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Biomedical subjects

A M Horowitz

Publications and source records attributed to A M Horowitz.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

The antidotal action of sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate against cyanide poisoning.

The combination of sodium thiosulfate and sodium nitrite has been used in the United States since the 1930s as the primary antidote for cyanide intoxication. Although this combination was shown to exhibit much greater efficacy than either ingredient alone, the two compounds could not be used prophylactically because each exhibits a number of side effects. This review discusses the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology of the individual agents, and their combination.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Oral health education and promotion in maternal and child health: a position paper.

Oral health education and promotion are the connecting mechanisms among prevention, policy development and program implementation, maintenance and evaluation. Given the preventive procedures available today, all focus populations of women and children should have access to accurate information about such procedures as well as access to the procedures themselves. Furthermore, appropriate methodologies need to be utilized for community oral health education and these methods differ from those commonly used for individual education. In the context of maternal and child health there are unprecedented opportunities for new accomplishments in oral health. The health education model most appropriate for these groups is the public health model, an approach designed to empower as well as inform, and one that fosters shared decision making among community members and health professionals. Dental professionals have the responsibility to address this challenge, and to help correct the health information inequities that prevail, especially among the traditionally informationally disenfranchised subfocus populations discussed in this paper.

Child↗
PubMed1989

School-based preventive regimens and oral health knowledge and practices of sixth graders.

The purpose of this study was to examine the oral health knowledge and reported practices of sixth grade students in Wichita, Kansas. A quasi-experimental design was used to test differences between two groups: (1) children who had completed a four-year regimen referred to as the National Preventive Dentistry Demonstration Program (NPDDP), and (2) a control group of children who had not been exposed to any aspect of the NPDDP. Based on incidental learning theory, the research question was whether or not students' knowledge and practices were consistent with the preventive regimes provided at school. The study reported here was not directly connected with the NPDDP. A school nurse-administered questionnaire was obtained from 284 students 16 months after the NPDDP had terminated. Students in all groups reported similar dental health practices; no practical differences were found among groups with regard to knowledge about appropriate fluoride uses and benefits. Students who received sealants were somewhat more knowledgeable about the use and purpose of sealants. Although students in five of the six NPDDP groups had received preventive regimens, these data suggest that they lacked awareness and understanding of the procedures and their value in preventing oral diseases. Generally, students were unable to discriminate among methods appropriate for preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases. Education regarding the purpose and value of preventive regimens should be consistent with, and an integral part of, the delivery of such services.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1989

The dentist and infectious diseases: a national survey of attitudes and behavior.

Two national surveys of infection control practices in 1986 and 1988 suggest several trends. A massive educational effort has brought about impressive acceptance and use of the hepatitis vaccine. Dramatic changes have occurred in respect to use of gloves and other barrier techniques. However, increased understanding of HIV infection has not, in the years surveyed, totally eradicated irrational fears about this disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Impact of an NIDR educational program on the teaching of caries prevention in dental hygiene.

An evaluation is reported of selected educational and promotional activities of the National Institute of Dental Research related to caries prevention. Data were collected from U.S. dental hygiene program directors (n = 183) and faculty (n = 718) by mail questionnaire between November 1984 and May 1985. The impact of NIDR activities on the caries prevention curricula in dental hygiene education programs was investigated. Results show that the educational activities of the NIDR, as well as selected state and program characteristics, are associated with differences in the caries prevention curricula of dental hygiene programs and the caries prevention teaching of the faculty. The more frequent and the more personal the contact with NIDR activities, the greater the emphasis given to caries prevention in the curriculum structure and in the teaching practices of the faculty.

Curriculum↗
PubMed1987

Effects of a magnesium-free dialysate on magnesium metabolism during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

While the use of magnesium-containing compounds is usually contraindicated in dialysis patients, the risk of toxicity from hypermagnesemia can be reduced by lowering the magnesium concentration in dialysate. We examined the effects of a magnesium-free dialysate on both serum magnesium level and the peritoneal removal rate of magnesium over 12 weeks in 25 stable patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). After 2 weeks, the serum magnesium level decreased from 2.2 to 1.9 mg/dL (0.9 to 0.8 mmol/L) (P less than .02) and the peritoneal removal rate increased from 66 to 83 mg/d (2.8 to 3.5 mmol/d) (P less than .05), with both values remaining stable thereafter. There was a strong association between these parameters (r = -0.62, P less than .05), suggesting that the serum magnesium level decreased as a result of the initial increased peritoneal removal rate. For an additional 4-week period, a subgroup of nine patients received magnesium-containing, phosphate binding agents instead of those containing only aluminum. During this phase, serum inorganic phosphorus was well controlled. The serum magnesium level increased only from 1.8 to 2.5 mg/dL (0.7 to 1.0 mmol/L) (P less than .05), due in great part to the concomitant 41% rise in peritoneal magnesium removal from 91 to 128 mg/d (3.8 to 5.3 mmol/d) (P less than .05). No toxicity was noted during the entire 16-week study period, nor did serum calcium change. Thus, serum magnesium levels remained within an acceptable range as magnesium-containing phosphate binders were given through the use of magnesium-free peritoneal dialysate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aluminum Hydroxide↗
PubMed1983

Working with non-dental groups to influence adoption of self-applied fluoride programs in schools: one approach.

Although the use of self-applied fluorides in schools has been proven safe and effective, thousands of children are not benefiting from these procedures. This paper describes a dual promotional approach designed to increase the awareness of the need for school-based self-applied fluoride programs. A manned exhibit providing consultation and educational materials was displayed during the entire meeting of a state PTA and was supplemented by a presentation scheduled on the formal program. The workshop participants were parents of school-age children; most held decision-making positions in their local PTAs. Results of the workshop to date include: one participant prevented the demise of an established fluoride mouthrinsing program in her community; and the workshop leaders presented the merits of school-based self-applied fluoride programs to a local PTA and a county school health council. The same programs were described in a county PTA newsletter. These actions suggest that, given the appropriate information and assistance, parents of school children through their PTA can influence adoption of school-based fluoride programs. Furthermore, strategies directed toward members of other groups with an interest and decision-making role in children's health may be effective methods of influencing adoption of school-based self-applied fluoride programs and ultimately promoting children's oral health.

Child↗
PubMed1983

Effective oral health education and promotion programs to prevent dental caries.

Dental caries is nearly universal--no nation is free of this disease. Although the ability to prevent dental caries is imperfect, scientifically evaluated protective measures are available. These can substantially decrease caries when implemented and sustained, yet a large portion of the world's population, especially children, is unaided or receives outdated or unproved measures. The best individual and community protection against dental decay today is offered by the proper use of fluorides. Community water fluoridation is the most effective, practical and least expensive method. Because community water fluoridation is unavailable to many, effective alternatives must be introduced. The majority of carious lesions in children during their school years occur on occlusal surfaces. Because this surface is least protected by fluorides, adhesive sealants should be used to augment the partial protection derived from fluorides. Sound health education and health promotion activities, validated by research, form the foundation upon which prevention is organized, implemented and perpetuated.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Issues in the widespread adoption of pit-and-fissure sealants.

Seven issues affecting the use of sealants have been discussed, and five strategies have been suggested to promote their wider use in private and public settings. A strong initiative by industry, in conjunction with organized dentistry and government, is needed to generate public demand and to promote appropriate use by practitioners and auxiliaries. The most fruitful market for sealants at present and in the future may be through public health programs using dental auxiliaries, because the primary prevention of dental caries is stressed more in this area, whereas private practitioners tend to focus more on treating caries. During these times of financial restriction, there is all the more reason to focus effective caries prevention on those tooth surfaces that develop more than half of all carious lesions. The most efficient use of the limited private and public funds that are available to promote oral health must be made. Given the new sealant materials available and the opportunity to delegate their application to auxiliary personnel in both private and public practice, the challenge now is to promote the widespread use of this technology in conjunction with appropriate fluorides so that no child is denied the opportunity to enjoy a caries-free dentition.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗