Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
CI
Kinds of CI Terms modified by CI Selected AbstractsPrevention of pneumococcal disease in children.ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 5 2001Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines: their use globally could have a major impact on public health Pneumococcal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and young children worldwide. New pneumococcal conjugate vaccines include 7 to 11 serotypes, which are the most common cause of paediatric disease in most parts of the world. The efficacy of a 7-valent conjugate vaccine was 97.4% (95% CI, 82.7,99.9) against invasive pneumococcal disease, and 57% (95% CI, 44,67) against otitis media, caused by vaccine serotypes. Evidence shows that the vaccine has the potential to prevent pneumonia. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccination has also been shown to reduce nasopharyngeal carriage of vaccine serotypes (particularly serotypes associated with antibiotic resistance). Thus widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine could substantially reduce the burden of invasive disease and would have the potential to control the global spread of antibiotic resistance in pneumococci. Conclusion: It is important that these highly effective vaccines should be made available to children in the developing countries. [source] Premature cessation of breastfeeding in infants: development and evaluation of a predictive model in two Argentinian cohorts: the CLACYD study,, 1993,1999ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 5 2001S Berra The objective of this study was to develop a model to predict premature cessation of breastfeeding of newborns, in order to detect at-risk groups that would benefit from special assistance programmes. The model was constructed using 700 children with a birthweight of 2000 g or more, in 2 representative cohorts in 1993 and 1995 (CLACYD I sample) in Córdoba, Argentina. Data were analysed from 632 of the cases. Mothers were selected during hospital admittance for childbirth and interviewed in their homes at 1 mo and 6 mo. To evaluate the model, an additional sample with similar characteristics was drawn during 1998 (CLACYD II sample). A questionnaire was administered to 347 mothers during the first 24,48 h after birth and a follow-up was completed at 6 mo, with weaning information on 291 cases. Premature cessation of breastfeeding was considered when it occurred prior to 6 mo. A logistic regression model was fitted to predict premature end of breastfeeding, and was applied to the CLACYD II sample. The calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow C statistic) and the discrimination [area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve] of the model were evaluated. The predictive factors of premature end of breastfeeding were: mother breastfed for less than 6 mo [odds ratio (OR) = 1.84,95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26,2.70], breastfeeding of previous child for less than 6 mo (OR = 4.01, 95% CI 2.58,6.20), the condition of the firstborn child (OR = 2.75, 95% CI 1.79,4.21), the first mother-child contact occurring after 90min of life (OR =1.88; 95% CI 1.22,2.91) and having an unplanned pregnancy (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.05,2.15). The calibration of the model was acceptable in the CLACYD I sample (p= 0.54), as well as in the CLACYD II sample (p= 0.18). The areas under the ROC curve were 0.72 and 0.68, respectively. Conclusion: A model has been suggested that provides some insight onto background factors for the premature end of breastfeeding. Although some limitations prevent its general use at a population level, it may be a useful tool in the identification of women with a high probability of early weaning. [source] Parental reported apnoea, admissions to hospital and sudden infant death syndromeACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 4 2001EA Mitchell Three studies were undertaken: (i) a nation-wide case-control study for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), with 393 cases and 1592 controls, examined the association between parental reported apnoea and SIDS; (ii) a case-cohort study, with 84 cases of parental reported apnoea and 1502 controls, aimed to identify risk factors for apnoea; and (ii) national hospital admission data for ALTE and national SIDS mortality data were compared for the years 1986 to 1994. Parental reported apnoea was associated with a significant increased risk of SIDS [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12, 3.09]. The population attributable risk was 8%. There was a significant increased risk for parental reported apnoea in infants who did not die after adjustment for potential confounders with maternal smokers, short gestation and admission to the neonatal unit. There was no association with prone sleeping position, co-sleeping and bottle feeding. The mean annual admission rate for ALTE was 9.4/1000 live births. This did not change significantly over the study period (1986,1994). In contrast, the SIDS mortality rate decreased from over 4/ 1000 to 2.1/1000. Admission rates were higher for Maori infants and boys. Conclusion: It may be concluded that the relationship between parental reported apnoea and SIDS is tenuous. [source] Confidence Interval Calculation Methods Are Infrequently Reported in Emergency-medicine LiteratureACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 1 2007Amy Marr MD Abstract Background There are many different confidence interval calculation methods, each providing different as well as in some cases inadequate interval estimates. Readers who know which method is used are better able to understand potentially significant limitations in study reports. Objectives To quantify how often confidence interval calculation methods are disclosed by authors in four peer-reviewed North American emergency-medicine journals. Methods The authors independently performed searches of four journals for all studies in which comparisons were made between means, medians, proportions, odds ratios, or relative risks. Case reports, editorials, subject reviews, and letters were excluded. Using a standardized abstraction form developed on a spreadsheet, the authors evaluated each article for the reporting of confidence intervals and evaluated the description of methodology used to calculate the confidence intervals. Results A total of 212 articles met the inclusion criteria. Confidence intervals were reported in 123 articles (58%; 95% CI = 51% to 64%); of these, a description of methodology was reported in 12 (9.8%; 95% CI = 5.7% to 16%). Conclusions Confidence interval methods of calculation are disclosed infrequently in emergency medicine literature. [source] Stylet Bend Angles and Tracheal Tube Passage Using a Straight-to-cuff ShapeACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 12 2006Richard M. Levitan MD Abstract Objectives Malleable stylets improve maneuverability and control during tube insertion, but after passage through the vocal cords the stiffened tracheal tube may impinge on the tracheal rings, preventing passage. The goal of this study was to assess insertion difficulty with styletted tubes of different bend angles. Methods Tube passage was assessed with four different bend angles (25°, 35°, 45°, and 60°) using straight-to-cuff,shaped tubes. In two separate airway procedure classes, 16 operators in each class (32 total) placed randomly ordered styletted tubes of the different angles into eight cadavers (16 total). Operators subjectively graded the ease of tube passage as no resistance, some resistance, or impossible to advance. Results No resistance was reported in 69.1% (177/256) at 25°, in 63.7% (163/256) at 35°, in 39.4% (101/256) at 45°, and in 8.9% (22/256) at 60°. Tube passage was impossible in 2.3% of insertions (6/256) at 25°, in 3.5% (9/256) at 35°, in 11.3% (29/256) at 45°, and in 53.9% (138/256) at 60°. The odds ratios of impossible tube passage for 35°, 45°, and 60° vs. 25° were 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.55 to 4.16), 5.32 (95% CI = 2.22 to 12.71), and 48.72 (95% CI = 21.35 to 111.03), respectively. Conclusions Bend angles beyond 35° with straight-to-cuff styletted tracheal tubes increase the risk of difficult and impossible tube passage into the trachea. The authors did not compare different stylet stopping points, stylets of different stiffness, or tracheal tubes with different tip designs, all variables that can affect tube passage. [source] Effect of Normal Saline Infusion on the Diagnostic Utility of Base Deficit in Identifying Major Injury in Trauma PatientsACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 12 2006Richard Sinert DO Abstract Background Base deficit (BD) is a reliable marker of metabolic acidosis and is useful in gauging hemorrhage after trauma. Resuscitation with chloride-rich solutions such as normal saline (NS) can cause a dilutional acidosis, possibly confounding the interpretation of BD. Objectives To test the diagnostic utility of BD in distinguishing minor from major injury after administration of NS. Methods This was a prospective observational study at a Level 1 trauma center. The authors enrolled patients with significant mechanism of injury and measured BD at triage (BD-0) and at four hours after triage (BD-4). Major injury was defined by any of the following: injury severity score of ,15, drop in hematocrit of ,10 points, or the patient requiring a blood transfusion. Patients were divided into a low-volume (NS < 2L) and a high-volume (NS , 2L) group. Data were reported as mean (±SD). Student's t- and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare data. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves tested the utility of BD-4 in differentiating minor from major injury in the study groups. Results Four hundred eighty-nine trauma patients (mean age, 36 [± 18] yr) were enrolled; 82% were male, and 34% had penetrating injury. Major-(20%) compared with minor-(80%) injury patients were significantly (p = 0.0001) more acidotic (BD-0 mean difference: ,3.3 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI] =,2.5 to ,4.2). The high-volume group (n = 174) received 3,342 (±1,821) mL, and the low-volume group (n = 315) received 621 (±509) mL of NS. Areas under the ROC curves for the high-volume (0.63; 95% CI = 0.52 to 0.74) and low-volume (0.73; 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.86) groups were not significantly different from each other. Conclusions Base deficit was able to distinguish minor from major injury after four hours of resuscitation, irrespective of the volume of NS infused. [source] Congenital malformations in infants whose mothers reported the use of folic acid in early pregnancy in Sweden.CONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 4 2007A prospective population study ABSTRACT The use of folic acid prior to conception is generally recommended for the prevention of birth defects, notably neural tube defects. In a previous study from Sweden, based on interviews of women in early pregnancy, no such effect was found on the general malformation rate, but data for neural tube defects were scarce. Using data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register for the years 1995,2004, 20 891 women were identified who reported the use of folic acid in early pregnancy, but not of anticonvulsants. These women were compared to all other women who gave birth during the study period. Malformations in the infants born were identified from multiple sources. No reduction in the general malformation rate was seen among infants born to women who reported the use of folic acid (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.02,1.17) and no effect of neural tube defect rate was seen (RR = 1.35, 95% CI 0.82,2.22), based on 16 infants with neural tube defect whose mother reported the use of folic acid. No effect was seen on the rates of other malformations except for cardiac defects, where a statistically significant increased risk (notably for severe defects) was found (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.05,1.35). The effect of various deficiencies in data collection is discussed, but is unlikely to explain the lack of protective effect noticed. So far, it has not been possible to demonstrate a beneficial effect of folic acid supplementation on malformation risk in Sweden. A more complete ascertainment and detailed timing and dosage of folic acid use in a prospective study is recommended. [source] Descriptive epidemiology of anotia and microtia, Hawaii, 1986,2002CONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 4 2005Mathias B. Forrester ABSTRACT The objective of this investigation was to describe the epidemiology of anotia and microtia with respect to various factors. The cases studied were all infants and fetuses with anotia or microtia identified by a population-based birth defects registry in Hawaii. The anotia and microtia rates were determined for selected factors and comparisons made among the subgroups by calculating the rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 120 cases were identified, for a rate of 3.79 per 10 000 live births. The anotia and microtia rate increased during 1986,2002, although the trend was not significant (P = 0.715). Of 49 specific structural birth defects examined, four were found to be significantly more common in the presence of anotia and microtia. When compared with Caucasians, the anotia and microtia rates were higher among Far East Asians (RR 1.79, 95% CI 0.89,3.68), Pacific Islanders (RR 2.26, 95% CI 1.24,4.32), and Filipinos (RR 2.34, 95% CI 1.23,4.64). The defects were less common among females (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43,0.93) and more common with multiple birth (RR 3.72, 95% CI 1.66,7.33), birth weight <,2500 g (RR 3.35, 95% CI 2.04,5.30), and gestational age <38 weeks (RR 2.27, 95% CI 1.49,3.40). In conclusion, the rate for anotia and microtia increased in Hawaii during the study period. The rates for only a few structural birth defects were substantially greater than expected in association with anotia and microtia. Anotia and microtia rates varied significantly according to maternal race/ethnicity, infant sex, plurality, birth weight, and gestational age. [source] Treatment of Anemia With Darbepoetin Alfa in Heart FailureCONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 3 2010William T. Abraham MD Anemia is common in heart failure (HF) patients. A prespecified pooled analysis of 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies evaluated darbepoetin alfa (DA) in 475 anemic patients with HF (hemoglobin [Hb], 9.0,12.5 g/dL). DA was administered subcutaneously every 2 weeks and titrated to achieve and maintain a target Hb level of 14.0±1.0 g/dL. By week 27, mean (SD) Hb concentrations did not increase with placebo but increased with DA from 11.5 (0.7) to 13.3 (1.3) g/dL. Hazard ratios (HRs) for DA compared with placebo for all-cause death or first HF hospitalization (composite end point), all-cause death, and HF hospitalization by month 12 were 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44,1.03; P=.067), 0.76 (95% CI, 0.39,1.48; P=.419), and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.40,1.07; P=.093), respectively. Incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups. In post hoc analyses, improvement in the composite end point was significantly associated with the mean Hb change from baseline (adjusted HR, 0.40; P=.017) with DA treatment. There was no increased risk of all-cause mortality or first HF hospitalization with DA in patients with reduced renal function or elevated baseline B-type natriuretic peptide, a biomarker of worse HF. These results suggest that DA is well tolerated, corrects HF-associated anemia, and may have favorable effects on clinical outcomes., Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:87,95. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Statin Use Is Associated With Improved Survival in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure Receiving Resynchronization TherapyCONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 4 2009Andrew D. Sumner MD It is unknown whether statin use improves survival in patients with advanced chronic heart failure (HF) receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The authors retrospectively assessed the effect of statin use on survival in patients with advanced chronic HF receiving CRT alone (CRT-P) or CRT with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy (CRT-D) in 1520 patients with advanced chronic HF from the Comparison of Medical Therapy, Pacing, and Defibrillation in Heart Failure (COMPANION) trial database. Six hundred three patients (40%) were taking statins at baseline. All-cause mortality was 18% in the statin group and 22% in the no statin group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.85; confidence interval (CI), 0.67,1.07; P=.15). In a multivariable analysis controlling for significant baseline characteristics and use of CRT-P/CRT-D, statin use was associated with a 23% relative risk reduction in mortality (HR, 0.77; CI, 0.61,0.97; P=.03). Statin use is associated with improved survival in patients with advanced chronic HF receiving CRT. No survival benefit was seen in patients receiving statins and optimal pharmacologic therapy without CRT. [source] Adaptive Units for Conservation: Population Distinction and Historic Extinctions in the Island Scrub-JayCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2005KATHLEEN S. DELANEY Aphelocoma; diversidad genética especie; endémica; genética de conservación; Islas Channel Abstract:,The Island Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma insularis) is found on Santa Cruz Island, California, and is the only insular bird species in the continental United States. We typed seven microsatellite loci and sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial DNA control region of Island Scrub-Jays and their closest mainland relative, the Western Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica), to assess levels of variability and effective population size and to examine the evolutionary relationship between the two species. The estimated female effective population size, Nef, of the Island Scrub-Jay was 1603 (90% confidence interval: 1481,1738) and was about 7.5% of the size of the mainland species. Island and Western Scrub-Jays have highly divergent control-region sequences, and the value of 3.14 ± 0.09% sequence divergence between the two species suggests a divergence time of approximately 151,000 years ago. Because the four northern Channel Islands were joined as one large island as recently as 11,000 years ago, extinctions must have occurred on the three other northern Channel islands, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Anacapa, highlighting the vulnerability of the remaining population. We assessed the evolutionary significance of four island endemics, including the Island Scrub-Jay, based on both genetic and adaptive divergence. Our results show that the Island Scrub-Jay is a distinct species of high conservation value whose history and adaptive potential is not well predicted by study of other island vertebrates. Resumen:, Aphelocoma insularis se encuentra en la Isla Santa Cruz, California, y es la única especie de ave insular en Estados Unidos continental. Clasificamos siete locus microsatelitales y secuenciamos una porción de la región control del ADN mitocondrial de A. insularis y su pariente continental más cercano A. californica para evaluar niveles de variabilidad y tamaño poblacional efectivo y examinar las relaciones evolutivas entre las dos especies. El tamaño poblacional efectivo de hembras, Neh, de A. insularis fue estimado en 1603 (90% CI: 1481-1738) y fue aproximadamente 7.5% del tamaño de la especie continental. Aphelocoma insularis y A. californica tienen secuencias muy divergentes en la región control, y el valor de divergencia secuencial de 3.14 ± 0.09% entre las dos especies sugiere un tiempo de divergencia de aproximadamente 151,000 años. Debido a que las cuatro Islas Channel estuvieron unidas en una sola isla tan recientemente como hace 11,000 años, deben haber ocurrido extinciones en las otras tres islas Channel, Santa Rosa, San Miguel y Anacapa, acentuando la vulnerabilidad de la población remanente. Evaluamos el significado evolutivo de cuatro especies insulares endémicas incluyendo A. insularis con base en la divergencia genética y adaptativa. Nuestros resultados muestran que A. insularis es una especie distinta de alto valor de conservación, cuya historia y potencial adaptativo no es pronosticado correctamente por el estudio de otros vertebrados insulares. [source] Metalworking exposures and persistent skin symptoms in the ECRHS II and SAPALDIA 2 cohortsCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5 2009Maria C. Mirabelli Background:, Diseases of the skin are important and often preventable conditions occurring among workers with dermal exposures to irritant and sensitizing agents. Objective:, We conducted this analysis to assess the associations between metalworking exposures and current and persistent skin symptoms among male and female participants in two population-based epidemiologic studies. Methods:, We pooled data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (ECRHS II) and the Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Disease in Adults 2 (SAPALDIA 2), two prospective cohort studies in Europe. Each participant completed interviewer-administered questionnaires to provide information about symptoms and exposures related to selected occupations, including metalworking, during the follow-up periods. We assessed associations between skin symptoms and the frequency of metalworking exposures among 676 ECRHS II/SAPALDIA 2 respondents. Results:, Current skin symptoms were reported by 10% of metalworkers and were associated with frequent use, defined as four or more days per week, of oil-based metalworking fluids [prevalence ratio (PR): 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25,2.49)] and organic solvent/degreasing agents (PR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.21,3.50). Conclusions:, Skin symptom prevalence is associated with increasing frequency of oil-based metalworking fluid and degreasing agent use. Our findings justify assessing strategies for reducing the frequency of metal-related exposures. [source] Occurrence and prognosis of hand eczema in the car industry: results from the PACO follow-up study (PACO II)CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 6 2008Christian J. Apfelbacher Background:, Only a few epidemiological studies on hand eczema (HE) in the metalworking industry have been conducted, and no study has attempted a long-term follow-up. Objectives:, In the Prospective Audi Cohort (PACO) II follow-up study, we aimed to estimate burden and prognosis of HE in a car industry setting (follow-up > 10 years). Patients/Methods:, Eligible participants were individuals who had been examined in the original PACO study (1990,1998) and had been followed through until the end of their apprenticeship (n = 1909). Participants were interviewed and underwent dermatological examination. An exposure assessment was carried out according to a pre-defined algorithm. Results:, The follow-up rate was 78.3% (1494/1909). Mean follow-up time was 13.3 [standard deviation 1.3] years. The period prevalence of HE in the follow-up period was 21.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 19.0,23.1%], yielding a cumulative incidence of 29.3% (95% CI 26.9,31.6%) in the entire study period. HE persisted after the end of apprenticeship in 40.0% (95% CI 33.3,46.7%) of subjects who had had HE during apprenticeship (n = 205). 18.0% (95% CI 15.9,20.1%) developed HE in the follow-up period (n = 1289). Conclusions:, Around 30% of subjects were affected by HE at least once during the study period. HE persisted in 40% of the participants affected during apprenticeship. [source] Effects of aerobic fitness on hypohydration-induced physiological strain and exercise impairmentACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010T. L. Merry Abstract Aim:, Hypohydration exacerbates cardiovascular and thermal strain and can impair exercise capacity in temperate and warm conditions. Yet, athletes often dehydrate in exercise, are hypervolaemic and have less cardiovascular sensitivity to acute hypervolaemia. We tested the hypothesis that trained individuals have less cardiovascular, thermoregulatory and performance affect of hypohydration during exercise. Methods:, After familiarization, six trained [O2 peak = 64 (SD 8) mL kg,1 min,1] and six untrained [O2 peak = 45 (4) mL kg,1 min,1] males cycled 40 min at 70%O2 peak while euhydrated or hypohydrated by 1.5,2.0% body mass (crossover design), before a 40-min work trial with euhydration or ad libitum drinking (in Hypohydration trial), in temperate conditions (24.3,°C, RH 50%, va = 4.5 m s,1). Baseline hydration was by complete or partial rehydration from exercise+heat stress the previous evening. Results:, During constant workload, heart rate and its drift were increased in Hypohydration compared with Euhydration for Untrained [drift: 33 (11) vs. 24 beats min,1 h,1 (10), 95% CI 5,11] but not Trained [14 (3) vs. 13 beats min,1 h,1 (3), CI ,2 to 3; P = 0.01 vs. Untrained]. Similarly, rectal temperature drift was faster in Hypohydration for Untrained only [by 0.57,°C h,1 (0.25); P = 0.03 vs. Trained], concomitant with their reduced sweat rate (P = 0.05) and its relation to plasma osmolality (P = 0.03). Performance power tended to be reduced for Untrained (,13%, CI ,35 to 2) and Trained (,7%, CI: ,16 to 1), without an effect of fitness (P = 0.38). Conclusion:, Mild hypohydration exacerbated cardiovascular and thermoregulatory strain and tended to impair endurance performance, but aerobic fitness attenuated the physiological effects. [source] Contact allergy to farnesol in 2021 consecutively patch tested patients.CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Results of the IVDK Farnesol is one of the fragrances considered to be a significant contact allergen. Therefore, it was decided by the European Union to label products containing farnesol. Farnesol was tested [5% petrolatum (pet.)] together with the standard series between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2003 in 2021 consecutive patients, 1243 females and 778 males. Of these, 22 [1.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7,1.6%] had a positive reaction to farnesol. 147 (8.1%) of those 1825 tested to Myroxylon pereirae resin (balsam of Peru, 25% pet.) at the same time reacted positively, 143 (7.8%) of those 1823 tested to the fragrance mix (FM) (8% pet.) and 34 (1.9%) of 1831 tested to propolis (10% pet.). With regard to concomitant reactions in farnesol-positive patients, 5 of 22 reacted additionally to the FM [odds ratio (OR): 4.3; CI: 1.53,12.15] and 2 (of these 5) additionally to M. pereirae resin (OR: 1.27; CI: 0.29,5.54). The strongest association was seen to propolis (OR: 6.2; 95% CI: 1.4,27.7). Compared to those with negative reactions to farnesol, the group of patients allergic to farnesol was characterized by a higher proportion of young females and office workers, and the hand and the face were more often affected. In conclusion, farnesol is an important allergen. We recommend that farnesol should be included in a fragrance patch-test preparation and that its use should be regulated for consumer safety reasons. Furthermore, the extent of exposure to farnesol should be further studied. [source] Career counsellors and occupational contact dermatitisCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 4 2003Helen Saunders Career counsellors are in a unique position to provide timely preventive advice to young people at risk of developing occupational contact dermatitis. Career counsellors need to be aware of risk factors for this condition, including atopic eczema, and of high-risk occupations, such as hairdressing. A cross-sectional survey of 82 career counsellors was conducted at an Australian career counsellors' conference. 24 (29%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 19,40%) correctly identified eczema as a risk factor. 25 (30%, 95% CI 21,41%) indicated consideration of past skin problems during career counselling. 30 (36%, 95% CI 25,47%) correctly reported at least 1 high-risk occupation, with hairdressing being most frequently identified. Only 3 of the 82 (4%, 95% CI 0,7%) correctly answered all 3 questions. [source] CI Implementation: An Empirical Test of the CI Maturity ModelCREATIVITY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2006Frances Jørgensen There are a number of tools available for organizations wishing to measure and subsequently develop Continuous Improvement (CI). In this article, we review and evaluate a well-accepted CI development model, namely the CI Maturity Model (Bessant and Caffyn, 1997), against data collected from the 2nd Continuous Improvement Network Survey and a number of empirical cases described in the literature. While the CI Maturity Model suggests that CI maturation ought to be a linear process, the findings in this article suggest that there are feasible alternatives for companies to develop CI capability. [source] QTc-interval abnormalities in a forensic populationCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2007Sobhi Girgis Background,Antipsychotic drugs have been linked to sudden death among psychiatric patients, with a suggestion that prolongation of the QT-interval detectable on a standard electrocardiogram may be linked to fatal cardiac arrhythmias in these circumstances. Patients in secure forensic psychiatric facilities may be particularly likely to be on high-dose antipsychotic medication, and yet, as far as the authors are aware, no study of QT-intervals among such patients has been reported. Aim,To investigate the prevalence of QT-interval abnormalities and associated known risk factors for fatal cardiac arrhythmias in a sample of forensic patients. Method,Participants had a 12-lead electrocardiogram taken at 50 mm/s. Information was collected on their age, gender, psychiatric diagnosis, history of cardiovascular, liver and kidney diseases, and smoking, on all medications and on history of seclusion over the previous 12 months. Analysis was carried out using binary logistic regression. Results,Lower rates of QT-interval abnormalities than might be expected for this population were found. It was also found that a high dose of antipsychotics was associated with QTc prolongation (Adjusted OR = 9.5, 95% CI 2.6,34.2), a result consistent with previous literature. Conclusion,Forensic patients need not be at increased risk of QTc abnormality provided risk factors are properly managed. A high dose of antipsychotic medication increases the risk of QTc prolongation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Mortality among mentally disordered offenders: a community based follow-up studyCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2005Tabita Björk Background Follow-up information about outcome for hospitalized mentally disordered offenders (MDO) is necessary for evaluation and improvement in quality of forensic psychiatric care. Aim A study was undertaken to estimate the standard mortality rate (SMR) of a population based sample of people sentenced to forensic psychiatric care. Method All MDOs in Örebro County, Sweden, discharged from a forensic psychiatric treatment unit between 1992 and 1999 were identified (n = 46). The variables were gender, age, offence, diagnosis and duration of admission. Case linkage was made with the National Cause-of-Death register. Median follow-up time was 53 months (0,93). Results The sample yielded a significantly elevated SMR 13.4 (95% CI 4.35,31.3) times higher than that in the general population, mostly due to suicide. Conclusions The cohort size is small but representative, and it provides data from an additional country for the growing international pool confirming the high risk of premature, generally self-inflicted death among MDOs. Resettlement and rehabilitation services for them may need to take as much account of mortality risk as that of reoffending. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Homicide and schizophrenia: maybe treatment does have a preventive effectCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 1 2001Martin Erb Background Persons with schizophrenia have been found to be at increased risk for homicide as compared with the general population. The increased risk may be associated with the implementation of the policy of deinstitutionalization. Method Persons with schizophrenia who had committed or attempted homicide in the German state of Hessen from 1992 to 1996 and in the Federal Republic of Germany from 1955 to 1964 were compared. Results Schizophrenia increased the risk of homicide 16.6 times (95% CI 11.2,24.5) in the recent cohort and 12.7 times (95% CI 11.2,14.3) in the older cohort. These odds ratios are not statistically different. The lack of appropriate services for chronic high-risk patients and the non-use of mental health services by first episode, acutely psychotic patients were associated with homicide. Conclusion There has been no increase in the risk of homicide among persons with schizophrenia since the implementation of the policy of deinstitutionalization. The examination of the recent period suggests that the provision of specialized long-term care to persons with schizophrenia who are at high risk for violent behaviour and the use of mental health services by acutely psychotic persons may reduce the risk of homicide. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Safety of sertindole versus risperidone in schizophrenia: principal results of the sertindole cohort prospective study (SCoP)ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010S. H. L. Thomas Thomas SHL, Drici MD, Hall GC, Crocq MA, Everitt B, Lader MH, Le Jeunne C, Naber D, Priori S, Sturkenboom M, Thibaut F, Peuskens J, Mittoux A, Tanghøj P, Toumi M, Moore ND, Mann RD. Safety of sertindole versus risperidone in schizophrenia: principal results of the sertindole cohort prospective study (SCoP) Objective:, To explore whether sertindole increases all-cause mortality or cardiac events requiring hospitalization, compared with risperidone. Method:, Multinational randomized, open-label, parallel-group study, with blinded classification of outcomes, in 9858 patients with schizophrenia. Results:, After 14147 person-years, there was no effect of treatment on overall mortality (sertindole 64, risperidone 61 deaths, Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.12 (90% CI: 0.83, 1.50)) or cardiac events requiring hospitalization [sertindole 10, risperidone 6, HR = 1.73 (95% CI: 0.63, 4.78)]: Of these, four were considered arrhythmia-related (three sertindole, one risperidone). Cardiac mortality was higher with sertindole (Independent Safety Committee (ISC): 31 vs. 12, HR=2.84 (95% CI: 1.45, 5.55), P = 0.0022; Investigators 17 vs. 8, HR=2.13 (95% CI: 0.91, 4.98), P = 0.081). There was no significant difference in completed suicide, but fewer sertindole recipients attempted suicide (ISC: 68 vs. 78, HR=0.93 (95% CI: 0.66, 1.29), P = 0.65; Investigators: 43 vs. 65, HR=0.67 (95% CI: 0.45, 0.99), P = 0.044). Conclusion:, Sertindole did not increase all-cause mortality, but cardiac mortality was higher and suicide attempts may be lower with sertindole. [source] 10-Year trends in the treatment and outcomes of patients with first-episode schizophreniaACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010J. Nielsen Nielsen J, le Quach P, Emborg C, Foldager L, Correll CU. 10-Year trends in the treatment and outcomes of patients with first-episode schizophrenia. Objective:, The first episode of schizophrenia is a critical period for illness course and outcomes. We aimed to investigate treatments and outcomes during the first year after the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Method:, Pharmacoepidemiologic inception cohort study of all newly diagnosed patients with schizophrenia in Denmark (n = 13 600) 1996,2005. Results:, From 1996 to 2005, the mean age at first diagnosis decreased significantly (29.2,26.1 years), more patients received antipsychotics (67.2,80.7%, annual OR = 1.07, CI: 1.06,1.09, P < 0.001) and antipsychotic polypharmacy for >4 months (16.7,37.1%, OR = 1.14, CI: 1.12,1.57, P < 0.001). The antipsychotic defined daily dosage (DDD) doubled (150,332 DDD, P < 0.001), use of antidepressants (24.3,40.6%, P < 0.001). Bed days [89.9 days (CI: 81.8,98.8) to 71.8 days, CI: 63.7,80.8, P < 0.0001] decreased, whereas outpatient contacts [10.2 (CI: 9.5,11.0) to 21.4 (CI: 19.9,21.0), P < 0.0001] doubled. Conclusion:, Between 1996 and 2005, there was an earlier recognition of schizophrenia, intensified outpatient treatment, increased use and dosing of antipsychotics and antidepressants, but also more antipsychotic polypharmacy. [source] Customized mandibular orthotics in the prevention of concussion/mild traumatic brain injury in football players: a preliminary studyDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2009G. Dave Singh However, previous investigations have primarily studied non-customized mouthguards without dental/temporo-mandibular joint examinations of the subjects. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine whether the use of a customized mandibular orthotic after temporo-mandibular joint assessment reduces the incidence of concussion/mild traumatic brain injuries in high-school football players. Materials and methods:, Using a longitudinal, retrospective design, data were collected from a cohort of football players (n = 28) over three seasons using a questionnaire. The mean age of the sample prior to the use of the customized mandibular orthotic was 17.3 years ± 1.9. Prior to deployment, dental records and temporo-mandibular joint evaluations were undertaken, as well as neurocognitive assessment, including history of concussion/mild traumatic brain injuries. After establishing optimal jaw position, a customized mandibular orthotic was fabricated to the new spatial relations. Results:, The mean age of the sample after three seasons was 19.7 years ± 2.0. Prior to the use of the customized mandibular orthotic, the mean self-reported incidence of concussion/mild traumatic brain injuries was 2.1 ± 1.4 concussive events. After the deployment of the customized mandibular orthotic the number of concussive events fell to 0.11 ± 0.3 with an odds ratio of 38.33 (95% CI 8.2,178.6), P < 0.05. Conclusion:, The preliminary results of this study suggest that a customized mandibular orthotic may decrease the incidence of concussion/mild traumatic brain injuries in high- school football athletes, but a comprehensive study is required to confirm these initial findings. Furthermore, additional research is necessary to indicate the possible mode(s) of action of a customized mandibular orthotic in the prevention of concussion/mild traumatic brain injuries. [source] Factors affecting treatment outcomes following complicated crown fractures managed in primary and secondary careDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2006N. G. Jackson Abstract,,, The aims of this retrospective observational study were to determine the factors which affect treatment provision and the Median Survival Time (MST) for maintenance of tooth vitality following complicated crown fracture. The survey was carried out for patients treated at Newcastle Dental Hospital (NDH) according to departmental guidelines over a 2-year period following the introduction of a new protocol for management of these types of injuries. Seventy-three cases of complicated crown fracture were identified in 69 children with a mean age of 10.3 years (SD = 2.5 years). Seventy-one percent of the fractures occurred in males (M:F ratio was 2.5:1). Fifty-one percent of the complicated crown fractures were in immature teeth. Of the 73 traumatised teeth, 45% presented initially in general dental practice (GDP), 37% at the dental hospital and 8% at local accident and emergency departments with the remaining 10% seen at other or unrecorded locations. Of the 41 fractures, which presented initially at a location other than the dental hospital, 38% were referred to the dental hospital without the provision of an emergency pulp bandage. The overall definitive treatments provided for the 37 open apex teeth included pulp cap (19%), partial pulpotomy (32%), cervical pulpotomy (8%) and pulpectomy (35%), while for the 36 closed apex teeth it was pulp cap (28%), pulpotomy (11%), and pulpectomy (61%). Of the 30 teeth, which underwent vital pulp therapy (18 open and 12 closed apex), the MST for the 15 teeth treated with pulp caps was 1460 days (95% CI: 1067, 1853) while for the 15 teeth treated with pulpotomies it was 1375 days (95% CI: 964, 1786). There was no statistically significant difference in the MST between teeth treated with pulp caps and pulpotomies. In conclusion, the proportion of patients referred to secondary care with complicated crown fractures without provision of a pulp bandage is of some concern. More conservative treatment of closed apex teeth sustaining complicated crown fractures, utilizing vital pulp therapy techniques would appear to be appropriate. [source] Oral piercing and oral trauma in a New Zealand sampleDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2005J. A. Kieser Abstract,,, This study investigated the periodontal and dental trauma resultant from tongue and lip piercings in a convenience sample of 43 adult dental patients. Patients underwent an intra-oral examination followed by the administration of a questionnaire. Each patient was examined for lingual or buccal recession of the upper and lower incisors as well as the extent of abnormal toothwear or trauma on these teeth. Following bivariate analyses, regression analyses were conducted to test the study hypotheses and derive adjusted estimates for the dependent variables. Of the 43 individuals who participated (93.0% females; mean age 21 years; age range 14,34 years) 76.7% had a tongue piercing, 34.9% had a lip piercing, and 11.6% had both. Only four had had their piercing procedure provided by a doctor or dentist. Postpiercing complications were reported by 34.9%. Most of those with a labial piercing (80.0%) had 1+ labial site with gingival recession (GR), and almost one-third of those with a tongue piercing had at least one lingual site with GR. Age was a significant predictor of the prevalence of lingual recession, with the odds of having lingual recession increasing by 1.17 (95% CI 1.01, 1.35) for every year older than 14. Age was the only significant predictor of the number of lingual sites with recession, but was not a predictor of the prevalence of labial recession or the number of affected sites. There were no significant associations between piercings and abnormal toothwear or trauma. These findings suggest that oral piercings are associated with localized gingival recession, and that the providers of such procedures should ensure that, as part of the informed consent process, prospective patients are informed of the likelihood that their periodontal health may be compromised. [source] Prevalence and handedness correlates of traumatic injuries to the permanent incisors in 13,17-year-old adolescents in Erzurum, TurkeyDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2003Varol Canakci Abstract ,,,The objectives of the present study were to explore the relationship between dental trauma and handedness, and to assess the prevalence of traumatic injuries to the permanent incisors of 13,17-year-old patients, seeking treatment for various dental conditions in Erzurum, Turkey. A questionnaire focusing on handedness was administered to these patients. Handedness was assessed by the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (Oldfield, 1971). Hand preference was divided into two classes for convenience in data analysis: (i) right-handers (GSc from 80 to 100); and (ii) left-handers (GSc from ,80 to ,100). This study included the 13,17-year-old group patients who had GSc as described above. Thus, the present study was carried out on 2180 (1252 male and 928 female, with a mean age of 14.9 years) out of 2392 patients. The clinical examinations and radiographic assessments were performed in full-designed dental chairs. Preliminary analysis showed no differences in rates of handedness with respect to sex and age. Overall, 10.4% of the patients were left-handers. A total of 292 (13.4%) of 2180 patients examined had one or more traumatized permanent incisors. The proportion of dental trauma was significantly higher in males than in females, 17.41% in males as compared to 7.97% in females; and ratio of the affected males to females was about 2.18. Sex difference in the prevalence of traumatized permanent incisors was statistically significant (P < 0.001). That is, males had a significantly higher risk of dental trauma than females (P < 0.001; odds ratio: 2.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.88, 3.23). There was a higher level of traumatized permanent incisors among left-handers than among right-handers. 28.3% of left-handers and 11.7% of right-handers had dental trauma. This difference in the prevalence of traumatized permanent incisors for handedness was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Indeed, left-handers had a significantly higher risk on dental trauma than right-handers (P < 0.001; odds ratio: 3.09; 95% CI 2.23, 4.29). The primary causative factor in the occurrence of trauma was the fall (27.7%). Then came violence and fight as the second most frequent cause of trauma (24%), followed by sports injury (18.8%). Trauma resulting from collisions and traffic accidents were accounted as 13.7 and 11.3% of all cases, respectively. The other causes were 4.5%. In conclusion, the present study suggests that left-handed adolescents have more frequent permanent incisor tooth trauma than right-handed adolescents. Left-handedness, therefore, appears to be a risk factor for trauma in 13,17-year-old adolescents. [source] Direct and indirect time spent on care of dental trauma: a 2-year prospective study of children and adolescentsDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2000U. Glendor Abstract , The aim was to account for the total time spent by professional care-givers (direct time) and by patients and companions engaged as support and help (indirect time) to treat and otherwise attend to children and adolescents with dental trauma to primary and permanent teeth. The study was based on a random sample of 192 children and adolescents with dental traumas reported to an insurance company and prospectively followed up by telephone interviews over a period of 2 years after the trauma episode. On average, direct time represented 16% of total time for all visits for dental trauma to permanent teeth and 11% for trauma to primary teeth. The most extensive type of indirect time was transport time, which took up 30% of the total time spent on injuries to permanent teeth and 36% for injuries to primary teeth. Multiple regression analysis of the impact of dental and demographic injury variables on the time variables showed that complicated trauma was associated with extended time, direct as well as indirect, for permanent and primary teeth injuries. Our estimate of the average relative increase in total time spent by patients and companions in cases of complicated injury to permanent teeth was 117% (95% confidence interval [CI], 52,211) for patients and 112% (95% CI, 42,217) for companions. For transport time a strong predictor was access to a dental clinic near the place of residence. Lack of access could extend the average transport time by 180% (95% CI, 80,335) for patients and 163% (95% CI, 67,317) for their companions in cases of injuries to primary teeth. [source] The relationship between anxiety disorders and suicide attempts: findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related ConditionsDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 9 2010Josh Nepon M.D. Abstract Background: Previous work has suggested that anxiety disorders are associated with suicide attempts. However, many studies have been limited by lack of accounting for factors that could influence this relationship, notably personality disorders. This study aims to examine the relationship between anxiety disorders and suicide attempts, accounting for important comorbidities, in a large nationally representative sample. Methods: Data came from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Wave 2. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 34,653 adults between 2004 and 2005 in the United States. The relationship between suicide attempts and anxiety disorders (panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, specific phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)) was explored using multivariate regression models controlling for sociodemographics, Axis I and Axis II disorders. Results: Among individuals reporting a lifetime history of suicide attempt, over 70% had an anxiety disorder. Even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, Axis I and Axis II disorders, the presence of an anxiety disorder was significantly associated with having made a suicide attempt (AOR=1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40,2.08). Panic disorder (AOR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.06,1.61) and PTSD (AOR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.45,2.26) were independently associated with suicide attempts in multivariate models. Comorbidity of personality disorders with panic disorder (AOR=5.76, 95% CI: 4.58,7.25) and with PTSD (AOR=6.90, 95% CI: 5.41,8.79) demonstrated much stronger associations with suicide attempts over either disorder alone. Conclusion: Anxiety disorders, especially panic disorder and PTSD, are independently associated with suicide attempts. Clinicians need to assess suicidal behavior among patients presenting with anxiety problems. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The relationship between major depression and marital disruption is bidirectionalDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 12 2009Andrew G. Bulloch Ph.D. Abstract Background: Marital status is important to the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders. In particular, the high prevalence of major depression in individuals with separated, divorced, or widowed status has been well documented. However, the literature is divided as to whether marital disruption results in major depression and/or vise versa. We examined whether major depression influences changes of marital status, and, conversely, whether marital status influences the incidence of this disorder. Methods: We employed data from the longitudinal Canadian National Population Health Survey (1994,2004), and proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates. Results: Major depression had no effect on the proportion of individuals who changed from single to common-law, single to married, or common-law to married status. In contrast, exposure to depression doubled the proportion of transitions from common-law or married to separated or divorced status (HR=2.0; 95% CI 1.4,2.9 P<0.001). Conversely an increased proportion of nondepressed individuals with separated or divorced status subsequently experienced major depression (hazard ratio, HR=1.3; 95% CI 1.0,1.5 P=0.04). Conclusion: The high prevalence of major depression in separated or divorced individuals is due to both an increased risk of marital disruption in those with major depression, and also to the higher risk of this disorder in those with divorced or separated marital status. Thus a clinically significant interplay exists between major depression and marital status. Clinicians should be aware of the deleterious impact of major depression on marital relationships. Proactive management of marital problems in clinical settings may help minimize the psycho-social "scar" that is sometimes associated with this disorder. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Lifetime comorbidities between phobic disorders and major depression in Japan: results from the World Mental Health Japan 2002,2004 Survey,DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 10 2009Masao Tsuchiya M.A. Abstract Background: Although often considered of minor significance in themselves, evidence exists that early-onset phobic disorders might be predictors of later more serious disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). The purpose of this study is to investigate the association of phobic disorders with the onset of MDD in the community in Japan. Methods: Data from the World Mental Health Japan 2002,2004 Survey were analyzed. A total of 2,436 community residents aged 20 and older were interviewed using the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 (response rate, 58.4%). A Cox proportional hazard model was used to predict the onset of MDD as a function of prior history of DSM-IV specific phobia, agoraphobia, or social phobia, adjusting for gender, birth-cohort, other anxiety disorders, education, and marital status at survey. Results: Social phobia was strongly associated with the subsequent onset of MDD (hazard ratio [HR]=4.1 [95% CI: 2.0,8.7]) after adjusting for sex, birth cohort, and the number of other anxiety disorders. The association between agoraphobia or specific phobia and MDD was not statistically significant after adjusting for these variables. Conclusions: Social phobia is a powerful predictor of the subsequent first onset of MDD in Japan. Although this finding argues against a simple neurobiological model and in favor of a model in which the cultural meanings of phobia play a part in promoting MDD, an elucidation of causal pathways will require more fine-grained comparative research. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley-liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||