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Biomedical subjects

E Strauss

Publications and source records attributed to E Strauss.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Negative association between reported life events and cardiovascular disease risk factors in employed men: the CORDIS Study. Cardiovascular Occupational Risk Factors Determination in Israel.

There is evidence of a link between stressful life events and risk of cardiovascular disease, but the pathway has not been fully explored. The present study of 1859 employed men tested the association between reported intensity of life events and blood pressure and serum lipid levels, risk behaviors, and psychological distress symptoms. The findings revealed a striking disparity in the outcomes. Life events were negatively associated with systolic (p = 0.001) and diastolic (p = 0.038) blood pressure, triglycerides (p = 0.011), and uric acid (p = 0.05), even after controlling for job strain and other possible confounders. In contrast, life events were positively associated with somatic complaints (p < 0.0001), anxiety (p < 0.0001), irritability (p < 0.0001), and depression (p < 0.0001). In addition there was a linear trend between intensity level of life events and low exercise (p = 0.006), smoking (p = 0.007), and alcoholic intake (p = 0.035). The possibility that the above disparity is a product of powerful biases, such as repressive coping and negative affectivity disposition, is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The use of scintigraphy to provide "proof of concept" for novel polysaccharide preparations designed for colonic drug delivery.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to provide "proof of concept" data in man for novel polysaccharide preparations designed for colonic drug delivery using gamma scintigraphy. METHODS: Two placebo calcium pectinate matrix tablet formulations were studied: one contained calcium pectinate and pectin (CaP/P) and was designed to rapidly disintegrate in the ascending colon, the other contained calcium pectinate and guar gum (CaP/GG) and was designed to disintegrate more slowly, releasing its contents throughout the ascending and transverse colon. Both formulations were enteric coated in order to protect them from the stomach. Ten healthy volunteers received either a CaP/P or CaP/GG tablet, in a randomised cross-over study. Transit and disintegration of the radiolabelled formulations was followed by gamma scintigraphy. Rat studies were conducted in order to verify that the expected colonic degradation of the polysaccharide formulations was as a consequence of bacterial enzyme attack. RESULTS: The in vivo clinical study confirmed the results obtained in the rat and bench in vitro fermentation models; complete tablet disintegration for Formulation CaP/GG appeared to be slower than that of Formulation CaP/P and the time and the location of complete tablet disintegration was more reproducible with Formulation CaP/P compared to Formulation CaP/GG. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide "proof of concept" data for the use of calcium pectinate preparations for drug delivery to the colon and highlight the value of scintigraphy in focusing the development strategy for colonic targeting preparations.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Differential rates of age of seizure onset between sexes and between hemispheres?

In a descriptive analysis of 158 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, Taylor (1969) reported that the age of first seizure varied systematically as a function of laterality and sex. We conducted inferential analyses of Taylor's original data which (1) provided support for his proposal of disproportionate left hemisphere vulnerability to seizure onset in early life, but (2) failed to provide evidence of sex differences in age of onset of unilateral seizures. Examination of these effects in a larger sample of 844 patients drawn from the Bozeman Epilepsy Consortium provided some additional support for findings from the inferential analysis. Specifically, the left hemisphere appeared more vulnerable to seizure onset in childhood, this increased vulnerability extending to about age 5 years. Age of onset of seizures was not different when males and females were compared. Thus, reanalysis of Taylor's original data as well as examination of data from a larger, more contemporary sample suggest that seizure onset varies as a function of laterality, but not sex.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The use of figural reproduction tests as measures of nonverbal memory in epilepsy surgery candidates.

The construct of nonverbal memory, as assessed by figural reproduction tests, has recently been questioned by a number of investigators. The purpose of this study was to reexamine this construct and its relationship to right temporal lobe dysfunction. Figural reproduction test scores were examined in 757 epilepsy surgery candidates obtained from 8 epilepsy centers participating in the Bozeman Epilepsy Consortium. All participants exhibited unequivocal evidence of left (LTL) or right (RTL) temporal lobe epilepsy observed in ictal and interictal EEG recordings. All subjects also had IQ scores exceeding 70, right-hand preference, and left hemisphere language dominance confirmed by intracarotid sodium amytal testing. Comparisons of LTL and RTL groups showed no significant differences in scores on the Visual Reproduction subtests from the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) or Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) or on the copy and delayed recall conditions of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT). Significant differences were observed among centers on WMS and ROCFT scores, which are likely to be a result of variations in administration and/or scoring procedures. The lack of significant differences between LTL and RTL groups in this large sample raise questions about the nature of nonverbal memory and its relationship to right temporal lobe dysfunction.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Keeping in shape: exercise fundamentals for the midlife patient.

The typical physiologic effects of aging on the musculoskeletal system can be impeded with regular exercise and diet. Common orthopedic problems in sedentary midlife patients are shoulder impingement, low back pain, and plantar fasciitis. Although the responsibility for maintaining an exercise program rests with the individual, the primary care physician can play an important role as coach, cheerleader, and respected advisor. The key is to encourage patients to initiate a program of regular, moderate exercise 30 minutes a day, three times a week, and to eat a balanced, nutritious diet. The best exercise and diet regimen is one that is custom-designed to accommodate the individual patient's needs and objectives.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1996

Victoria Symptom Validity Test: efficiency for detecting feigned memory impairment and relationship to neuropsychological tests and MMPI-2 validity scales.

Error scores and response times from a computer-administered, forced-choice recognition test of symptom validity were evaluated for efficiency in detecting feigned memory deficits. Participants included controls (n = 95), experimental malingerers (n = 43), compensation-seeking patients (n = 206), and patients not seeking financial compensation (n = 32). Adopting a three-level cut-score system that classified participant performance as malingered, questionable, or valid greatly improved sensitivity with relatively little impact on specificity. For error scores, convergent validity was found to be adequate and divergent validity was found to be excellent. Although response times showed promise for assisting in the detection of feigned impairment, divergent and convergent validity were weaker, suggesting somewhat less utility than error scores.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Effects of prior testing with the WAIS-R NI on subsequent retest with the WAIS-R.

Seven subtests from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Revised as a Neuropsychological Instrument (WAIS-R NI) were administered to 20 nonreferred university students. The same participants were administered the corresponding subtests from the WAIS-R 3 to 4 weeks later. Data concerning amount and consistency of change in 'scaled scores' were compared to those reported by Wechsler (1981) for test-retest with the WAIS-R. Performance on standard items was also compared to performance on multiple choice items from the WAIS-R NI. Gains observed in subtest 'scaled scores' at retest were comparable to those reported by Wechsler (1981). A substantial minority of participants obtained lower scores on some multiple choice items than they did on corresponding standard items. Implications and limitations of the current data, and the pressing need for comprehensive normative data for the WAIS-R NI are discussed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

Predicting cognitive impairment in epilepsy: findings from the Bozeman epilepsy consortium.

We examined the contribution of age of seizure onset, seizure duration, seizure laterality, seizure location, gender, handedness, and cerebral speech representation to cognitive attainment in 1,141 patients with medically refractory seizures. The combined influence of the predictor variables was modest. Age of seizure onset was the best single indicator of Full Scale IQ (partial r = .23) and General Memory (partial r = .20). Laterality and location of dysfunction, and cerebral speech dominance were also relevant and independent indicators of aspects of cognition. Except for age of onset of seizures (early onset was associated with poorer cognitive attainment), however, the magnitude of the effects was limited.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Interhemispheric transfer in multiple sclerosis.

Interhemispheric transfer (IHT) was investigated in patients with multiple sclerosis (n = 20) and healthy control subjects (n = 23). On verbal dichotic listening and tachistoscopic reading tests, MS patients showed a pattern of left-sided suppression and/or right-sided enhancement, consistent with impairment of IHT. Patients with chronic-progressive MS were most affected. Clinical and empirical implications are noted.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Gunshot wounds to the upper extremity. Evaluation and management of vascular injuries.

Gunshot wounds to the upper extremity are uncommonly life threatening but are associated with a high incidence of significant long-term disability. The identification of vascular injuries is dependent on careful clinical examination and the liberal use of arteriography. Standard techniques of vascular repair should be followed for arterial reconstruction. The rate of successful vascular repair is in excess of 90%, but long-term function is limited by a high incidence of associated nerve injury.

Arm↗
PubMed1995

Gunshot wounds to the forearm.

The rising incidence of civilian gunshot wounds has been well documented. Approximately 4% to 20% of these wounds consist of injuries to the forearm. An organized approach to the treatment of these injuries should be used to obtain an optimal result. Factors to be considered in treatment include the type of weapon and bullet involved, the neurovascular status of the patient, the possibility of compartment syndrome, the presence and type of fracture, and soft-tissue injury.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1995

Metaphyseal dissociation fractures of the proximal tibia. An analysis of treatment and complications.

A study was done of 44 metaphyseal dissociation fractures of the proximal tibia in 42 patients (27 men and 15 women, aged 22 to 77 years; mean, 42 years). Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 4 years. There were 2 study groups: a retrospective group (group 1, 22 fractures) given a variety of treatments ranging from casts to dual plates, and a prospective group (group 2, 22 fractures) treated by combining external fixation and optional minimal internal fixation. There were 12 comminuted fractures in group 1 and 20 in group 2 (P < 0.01). All fractures eventually healed, with an average healing time in group 1 of 3.8 months, and 5.3 months in group 2. There was one delayed union in group 2. Results were graded from poor to excellent, based on pain, range-of-motion, and malunion. There were 6 poor and 4 fair results in group 1, and no poor and 3 fair results in group 2. Complications included 6 deep infections, 5 in group 1 (1 requiring a free-flap procedure); and 1 pin-tract infection resulting in septic arthritis in group 2. There were 7 gastrocnemius flaps required in group 1, and 1 in group 2. The results of this study suggest that patients treated with external fixation had better results with less infection and soft-tissue complications than those treated with conventional internal fixation.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Callosal morphology and performance on intelligence tests.

Variation in the size of the human corpus callosum was examined in relation to variation in measured IQ. The midsagittal surface area of the corpus callosum, obtained by magnetic resonance imaging, was measured in 47 patients with epilepsy. Intellectual ability was positively related to a larger posterior callosal area. We suggest that the relationship between the posterior callosal region and measured intelligence is "non-functional" in itself, but rather, may reflect other anatomical-cognitive associations. That is, differences in splenial size may reflect differences in the number of cortical neurons and interconnections between areas of the brain that are important for processing the kind of information measured on intelligence tests. Our conclusions, however, must be tempered by a number of factors; in particular, the nature of our subjects and the relatively small sample size.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Detecting dissimulation: profiles of simulated malingerers, traumatic brain-injury patients, and normal controls on a revised version of Hiscock and Hiscock's Forced-Choice Memory Test.

A computer-administered memory test was given to normal subjects instructed to feign brain damage, normal controls, and traumatic brain-injured (TBI) patients with complaints of memory dysfunction. The test, a revised version of an instrument developed by Hiscock and Hiscock (1989) employed forced, two-choice recognition of previously presented five-digit numbers. Two levels of item difficulty and three retention intervals were used. Control and TBI subjects performed at near ceiling level on easy items and items with short retention intervals. Feigning subjects performed worse than TBI and control subjects at all levels of item difficulty and all retention intervals. Subjects groups were maximally distinguishable from one another by performance on difficult items and items with the longest retention interval. All TBI patients performed at or above chance level. Only 15% of the feigning subjects performed below chance level on any section of the test. Jack-knifed discriminant function analysis correctly classified 83% of all subjects into their respective groups. Although evaluation of patient performance relative to chance probability is useful for indicating the presence of extremely exaggerated memory deficits, criteria derived from sample distributions of group scores were superior for evaluation of motivation in less obvious cases. The Victoria Revision may be useful for detecting true memory deficit as well as dissimulation.

Accidents, Traffic↗