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Pertinent Literature (pertinent + literature)
Selected AbstractsAminoglycoside dosing in diabetesJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2000Axworthy Studies have evaluated the comparative efficacy, toxicity and costs associated with extended-interval vs. standard multiple daily dosing of aminoglycosides. In this case, an elderly man with diabetes and good renal function at baseline was switched from standard to extended-interval dosing. During the course of therapy there was evidence of decreased renal function. Pertinent literature was searched for, uncovered and critically evaluated to determine if and what evidence supports using extended dosing of aminoglycosides in this population. No data were found specifically evaluating the different dosing strategies in diabetic patients. However, there were many trials and several meta-analysis located that compared the two dosing strategies, most suggesting at least a cost advantage and possibly less toxicity with extended-interval dosing. Further information is needed to determine whether there is a differential risk for toxicity between these dosing regimens in patient with diabetes. [source] The Unequal Burden of Pain: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in PainPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 3 2003Carmen R. Green MD ABSTRACT context. Pain has significant socioeconomic, health, and quality-of-life implications. Racial- and ethnic-based differences in the pain care experience have been described. Racial and ethnic minorities tend to be undertreated for pain when compared with non-Hispanic Whites. objectives. To provide health care providers, researchers, health care policy analysts, government officials, patients, and the general public with pertinent evidence regarding differences in pain perception, assessment, and treatment for racial and ethnic minorities. Evidence is provided for racial- and ethnic-based differences in pain care across different types of pain (i.e., experimental pain, acute postoperative pain, cancer pain, chronic non-malignant pain) and settings (i.e., emergency department). Pertinent literature on patient, health care provider, and health care system factors that contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in pain treatment are provided. evidence. A selective literature review was performed by experts in pain. The experts developed abstracts with relevant citations on racial and ethnic disparities within their specific areas of expertise. Scientific evidence was given precedence over anecdotal experience. The abstracts were compiled for this manuscript. The draft manuscript was made available to the experts for comment and review prior to submission for publication. conclusions. Consistent with the Institute of Medicine's report on health care disparities, racial and ethnic disparities in pain perception, assessment, and treatment were found in all settings (i.e., postoperative, emergency room) and across all types of pain (i.e., acute, cancer, chronic nonmalignant, and experimental). The literature suggests that the sources of pain disparities among racial and ethnic minorities are complex, involving patient (e.g., patient/health care provider communication, attitudes), health care provider (e.g., decision making), and health care system (e.g., access to pain medication) factors. There is a need for improved training for health care providers and educational interventions for patients. A comprehensive pain research agenda is necessary to address pain disparities among racial and ethnic minorities. [source] Complications of Nail Surgery: A Review of the LiteratureDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2001Meena Moossavi MD Background. The realm of nail unit surgery encompasses the dermatologist as well as the hand surgeon. Nail surgery complications may include allergy to anesthetic, infection, hematoma, nail deformity, and persistent pain and swelling. Objective. To review the pertinent literature regarding nail unit surgery complications. Methods. A Medline literature search was performed for relevant publications. Results. Nail unit surgery complications appear to be relatively infrequent. The majority of postoperative nail deformity complications result from nail matrix damage. Conclusion. Complications may be reduced to a minimum by preventive measures, such as careful patient selection, sterile technique, and gentle treatment of the nail matrix. [source] High-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma presenting as an abscess: Diagnosis by fine needle aspiration and review of the literatureDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 9 2008Jonathon B. Herbst M.D. Abstract Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) comprise about 2% of all carcinomas. Review of the literature indicates only a few cases of NEC presenting as an abscess, all having been diagnosed by tissue biopsy. Here, we report the FNA diagnosis of a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma presenting as an abscess of the axilla/chest wall in a 68-year-old man and review the pertinent literature. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:670,673. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] On the relationship between niche and distributionECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 4 2000H.R. Pulliam Applications of Hutchinson's n -dimensional niche concept are often focused on the role of interspecific competition in shaping species distribution patterns. In this paper, I discuss a variety of factors, in addition to competition, that influence the observed relationship between species distribution and the availability of suitable habitat. In particular, I show that Hutchinson's niche concept can be modified to incorporate the influences of niche width, habitat availability and dispersal, as well as interspecific competition per se. I introduce a simulation model called NICHE that embodies many of Hutchinson's original niche concepts and use this model to predict patterns of species distribution. The model may help to clarify how dispersal, niche size and competition interact, and under what conditions species might be common in unsuitable habitat or absent from suitable habitat. A brief review of the pertinent literature suggests that species are often absent from suitable habitat and present in unsuitable habitat, in ways predicted by theory. However, most tests of niche theory are hampered by inadequate consideration of what does and does not constitute suitable habitat. More conclusive evidence for these predictions will require rigorous determination of habitat suitability under field conditions. I suggest that to do this, ecologists must measure habitat specific demography and quantify how demographic parameters vary in response to temporal and spatial variation in measurable niche dimensions. [source] Altered fractionation and adjuvant chemotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinomaHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 7 2010William M. Mendenhall MD Abstract Background The aim of this review was to discuss the role of altered fractionation and adjuvant chemotherapy for patients treated with definitive radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods This review explores the pertinent literature and discusses the optimal management of previously untreated patients with stage III,stage IVA and/or -B HNSCCs. Results Depending on the schedule, altered fractionation improves locoregional control and survival. Both hyperfractionation and concomitant boost RT improve locoregional control and are associated with improved overall survival (OS). Adjuvant chemotherapy improves OS; the greatest impact is observed after concomitant versus induction or maintenance chemotherapy. Monochemotherapy appears to be equivalent to polychemotherapy. Drugs associated with the greatest survival benefit include fluorouracil and cisplatin. Intraarterial chemotherapy offers no advantage over intravenous chemotherapy. Concomitant cetuximab and RT results in improved outcomes similar to those observed after concomitant cisplatin-based chemotherapy and RT. Conclusions Altered fractionation and/or concomitant chemotherapy result in improved outcomes compared with conventionally fractionated definitive RT alone for stage III,stage IV HNSCC. The optimal combination of RT fractionation and chemotherapy remains unclear. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009 [source] How do glucocorticoids compare to oligo decoys as inhibitors of collagen synthesis and potential toxicity of these therapeutics?JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2004Kenneth R. Cutroneo Abstract This article demonstrates how glucocorticoids decrease collagen synthesis. The parameters used to assess procollagen synthesis in our laboratory will be compared to those used by others. This article will note all the pertinent literature on the molecular mechanisms of this down regulation of procollagen synthesis. For example, what are the effects of glucocorticoids at the levels of transcription and translation of collagen mRNAs? Finally, we will define a molecular mechanism to inhibit Type I collagen synthesis by decreasing the binding of the TGF-, activator protein complex to the TGF-, element in the distal promoter of the pro,1 Type I collagen gene, preventing the 2:1 ratio of ,1 to ,2 chains in the processed Type I collagen molecule. We will next ask "How do sense oligo decoys decrease Type I collagen synthesis at the in vivo and at the cell levels?" In primary fibrotic cell culture, the double-stranded phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide decoys were more effective than their sense single-stranded counterparts. The molecular mechanism for the decrease in Type I collagen synthesis is the same as glucocorticoids, that is by decreasing the binding of the TGF-, activator protein complex to the TGF-, element in the distal promoter of the pro,1 Type I collagen gene for the transcription of the pro,1 mRNAs. The reason for using sense oligo decoys as anti-fibrotic agents as compared to the anti-fibrotic glucocorticoids, is that presently marketed and FDA approved glucocorticoids have many untoward side effects which the sense oligo decoys do not have. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Dermal cysts: a dermatopathological perspective and histological reappraisalJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 11 2007Joseph R. Jenkins Dermal cysts constitute an extremely common entity routinely encountered in dermatology and dermatopathology practice. Their ubiquity, overlapping clinical presentation, dermal location, and histologic diversity can engender diagnostic quandary. Though basically defined by the histologic presence of an epithelial lining, cysts derive from a variety of sources including developmental defects, trauma, and tumoral degeneration. Herein, we will discuss the dermatopathologic attributes of the more common dermal cyst entities, updating the most recent and pertinent literature. [source] Ceramic Inlays and Onlays: Clinical Procedures for Predictable ResultsJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 6 2003ALFREDO MEYER FILHO DDS ABSTRACT The use of ceramics as restorative materials has increased substantially in the past two decades. This trend can be attributed to the greater interest of patients and dentists in this esthetic and long-lasting material, and to the ability to effectively bond metal-free ceramic restorations to tooth structure using acid-etch techniques and adhesive cements. The purpose of this article is to review the pertinent literature on ceramic systems, direct internal buildup materials, and adhesive cements. Current clinical procedures for the planning, preparation, impression, and bonding of ceramic inlays and onlays are also briefly reviewed. A representative clinical case is presented, illustrating the technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE When posterior teeth are weakened owing to the need for wide cavity preparations, the success of direct resin-based composites is compromised. In these clinical situations, ceramic inlays/onlays can be used to achieve esthetic, durable, and biologically compatible posterior restorations. [source] Technology's Four Roles in Understanding Individuals' Conservation of Natural ResourcesJOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES, Issue 1 2007Cees J. H. Midden An overview is presented of four ways in which human beings and technology interact with respect to the conservation of natural resources. The four roles technology plays are: (1) as intermediary, (2) as amplifier, (3) as determinant, and (4) as promoter of environmentally significant behavior. A review of pertinent literature supports the conclusion that behavioral scientists can contribute considerably to reducing overall environmental impact by analyzing human behavior and technology in concert. Problems and opportunities for interventions aimed to enhance resource conservation are discussed, such as rebound effects, allocation of control, and communication with users through technological-environmental and sensory inputs. A major conclusion is that well-designed technical environments, systems, and products have a great potential for supporting environmentally sustainable behavior. [source] Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Low Back Pain: Evidence-Based Procedural GuidelinesPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 2 2005W. Michael Hooten MD ABSTRACT Objective., This review was undertaken to outline the procedural limitations of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy for low back pain. Second, the literature related to patient selection, diagnostic testing, and the technique of performing lumbar spine, RF neurotomy will be critically reviewed and analyzed. Based on these analyses, diagnostic and procedural guidelines will be proposed. Design., A Medline and EMBASE search identified three RCTs and two systematic reviews of RF neurotomy for low back pain. A similar search identified pertinent literature related to the method of patient selection for a diagnostic block, the medial branch and L5 dorsal ramus comparative block, and the anatomical and technical parameters of lumbar spine RF neurotomy. Results., Substantial procedural shortcomings were identified in all three RCTs. In the systematic reviews, these procedural limitations were not accounted for by the quality assessment of study design which resulted in an inaccurate estimate of clinical effectiveness. Analysis using likelihood ratios showed that screening criteria could increase the probability of zygapophysial joint pain before performing diagnostic blocks. Similar analysis showed that comparative medial branch blocks, rather than single blocks, must be used before RF neurotomy. Anatomical studies demonstrated that the shorter distal compared with the circumferential radius of the RF lesion necessitates placement of the electrode parallel to the course of the nerve along the base of the superior articular process. Conclusions., The evidence-based procedural guidelines provide consistent criteria for multisite studies that could enroll a sufficiently large homogenous study cohort. [source] Malignancies in organ transplant recipientsPATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 9 2004Yoshihiko Hoshida The development of cancer in organ transplant recipients is well known; depressed immunosurveillance induced by the use of immunosuppressive agents for prevention of rejection is a causative factor. The types of malignancies in renal transplant patients vary geographically and are influenced by the type of immunosuppressant used. In the present study in Japan, malignancies had developed in 2.6% of renal transplant recipients; the observed number/expected number ratio was 2.78. For the primary sites, the relative risk in Japan was quite different from that in Western countries, with a lower frequency of skin cancer, an absence of Kaposi's sarcoma and higher frequencies of renal and thyroid cancer in Japan. Epstein,Barr virus is an oncogenic virus causing lymphoproliferative disorders in immunocompromised hosts. In renal transplant recipients, who usually receive hemodialysis before transplantation, human T lymphotrophic virus (HTLV)-1 is also oncogenic and causes adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. The HTLV-1 in donor blood might be transmitted to transplant recipients via transfusion during hemodialysis. The epidemiology and characteristics of representative malignancies in transplant recipients are described, with a review of pertinent literature. [source] Ovarian leiomyosarcoma: An autopsy case reportPATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2000Michiyo Nasu Primary non-specific sarcoma of the ovary is extremely rare, and only 22 reported cases of pure leiomyosarcoma (LMS) are known to the authors. We present an autopsy case of a primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma in a 73-year-old woman. She had noticed an abdominal mass after difficulty in defecating for several months. The excision of tumor with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy was carried out. A diagnosis of pure leiomyosarcoma of the left ovary was made on pathological examination with immunohistochemistry. Adjuvant radio,chemotherapy was not given. At 18 months' follow up, abdomino-pelvic sonography revealed an abdominal tumor and hepatic metastasis. The patient died 3.5 years after the initial surgery. The post-mortem examination revealed a peritoneal recurrent tumor and extensive distant metastases of the liver, lungs, pancreas, gastric mucosa, muscle and skin. The prognosis of the ovarian LMS is poor from the pertinent literature. Several prognostic indicators on histology including mitotic activity, proliferative activity and p53 status of the tumor are discussed. [source] Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of recent longitudinal studiesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2010Bruno R. da Costa PT Abstract Objective This systematic review was designed and conducted in an effort to evaluate the evidence currently available for the many suggested risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Methods To identify pertinent literature we searched four electronic databases (Cinahl, Embase, Medline, and The Cochrane Library). The search strategies combined terms for musculoskeletal disorders, work, and risk factors. Only case,control or cohort studies were included. Results A total of 1,761 non-duplicated articles were identified and screened, and 63 studies were reviewed and integrated in this article. The risk factors identified for the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were divided and organized according to the affected body part, type of risk factor (biomechanical, psychosocial, or individual) and level of evidence (strong, reasonable, or insufficient evidence). Conclusions Risk factors with at least reasonable evidence of a causal relationship for the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders include: heavy physical work, smoking, high body mass index, high psychosocial work demands, and the presence of co-morbidities. The most commonly reported biomechanical risk factors with at least reasonable evidence for causing WMSD include excessive repetition, awkward postures, and heavy lifting. Additional high methodological quality studies are needed to further understand and provide stronger evidence of the causal relationship between risk factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The information provided in this article may be useful to healthcare providers, researchers, and ergonomists interested on risk identification and design of interventions to reduce the rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:285,323, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Female Sexual Response: Overview of Techniques, Results, and Future DirectionsTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2008Kenneth R. Maravilla ABSTRACT Introduction., Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming a frequently used tool in the study of sexual physiology and neurophysiology. Aim., This report reviews various MRI methods used to study the female sexual arousal response. Methods., Retrospective review of pertinent literature. Results., Dynamic genital MRI studies enable the visualization of the physiologic arousal response that provides the direct observation of the time course and magnitude of this response, along with the variability that appears to occur in women with sexual arousal disorder. Functional brain MR studies are described and summarized along with an overview of what we have learned. Finally, the speculation on how we may be able to use MRI technology to better understand the female sexual response and to help in validating new drug treatments or in devising new treatment strategies for sexual dysfunction is also presented. Conclusions., Neuroimaging has already been proven as an invaluable research tool to study the sexual response in women both in the pelvis as well as within the brain. Using these techniques, major inroads are being made to improve the understanding of the sexual arousal process in women. Maravilla KR, and Yang CC. Magnetic resonance imaging and the female sexual response: Overview of techniques, results, and future directions. J Sex Med 2008;5:1559,1571. [source] Hormonal Changes in Menopause and Implications on Sexual HealthTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2007Anneliese Schwenkhagen MD ABSTRACT Introduction., The menopause is characterized by an array of changes to the female body caused by modulations which occur in the production of estrogens and androgens. The ovaries are important sites of testosterone production in the peri- and postmenopausal women, but the contribution of testosterone pro-hormones from the adrenal glands falls precipitously to the extent where the ovaries cannot correct the deficit. This results in a net decline in circulating testosterone levels. Aims., This paper gives an overview of this interesting subject area. Researchers have cogitated on the relationship between the physical effects of the menopause and the observed declines in testosterone levels, but it is now much clearer that falling testosterone levels cannot explain all of these changes. Main Outcome Measures., The cessation of follicular functioning results in a steep decline in the production of estrogens. This modulation is responsible for the physical manifestations of the menopause,hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, bleeding problems, local urogenital problems, vaginal changes, etc. Methods., A review of the pertinent literature was conducted to investigate hormonal changes around the menopause. A précis of the salient information is presented here. Results., Although the most obvious and well-known effects of the menopause are due to the decline of estrogen levels, the effects of falling testosterone levels are subtle, but by no means less significant. Reductions in sexual motivation, sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, etc. are all associated with plummeting androgen levels. Conclusions., Today, several options exist for the treatment of the endocrinological changes associated with the menopause. Estrogen deficiency can be corrected with hormone replacement therapy and topical preparations for the genitalia. A new transdermal system for the administration of testosterone shows a great deal of potential for the treatment of androgen deficiency. Schwenkhagen A. Hormonal changes in menopause and implications on sexual health. J Sex Med 2007;4(suppl 3):220,226. [source] Elective neck dissection during salvage surgery for locally recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy with elective nodal irradiation,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 5 2010Roi Dagan MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: To define the role of elective neck dissection during salvage surgery for locally recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) initially treated with elective nodal irradiation (ENI). Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients treated with ENI at our institution from 1965 to 2006 for T1-4 N0 M0 SCCA of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx who developed an isolated local recurrence and remained N0. Fifty-seven patients were salvaged, 40 with neck dissection and 17 with neck observation. We then compared toxicity and actuarial outcomes between the two groups. Results were compared to the pertinent literature in a pooled analysis. Results: Four of 46 (9%) heminecks were found to have occult metastases in dissected specimens. The 5-year local-regional control rate was 75% for all patients. Neck dissection resulted in poorer outcomes compared with observation. In the dissected group, the 5-year local control, regional control, cause-specific survival, and overall survival rates were 71%, 87%, 60%, and 45%, respectively, compared to 82%, 94%, 92%, and 56%, respectively, for the observed group. Toxicity was more likely with dissection. In the pooled analysis totaling 230 patients, the overall pathologic positive rate of neck-dissection specimens was 9.6%; the compiled data showed no improvement in outcomes when salvage included neck dissection. Conclusions: Routine elective neck dissection should not be included during salvage surgery for locally recurrent head and neck SCCA if initial radiotherapy includes ENI. The risk of occult neck disease is low, outcomes do not improve, and the likelihood of toxicity increases. Laryngoscope, 2010 [source] Laryngeal Abscess after Injection Laryngoplasty with Micronized AlloDerm,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 9 2004Philip E. Zapanta MD Objective: Patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis usually present with dysphonia and occasionally with swallowing problems. Operative management includes thyroplasty type I, injection laryngoplasty, arytenoid adduction, and reinnervation. Recent publications have documented the safety of micronized AlloDerm (Cymetra, LifeCell Corporation, Branchburg, NJ) for injection laryngoplasty, but we report the first documented case of a laryngeal abscess after injection laryngoplasty with Cymetra. Study Design: Single case report of a laryngeal abscess after injection laryngoplasty with Cymetra. Methods: The patient's clinical course is presented and discussed, and the pertinent literature is reviewed. Results: Prompt hospital admission with intravenous antibiotics and steroids resolved this airway emergency. Follow-up visits showed a significantly improved postoperative voice with an intact airway. Conclusion: A review of the literature reveals that this case of a laryngeal abscess after injection laryngoplasty with Cymetra is the first of its kind. Studies have shown that the use of AlloDerm in the head and neck region is safe, but otolaryngologists need to be cognizant of potential complications when working with this material. [source] 1254: Diagnostic techniques for adnexal tumoursACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010S SEREGARD Purpose To outline clinical features and diagnostic techniques available for ocular adnexal tumours Methods Review of pertinent literature and personal unpublished data. Results Ocular adnexal tumours include a wide range of beningn and malignant neoplasms, some of which may be systemic. A correct pre-operative diagnosis is imperative for appropriate management of these tumours. In most cases a combination of distinct clinical features, pertinent review of the patient's history and the judicial use of salient diagnostic techniques, like exfolitaion cytology and punch biopsies will provide the clinician with an approach to manage these lesions. Conclusion The wide range of ocular adnexal tumours may cause significant clinical confusion. Recognition of distinct clinical features and judicial use of auxiliary diagnostic techniques will in most cases provide the clinician with a correct pre-operative diagnosis. [source] Child sexual abuse and HIV transmission in sub-Saharan AfricaCHILD ABUSE REVIEW, Issue 2 2008Kevin Lalor Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine the risks of HIV transmission to children through sexual abuse and exploitation in sub-Saharan Africa. The paper is based on a review of pertinent literature. Child sexual abuse in this region must be defined broadly enough to encompass widespread coercion or violence in early sexual relations in some regions, the practice of ,transactional sex' and constructions of masculinity, emphasising multiple sexual partners and power over women and girls. The high HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa is briefly described. Research evidence showing the link between child sexual abuse and HIV transmission is reviewed, although this is a topic where very little direct empirical work has been conducted. Particular methodological and ethical difficulties have been encountered by researchers. Future research directions are indicated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||