by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL). The results showed that TBI induces strong up-regulation of TLR2, TLR4, NF-kappaB, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and ICAM-1 in the pericontusional area. Administration of progesterone following TBI down-regulates the cortical levels of these agents related to the TLRs/NF-kappaB signaling pathway. After progesterone administration, apoptotic TUNEL-positive cells in the injured brain were significantly decreased. In summary, post-TBI progesterone administration attenuates the TLRs/NF-kappaB signaling pathway in injured rat brain, and this may be a mechanism whereby progesterone improves the outcome following TBI.
PMID: 18316784 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
(Source: Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science)]]>Comparison of the seeplex reverse transcription pcr assay with the r-mix viral culture and immunofluorescence techniques for detection of eight respiratory viruses.
Comparison of the Seeplex reverse transcription PCR assay with the R-mix viral culture and immunofluorescence techniques for detection of eight respiratory viruses.
Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2008;38(1):41-6
Authors: Roh KH, Kim J, Nam MH, Yoon S, Lee CK, Lee K, Yoo Y, Kim MJ, Cho Y
This study evaluated the clinical usefulness of a newly introduced multiplex reverse transcription PCR assay (Seeplex RV; Seegene, Inc., Seoul, Korea) in patients with respiratory symptoms. Fifty clinical respiratory specimens (45 from children, 5 from adults) were tested for 8 viruses (influenza virus type A and B, parainfluenza virus type 1, 2, 3, respiratory syncytial virus type A and B, and adenovirus) by Seeplex RV (S-RV) and R-mix viral culture with immunofluorescence (VC-IF). Forty (80%) of the 50 samples showed concordant results between S-RV and VC-IF; 24 of these showed the same positive and 16 showed the same negative results. Among the 10 discrepant samples, 9 were S-RV-positive and VC-IF-negative. Six were obtained in patients with lower respiratory tract infection. Only 1 sample was VC-IF-positive and S-RV-negative. This patient had pneumonia. In 3 cases, more than 1 virus was identified by S-RV. The total running time of S-RV was 6 hr, which shortens the detection time for the viral presence by 2 workdays compared to VC-IF. In conclusion, S-RV is reliable, rapid, relatively easy to perform, and able to detect more than 1 virus simultaneously. Therefore, implementation of the S-RV assay in clinical laboratories will aid rapid diagnosis and treatment of major viral infections of the respiratory tract.
PMID: 18316781 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
(Source: Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science)]]>Nurse who assaulted wife in front of children struck off
NMC code states that a registrant must act in such a way as to justify the public trust and confidence in the profession (Source: Nursing in Practice)
Current activity guidelines for cabg patients are too restrictive: comparison of the forces exerted on the median sternotomy during a cough vs. lifting activities combined with valsalva maneuver
Thorac cardiovasc Surg 2008; 56: 190-194DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038470Abstract The current activity guidelines for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) patients are overly restrictive, hindering recovery. As the sternotomy repair must withstand repeated coughs during convalescence, this provides a benchmark for the force tending to separate the incision that can be tolerated. Nine volunteers performed 5 weightlifting activities (lifting 5 lbs [2.3 kg], lifting a 25-lb simulated grandchild [11.4 kg], lifting a 30-lb suitcase [13.6 kg], lifting two 20-lb weights [18.2 kg], and lifting a gallon of milk to a counter [3.7 kg]), plus coughing. Valsalva forces were detected using a mouthpiece configured with an Ashcroft Inc. expiratory pressure gauge (model N10-120CMW). Three measurements were taken for each activity to calculate the mean internal forces while external forces on the sternotomy were calculated using vector algebra. Total force exerted on the sternotomy by the cough was compared to the total force exerted by each of the 5 activities using paired -tests. The cough exerted a significantly greater force across the median sternotomy (mean 27.5 kg-mass) than any of the five weightlifting activities ( < 0.05). The greatest difference was observed was for lifting a 5-lb weight (22.5 kg-mass), and the smallest for lifting two 20-lb weights (4.4 kg-mass). Lifting even 40 lbs puts less force on the median sternotomy incision than a cough. The strength of the repair is significantly greater than is implied by the recommendation to “not lift more than 5 lbs”.[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon)
Carbomedics mitroflow pericardial aortic bioprosthesis - performance in patients aged 60 years and older after 15 years
Thorac cardiovasc Surg 2008; 56: 195-199DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038385Abstract The purpose of this study was to carry out a current assessment of the Mitroflow pericardial bioprosthesis (model 11) according to the durability of the prosthesis after 15 years in patients aged 60 years or older. This bioprosthesis was implanted in 161 patients (mean age 69.5 ± 6.3 years; range 60 - 94 years) undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) between 1982 and 1992. There were 84 patients aged 60 - 69 years (mean 64.5 ± 3.1years) and 77 patients aged 70 years or older (mean 74.8 ± 4.3 years). Of the total population, concomitant procedures were performed in 63 patients (39.1 %); of these, coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 39 (24.2 %). Early mortality was 4.8 % (4 patients) in the 60 - 69 year age group and 10.4 % (8) in patients aged 70 years or older ( = 0.290). Late mortality was 4.5 %/patient-year (35) for those aged 60 - 69 years and 8.1 %/patient-year (49) for those aged 70 years or older ( = 0.007). Patient survival at 15 years of patients aged 60 - 69 years was 47.6 ± 6.3 % and of patients aged 70 years or older was 20.9 ± 5.4 % ( = 0.003) (). Freedom from valve-related mortality for patients in the 60 - 69 year age group was 92.1 ± 3.5 % at 15 years (0.6 %/patient-year [5]), and in the patient group aged 70 years or older it was 84.4 ± 5.3 % (1.3 %/patient-year [8]; = 0.194). Freedom from reoperation for patients in the 60 - 69 year age group was 73.9 ± 5.0 % (2.6 %/patient-year [20]), and for patients aged 70 years or older it was 91.4 ± 3.4 % (1.0 %/patient-year [6]; = 0.029). The structural valve deterioration (SVD) rate for patients in the 60 - 69 year age group was 2.4 %/patient-year (19), and for patients aged 70 years or older it was 1.0 %/patient-year (6) ( = 0.041). Actuarial freedom from structural valve deterioration at 15 years for patients aged 60 - 69 years was 62.0 ± 7.3 %, and 80.8 ± 7.9 % for patients aged 70 years and older ( = 0.049) (actual freedom 73.9 ± 5.2 % and 91.4 ± 3.4 %, respectively). The Mitroflow pericardial bioprosthesis can still be recommended for aortic valve replacement in patients 70 years and older.[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon)
Ten years after the initiation of congenital heart surgery in guatemala: observations after a one year fellowship in the pediatric cardiac unit in a low income country
Thorac cardiovasc Surg 2008; 56: 205-209DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038350AbstractHigh-tech medicine in a low income country remains a controversial issue. In September 1997, a congenital heart surgery program was initiated in Guatemala by Aldo Castañeda, emeritus Harvard Professor of Surgery and surgeon-in-chief at the Children's Hospital Boston. He trained 3 young pediatric cardiac surgeons and in addition assembled a team of pediatric cardiologists, intensivists, anesthesiologists, nurses and the necessary technical staff to develop a pediatric cardiac program in Guatemala. Faced with limited governmental financial support, he set up the Aldo Castañeda Foundation to ensure sustainability of the program. Now, 10 years after the initiation of this program, the pediatric cardiovascular unit (UNICARP) offers diagnosis as well as medical and surgical therapy to children born with a congenital heart malformation in Guatemala and neighboring countries. In addition, UNICARP offers training opportunities for young surgeons from abroad. The experience of one such trainee from Switzerland is highlighted in this report.[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon)
Study takes a step toward better defining fatigue
M. D. Anderson Study Identifies Common Threads Among Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation TherapyM. D. Anderson News Release 05/15/08 In an effort to better define and ultimately address fatigue more effectively, a qualitative study from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has identified three primary themes - loss of strength or energy, major effects of fatigue and associated sensations - among patients being treated with standard radiation therapy. (Source: M. D. Anderson Cancer Center - News Releases)
Drug therapy to bolster immune system cells found effective toward childhood cancer
Combination could help children fight cancer without additional harsh therapiesM. D. Anderson News Release 05/15/08 Researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have found a possible approach to therapy that may make cancer cells more sensitive to attack by immune system cells while making the immune system cells more powerful. (Source: M. D. Anderson Cancer Center - News Releases)
Pittsburgh researchers develop, test interactive child nutrition games
Kristin Hughes, a researcher from Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania, is testing a program designed to teach young children about nutrition and healthy portion sizes, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity)
Vermont aims to increase enrollment in federal child nutrition program
Hoping to increase access to nutritious food among underserved children in Vermont, the state and the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger are stepping up recruitment for the national Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Barre Montpelier Times Argus reports. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity)
Students worldwide participate in international fitness day
Last Wednesday children across the world participated in Project All Children Exercise Simultaneously (ACES), an international physical fitness program that aims to encourage active lifestyle habits and community wellness, the Kennebec Journal reports. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Childhood Obesity)
Exam advice
-Exam season is upon us and we know what that means - sweaty palms, sleepless nights and sky high stress levels.Getting through exams is never easy, and if you're about to take your GSCEs, A-levels or any other exams, you're probably feeling the pressure.Exams can be stressful, but there are ways to beat the pressureBut don't panic. There are ways to beat exam stress and ensure that you get the best possible results. Good planning and a slick revision schedule can turn a heavy workload into something manageable. And, it can conquer your nerves at the same time.Follow our advice for stress-free studying and get ready to head to the top of the class.It's wise to reviseIt's an age-old adage but revision really is the key to exam success. Being fully prepared for your exams is the most effective way to overcome feelings of stress and anxiety, and gives you the best chance of getting those all important grades.Before you start revising, the amount of work you have might seem overwhelming. Many exam timetables require you to study for lots of different subjects at once, and it's easy to feel bogged down.Combat this by drawing up a revision schedule you can stick to. Work out how much you have to do and the time you have to do it in, and break it down into workable chunks. Try allocating yourself a few hours of revision a day, and mix up your subjects to avoid getting bored.Plan your revision to make it more manageableIt's also important to find a revision style that suits you. Studying alone in a quiet room suits many people, but not everyone likes working in silence. Try playing music quietly in the background, or revising with a friend - just don't let them distract you!You can even customise your notes to make them more personal. Experiment with colour coding, note cards, diagrams, or whatever you feel helps you absorb your chosen topic.If you come across something you don't understand, try and find a new source of information rather than just memorising it, as this won't help you in your exam. Don't be afraid to ask your teacher or a friend for help if you need it.Taking a look at past exam papers can also be useful as you can familiarise yourself with the layout and type of questions you'll be asked. Practice completing the exam paper in the set time limit so you'll know how to improve your exam technique.A little R & RWhile revision is an essential part of exam success, it's also important that you don't overdo it. Studying for hours on end without a break will only tire you out and ruin your concentration, making you even more anxious.Stress is a natural feeling, designed to help us cope in difficult situations. In small amounts, it's actually good for you because it pushes you to work hard and do your best.However, too much stress can cause problems such as headaches and loss of appetite, and can make you feel bad tempered. Avoid symptoms by taking frequent short breaks while you're working. One every 45-60 minutes is about right.Take a break from revising every 45-60 minutesDuring your breaks, try to do something relaxing, like reading a book or watching some television. Taking your mind off your work will help you come back to it feeling refreshed. It can also help to reward yourself after each revision session, for example, with a long soak in the bath or a good DVD.When you're not revising, try using your spare time to get away from your books and do something physical. Exercise is good for taking your mind off things and keeping you positive, and will even help you sleep.If you're still feeling stressed, it's important to talk to someone you trust such as a family member, teacher or a friend. Many people find exams difficult to deal with so don't be embarrassed to ask for support.On the dayIt's natural to be nervous on the day of your exam, but don't let your nerves get the better of you. Try to start the day with a good breakfast, and give yourself plenty of time to get to your exam hall.Remember to take everything you need with you, including pencils, a calculator, and pens (preferably ones that work!). A bottle of water and some tissues can also come in handy.Once the exam has started, take a few minutes to read through the instructions and questions, so you know exactly what's expected of you. Ask an exam supervisor if there's anything that's unclear - they are there to help you.Plan how much time you'll need for each question, and keep in mind that longer questions, such as those in the form of essays, take more time and carry more marks.Don't panic if you find yourself stuck on a question, but try to leave yourself enough time at the end to come back to it. Even if you're really stumped, an educated guess is better than leaving it blank.When the exam is over, don't dwell on it too much, and resist the temptation to compare your answers with those of your friends. If you have more exams to come, try to focus on the next one instead.Lastly, do your best and remember that exams aren't the be all and end all!Further information:AnxietyHow can I cope with exam stress?How can I get a good night's sleep?StressWhat is a healthy breakfast?Why is breakfast important?Why is exercise good for me? (Source: NHS Direct News and health alerts)
Current activity guidelines for cabg patients are too restrictive: comparison of the forces exerted on the median sternotomy during a cough vs. lifting activities combined with valsalva maneuver.
Current Activity Guidelines for CABG Patients are too Restrictive: Comparison of the Forces Exerted on the Median Sternotomy during a Cough vs. Lifting Activities Combined with Valsalva Maneuver.
Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2008 Jun;56(4):190-4
Authors: Parker R, Adams JL, Ogola G, McBrayer D, Hubbard JM, McCullough TL, Hartman JM, Cleveland T
BACKGROUND: The current activity guidelines for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) patients are overly restrictive, hindering recovery. As the sternotomy repair must withstand repeated coughs during convalescence, this provides a benchmark for the force tending to separate the incision that can be tolerated. METHODS: Nine volunteers performed 5 weightlifting activities (lifting 5 lbs [2.3 kg], lifting a 25-lb simulated grandchild [11.4 kg], lifting a 30-lb suitcase [13.6 kg], lifting two 20-lb weights [18.2 kg], and lifting a gallon of milk to a counter [3.7 kg]), plus coughing. Valsalva forces were detected using a mouthpiece configured with an Ashcroft Inc. expiratory pressure gauge (model N10-120CMW). Three measurements were taken for each activity to calculate the mean internal forces while external forces on the sternotomy were calculated using vector algebra. Total force exerted on the sternotomy by the cough was compared to the total force exerted by each of the 5 activities using paired T-tests. RESULTS: The cough exerted a significantly greater force across the median sternotomy (mean 27.5 kg-mass) than any of the five weightlifting activities ( P < 0.05). The greatest difference was observed was for lifting a 5-lb weight (22.5 kg-mass), and the smallest for lifting two 20-lb weights (4.4 kg-mass). CONCLUSION: Lifting even 40 lbs puts less force on the median sternotomy incision than a cough. The strength of the repair is significantly greater than is implied by the recommendation to "not lift more than 5 lbs".
PMID: 18481235 [PubMed - in process]
(Source: The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon)]]>Carbomedics mitroflow pericardial aortic bioprosthesis - performance in patients aged 60 years and older after 15 years.
CarboMedics Mitroflow Pericardial Aortic Bioprosthesis - Performance in Patients Aged 60 Years and Older after 15 Years.
Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2008 Jun;56(4):195-9
Authors: Benhameid O, Jamieson WR, Castella M, Carrier M, Pomar JL, Germann E, Pellerin M, Brownlee RT
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to carry out a current assessment of the Mitroflow pericardial bioprosthesis (model 11) according to the durability of the prosthesis after 15 years in patients aged 60 years or older. METHODS: This bioprosthesis was implanted in 161 patients (mean age 69.5 +/- 6.3 years; range 60 - 94 years) undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) between 1982 and 1992. There were 84 patients aged 60 - 69 years (mean 64.5 +/- 3.1years) and 77 patients aged 70 years or older (mean 74.8 +/- 4.3 years). Of the total population, concomitant procedures were performed in 63 patients (39.1 %); of these, coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 39 (24.2 %). RESULTS: Early mortality was 4.8 % (4 patients) in the 60 - 69 year age group and 10.4 % (8) in patients aged 70 years or older ( P = 0.290). Late mortality was 4.5 %/patient-year (35) for those aged 60 - 69 years and 8.1 %/patient-year (49) for those aged 70 years or older ( P = 0.007). Patient survival at 15 years of patients aged 60 - 69 years was 47.6 +/- 6.3 % and of patients aged 70 years or older was 20.9 +/- 5.4 % ( P = 0.003) ( ). Freedom from valve-related mortality for patients in the 60 - 69 year age group was 92.1 +/- 3.5 % at 15 years (0.6 %/patient-year [5]), and in the patient group aged 70 years or older it was 84.4 +/- 5.3 % (1.3 %/patient-year [8]; P = 0.194). Freedom from reoperation for patients in the 60 - 69 year age group was 73.9 +/- 5.0 % (2.6 %/patient-year [20]), and for patients aged 70 years or older it was 91.4 +/- 3.4 % (1.0 %/patient-year [6]; P = 0.029). The structural valve deterioration (SVD) rate for patients in the 60 - 69 year age group was 2.4 %/patient-year (19), and for patients aged 70 years or older it was 1.0 %/patient-year (6) ( P = 0.041). Actuarial freedom from structural valve deterioration at 15 years for patients aged 60 - 69 years was 62.0 +/- 7.3 %, and 80.8 +/- 7.9 % for patients aged 70 years and older ( P = 0.049) (actual freedom 73.9 +/- 5.2 % and 91.4 +/- 3.4 %, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The Mitroflow pericardial bioprosthesis can still be recommended for aortic valve replacement in patients 70 years and older.
PMID: 18481236 [PubMed - in process]
(Source: The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon)]]>Ten years after the initiation of congenital heart surgery in guatemala: observations after a one year fellowship in the pediatric cardiac unit in a low income country.
Ten years after the initiation of congenital heart surgery in guatemala: observations after a one year fellowship in the pediatric cardiac unit in a low income country.
Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2008 Jun;56(4):205-9
Authors: Wattenwyl R
High-tech medicine in a low income country remains a controversial issue. In September 1997, a congenital heart surgery program was initiated in Guatemala by Aldo Castañeda, emeritus Harvard Professor of Surgery and surgeon-in-chief at the Children's Hospital Boston. He trained 3 young pediatric cardiac surgeons and in addition assembled a team of pediatric cardiologists, intensivists, anesthesiologists, nurses and the necessary technical staff to develop a pediatric cardiac program in Guatemala. Faced with limited governmental financial support, he set up the Aldo Castañeda Foundation to ensure sustainability of the program. Now, 10 years after the initiation of this program, the pediatric cardiovascular unit (UNICARP) offers diagnosis as well as medical and surgical therapy to children born with a congenital heart malformation in Guatemala and neighboring countries. In addition, UNICARP offers training opportunities for young surgeons from abroad. The experience of one such trainee from Switzerland is highlighted in this report.
PMID: 18481238 [PubMed - in process]
(Source: The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon)]]>Bleeding patterns with monophasic and triphasic low-dose ethinyl estradiol combined oral contraceptives.
Bleeding patterns with monophasic and triphasic low-dose ethinyl estradiol combined oral contraceptives.
Contraception. 2008 Jun;77(6):415-9
Authors: Hampton RM, Zhang HF, Barnowski C, Wan GJ
BACKGROUND: This retrospective analysis evaluated the association of age and weight with cycle control in women using either of two formulations of low-estrogen-dose oral contraceptives. STUDY DESIGN: Data for this secondary analysis were derived from a randomized multicenter trial assessing the efficacy and safety of norgestimate (NGM) 180/215/250 mcg/ethinyl estradiol (EE) 25 mcg (n=1506) and norethindrone acetate 1 mg/EE 20 mcg (n=1057). In this retrospective analysis, the incidence of breakthrough bleeding/spotting (BTB/S) was evaluated in women stratified by age (18-24, 25-34 and >34 years) and weight (</=123, 124-155 and >155 lb). RESULTS: A lower percentage of women experienced BTB/S with NGM/EE during most cycles, regardless of age or weight, compared with norethindrone acetate/EE. At Cycle 6, the incidences of BTB/S for NGM/EE versus norethindrone acetate/EE were as follows: 18-24 years, 10.9% versus 29.7% (p<.0001); 25-34 years, 10.9% versus 18.6% (p<.001); >34 years, 8.1% versus 19.1% (p<.005); </=123 lb, 11.0% versus 25.4% (p<.0001); 124-155 lb, 10.0% versus 22.5% (p<.0001); and >155 lb, 10.0% versus 18.3% (p<.01). CONCLUSION: NGM/EE provided better cycle control as defined by BTB/S compared with norethindrone acetate/EE, regardless of subject age or weight for six cycles.
PMID: 18477490 [PubMed - in process]
(Source: Contraception)]]>Transvaginal sonographic evaluation of subendometrial-myometrial contractility in women using a copper-releasing intrauterine device.
Transvaginal sonographic evaluation of subendometrial-myometrial contractility in women using a copper-releasing intrauterine device.
Contraception. 2008 Jun;77(6):444-6
Authors: Salamanca A, Carrillo MP, Beltrán E, Clavero PA
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a copper-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) on myometrial contractility midway through the menstrual cycle. STUDY DESIGN: Uterine peristalsis was studied midway through the cycle with transvaginal sonography in two groups of women, a control group and women in whom a copper-releasing IUD had been inserted. RESULTS: The results showed that 12 months after insertion, no uterine motility could be detected with sonography in any of the women with an IUD, but motility did occur in all the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Subendometrial-myometrial contractility midway through the menstrual cycle had been abolished in patients with a copper-releasing IUD. The loss of motility may inhibit sperm transport from the cervix to the oviduct and account for at least part of the contraceptive effect of these devices.
PMID: 18477495 [PubMed - in process]
(Source: Contraception)]]>Assessing story comprehension in preschool children.
Page: 131DOI: 10.1097/01.TLD.0000318934.54548.7fAuthors: Skarakis-Doyle, Elizabeth PhD; Dempsey, Lynn PhD (Source: Topics in Language Disorders)
Use of narrative-based language intervention with children who have cochlear implants.
Page: 149DOI: 10.1097/01.TLD.0000318935.54548.36Authors: Justice, Ellie C. MA, CCC-SLP; Swanson, Lori A. PhD; Buehler, Velvet MA, CCC-SLPIA (Source: Topics in Language Disorders)
No change in methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization rates among minnesota school children during 2 study periods.
Page: 163DOI: 10.1097/IPC.0b013e318168ff48Authors: Buck, Jessica M. MPH *; Harriman, Kathleen H. PhD +; Juni, Billie Anne MS ++; Gall, Kelly BS ++; Salo, Geraldine BS ++; Glennen, Anita MT (ASCP) ++; Lynfield, Ruth MD * (Source: Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice)
Genetic predictors of glucocorticoid-induced hypertension in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Page: 507DOI: 10.1097/FPC.0b013e3282fc5801Authors: Kamdem, Landry K. a; Hamilton, Leo a c; Cheng, Cheng b; Liu, Wei b; Yang, Wenjian a; Johnson, Julie A. e; Pui, Ching-Hon c d; Relling, Mary V. a d (Source: Pharmacogenetics and Genomics)
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain relief during photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Pain Relief during Photodynamic Therapy of Actinic Keratoses.
Acta Derm Venereol. 2008;88(3):311-3
Authors: Halldin CB, Paoli J, Sandberg C, Ericson MB, Wennberg AM
PMID: 18480950 [PubMed - in process]
(Source: Acta Derm Venereol A...)]]>Risk factors for osteoporosis and bone status in postmenopausal women with psoriasis treated with uvb therapy.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis and Bone Status in Postmenopausal Women with Psoriasis Treated with UVB Therapy.
Acta Derm Venereol. 2008;88(3):240-6
Authors: Osmancevic A, Landin-Wilhelmsen K, Larkö O, Mellström D, Wennberg AM, Hulthén L, Krogstad AL
The aims of this study were to examine whether postmenopausal women with psoriasis who were exposed to regular ultraviolet light B (UVB) therapy had greater bone mineral density than women of similar age from the same region, and to estimate the influence of risk factors on bone status. A total of 35 randomly selected women, age (mean +/- SD) 69.3 +/- 6.29 years (age range 60-82 years), with active psoriasis, mean onset at 37.0 years (+/- 23.5 SD) were studied. The patients had been previously exposed to broadband or narrowband UVB. Age-matched, women (n = 2448) from Göteborg, examined at the Geriatric out-patient clinic during the years 2001 and 2002, were used as controls. Bone mineral density was examined by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (Hologic Delphi A) at the hip and the lumbar spine. Medical history and lifestyle factors were assessed with a questionnaire. Postmenopausal women with psoriasis were found to have higher bone mineral density than age-matched controls. Higher body weight, physical activity and UVB exposure could explain this finding.
PMID: 18480922 [PubMed - in process]
(Source: Acta Derm Venereol A...)]]>Itch intensity evaluated in the german atopic dermatitis intervention study (gadis): correlations with quality of life, coping behaviour and scorad severity in 823 children.
Itch Intensity Evaluated in the German Atopic Dermatitis Intervention Study (GADIS): Correlations with Quality of Life, Coping Behaviour and SCORAD Severity in 823 Children.
Acta Derm Venereol. 2008;88(3):234-9
Authors: Weisshaar E, Diepgen TL, Bruckner T, Fartasch M, Kupfer J, Lob-Corzilius T, Ring J, Scheewe S, Scheidt R, Schmid-Ott G, Schnopp C, Staab D, Szcepanski R, Werfel T, Wittenmeier M, Wahn U, Gieler U
The German Atopic Dermatitis Intervention Study (GADIS), which includes 823 children and adolescents, showed that age-related educational programmes are effective in the long-term management of atopic dermatitis. We investigated whether the itch severity obtained in the scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) correlates with quality of life and coping behaviour in children and parents. There were significant but low correlations between the severity of atopic dermatitis and the itch intensity. Itch and sleeplessness were significantly correlated. Significant correlations of itch with the coping behaviour and quality of life in parents of children with atopic dermatitis were measured. The coping and itching behaviour of children (8-12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years) had higher significant correlations with the itch compared with the parents' answers. Quality of life in children (8-12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years) showed a significant negative correlation with itch intensity. Quality of life, itch intensity and coping strategies should be considered when treating patients with atopic dermatitis.
PMID: 18480921 [PubMed - in process]
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