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Global Index (global + index)
Selected AbstractsMicro-organisms and dust exposure in an Italian grain millJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2005C. Dacarro Abstract Aims:, In order to assess possible occupational risk for workers in a grain mill, we evaluated aerial microbiological contamination in different areas of the mill and at different points of the production line. We also measured the concentration of aerodispersed dust particles. Methods and Results:, An assessment of microbiological contamination levels based on a Global Index of Microbial Contamination per cubic metre (GIMC per m3), an Index of Mesophilic Bacterial Contamination, and an Amplification Index is proposed. The indices were obtained from total and fungal counts. The cleaning sector is the most contaminated area of the mill: the mean GIMC per m3 was 17 213·6. In this area, the average microbial contamination was 11·41 times higher than that in the external environment. The highest concentrations of aerodispersed dust (inhalable 2·763 mg m,3; respirable 1·400 mg m,3) were found in the cleaning area. Conclusions:, The proposed microbiological indices and the concentrations of aerodispersed dust particles show that the most hazardous section of the mill is the cleaning area. The large variation in the data does not depend on seasonal factors, but rather on not easily identifiable conditions of the internal environment which facilitate diffusion and/or proliferation of the micro-organisms. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The proposed microbiological contamination indices and the evaluation of the concentration of dust particles allow the identification of critical positions during the production cycle so that suitable measures to prevent the aerial contamination can be taken. [source] Instant centre frequency at anaesthetic induction , a new way to analyse sympathovagal balance,FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2003Edmundo Pereira De Souza Neto Abstract The instant centre frequency (ICF) of RR interval has been proposed as a global index to analyse the sympathovagal interaction in the heart. The aim of this study was to assess the ICF during anaesthesia to test if it can reliably capture the neural control of the cardiovascular system. Twenty-four ASA II or III patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were included in the study. They were allocated in two groups: control, no treatment (group 1, n = 12), and beta-adrenergic blockade by atenolol (group 2, n = 12). Spectra of pulse interval series were computed with a time,frequency method and they were divided into: very low frequency (VLF, 0.000,0.040 Hz), low frequency (LF, 0.050,0.150 Hz) and high frequency (HF, 0.160,0.500 Hz). Normalized power was obtained by dividing the cumulative power within each frequency band (LF or HF) by the sum of LF and HF; the ratio of LF/HF was also calculated. Instant centre frequency is a time-varying parameter that the evolution along time of the gravity centrum of a local spectrum. All spectral indexes were recorded at the following time points: before induction, after induction and before intubation, during intubation, and after intubation. The atenolol group had lower normalized LF and the LF/HF ratio (P < 0.05) higher HF before induction; and lower LF/HF ratio after induction and before intubation (P < 0.05). The ICF was higher in atenolol group at all times. The ICF shifted towards HF frequency after induction and before intubation and shifted towards LF during intubation in both groups. The autonomic nervous system control on the heart through the interaction of sympathetic and parasympathetic reflex mechanisms could be studied by the ICF. The ICF may assess the autonomic cardiac modulation and may provide useful information for anaesthetic management. [source] Transferability indices for health economic evaluations: methods and applicationsHEALTH ECONOMICS, Issue 6 2009Fernando Antonanzas Abstract In this paper, we have elaborated an index in two phases to measure the degree of transferability of the results of the economic evaluation of health technologies. In the first phase, we have considered the objective factors (critical and non-critical) to derive a general transferability index, which can be used to measure this internal property of the studies of economic evaluation applied to health technologies. In the second phase, with a more specific index, we have measured the degree of applicability of the results of a given study to a different setting. Both indices have been combined (arithmetic and geometric mean) to obtain a global transferability index. We have applied the global index to a sample of 27 Spanish studies on infectious diseases. We have obtained an average value for the index of 0.54, quite far from the maximum theoretical value of 1. We also found that 11 studies lacked some critical factor and were directly deemed as not transferable. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Acupuncture for schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 11 2009M. S. Lee Summary Background:, Acupuncture is one of the most popular types of complementary/alternative medicine. It is sometimes used as a treatment for schizophrenia. Aims:, The objective of this review is to assess systematically the clinical evidence for or against acupuncture as a treatment for schizophrenia. Methods:, We searched 20 databases from their inception to May 2009 without language restrictions. All randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of acupuncture, with or without electrical stimulation or moxibustion for patients with schizophrenia were considered for inclusion. Results:, Thirteen RCTs, all originating from China, met the inclusion criteria. One RCT reported significant effects of electroacupuncture (EA) plus drug therapy for improving auditory hallucunations and positive symptom compared with sham EA plus drug therapy. Four RCTs showed significant effects of acupuncture for response rate compared with antipsychotic drugs [n = 360, relative risk (RR): 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03,1.34, p = 0.01; heterogeneity: ,2 = 0.00, ,2 = 2.98, p = 0.39, I2 = 0%]. Seven RCTs showed significant effects of acupuncture plus antipsychotic drug therapy for response rate compared with antipsychotic drug therapy (n = 457, RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04,1.28, p = 0.008, heterogeneity: ,2 = 0.00, ,2 = 6.56, p = 0.36, I2 = 9%). Two RCTs tested laser acupuncture against sham laser acupuncture. One RCT found beneficial effects of laser acupuncture on hallucination and the other RCT showed significant effects of laser acupuncture on response rate, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and clinical global index compared with sham laser. The methodological quality was generally poor and there was not a single high quality trial. Conclusion:, These results provide limited evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, the total number of RCTs, the total sample size and the methodological quality were too low to draw firm conclusions. As all studies originated from China, international studies are needed to test whether there is any effect. [source] Determination of aerial microbiological contamination in scholastic sports environmentsJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2003C. Dacarro Abstract Aims: To assess the microbiological indoor air quality (IAQ) of high school and college gyms during physical training lessons and to evaluate the effective microbiological exposure of students. Methods and Results: Air samples from 11 high school and college gyms of Pavia, Italy were collected. Total bacterial counts, total fungal counts and characterization of fungal taxa were determined. Air quality was evaluated using three microbiological contamination indices: the global index of microbiological contamination per m3 (GIMC per m3), the index of mesophilic bacterial contamination (IMC) and the amplification index (AI). Conclusions: This work testifies that air contamination in indoor gyms is always superior to that of the outdoor environment. Nevertheless, students are exposed to relatively low concentrations of airborne micro-organisms. The highest values of fungal counts and GIMC per m3 (>14 661) were observed between April and October when the central heating systems were switched off. The lowest fungal counts were detected in modern buildings equipped with forced ventilation systems. From qualitative aeromycological studies, 45 fungal taxa were identified, and different potentially allergenic species were isolated. Significance and Impact of the Study: The standardization of air sampling methods and the correct evaluation of aeromicrobiological results allow the classification of indoor air healthiness. The proposed microbiological contamination indices together with the characterization of airborne fungal taxa are useful tools for detailed description of IAQ. [source] Effects of Conjugated Equine Estrogen on Risk of Fractures and BMD in Postmenopausal Women With Hysterectomy: Results From the Women's Health Initiative Randomized TrialJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2006Rebecca D Jackson MD Abstract Further analyses from the Women's Health Initiative estrogen trial shows that CEE reduced fracture risk. The fracture reduction at the hip did not differ appreciably among risk strata. These data do not support overall benefit over risk, even in women at highest risk for fracture. Introduction: The Women's Health Initiative provided evidence that conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) can significantly reduce fracture risk in postmenopausal women. Additional analysis of the effects of CEE on BMD and fracture are presented. Materials and Methods: Postmenopausal women 50,79 years of age with hysterectomy were randomized to CEE 0.625 mg daily (n = 5310) or placebo (n = 5429) and followed for an average 7.1 years. Fracture incidence was assessed by semiannual questionnaire and verified by adjudication of radiology reports. BMD was measured in a subset of women (N = 938) at baseline and years 1, 3, and 6. A global index was used to examine whether the balance of risks and benefits differed by baseline fracture risk. Results: CEE reduced the risk of hip (hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45,0.94), clinical vertebral (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44,0.93), wrist/lower arm (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.47,0.72), and total fracture (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.64,0.80). This effect did not differ among strata according to age, oophorectomy status, past hormone use, race/ethnicity, fall frequency, physical activity, or fracture history. Total fracture reduction was less in women at the lowest predicted fracture risk in both absolute and relative terms (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.68,1.08). CEE also provided modest but consistent positive effects on BMD. The HRs of the global index for CEE were relatively balanced across tertiles of summary fracture risk (lowest risk: HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.62,1.05; mid risk: HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.92,1.30; highest risk: HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.88,1.23; interaction, p = 0.42). Conclusions: CEE reduces the risk of fracture and increases BMD in hysterectomized postmenopausal women. Even among the women with the highest risk for fractures, when considering the effects of estrogen on other important health outcomes, a summary of the burden of monitored effects does not indicate a significant net benefit. [source] Changes in the visual field following laser in situ keratomileusis for myopiaOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 2 2007Antonio Lleó-Pérez Abstract Purpose:, To assess the changes of the visual field (VF) caused by transient intraocular pressure (IOP) peaks during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery for myopia using automated perimetry. Methods:, This prospective study involved 94 eyes of 94 patients who underwent a conventional LASIK procedure. A complete eye examination was carried out in which the IOP measurement, and Humphrey 24-2 SITA standard VF were tested prior to LASIK and 6 and 12 months after LASIK. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to their refractive error. VF global indices, Glaucoma Hemifield Test and the number of depressed points deviating at p < 5%, p < 2%, p < 1% and p < 0.5% on the Pattern Deviation probability maps were compared using the analysis of variance. Results:, In the low myopia group, there were no significant differences in the analysed variables, except a slight decrease in mean deviation (MD) when comparing results prior to and 6 months following LASIK (p = 0.036; anova) that returned to baseline values at 12 months after surgery. In the moderate and high myopia group, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the variables analysed. No significant correlation was found between the transitory reduction in MD and any of the variables studied. Conclusions:, In patients with low myopia, the VF undergoes a transitory increase in diffuse defects 6 months after surgery, with spontaneous recovery at 12 months after LASIK procedure. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed. [source] Social contextual links to emotion regulation in an adolescent psychiatric inpatient population: do gender and symptomatology matter?THE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 11 2009Molly Adrian Background:, The regulation of emotion is essential for adaptive functioning. However, delineating the pathways of emotion regulation (ER) processes that lead to psychological adaptation remains under-studied, with mixed evidence for the specificity vs. generality of ER deficits in relation to specific forms of psychopathology. To examine this issue, this study investigated links among ER, social-contextual factors (family, peer), and psychological adjustment (internalizing, externalizing). Method:, Participants were 140 adolescents (71% female, 83.3% Caucasian, M age = 16.03 years) who were consecutive psychiatric admissions over a one-year period. Adolescents completed measures on family environment and peer relationship experiences. Both adolescents and parents reported on adolescents' characteristic patterns of ER and psychopathology. Results:, Discriminant analyses revealed that two functions, ER skills and impulsivity/lability, differentiated among adolescents who were elevated in internalizing symptoms only, in externalizing symptoms only, in both domains, or in neither domain. Regarding social contextual variables, family cohesion was associated with adaptive ER behaviors for girls along the internalizing dimension and all adolescents reporting externalizing behaviors. Relational victimization predicted difficulties with ER in both symptom domains for all adolescents. Within the internalizing domain, friendship support was related to adaptive ER. Conclusion:, Facets of ER do differentiate between global indices of internalizing and externalizing behaviors and suggest that both general and specific factors contribute to adolescents' unique learning history with emotions and characteristic patterns for managing emotions. [source] | ||||||||||