The diabetes epidemic in Australia: prevalence, patterns and the public health.
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Australia↗
Biomedical subjects
M Cohen
Publications and source records attributed to M Cohen.
Sanctions against sexual abuse of patients by doctors: sex differences in attitudes among young family physicians.
OBJECTIVE: To explore attitudes of new-to-practice certified family physicians in Ontario concerning sanctions against sexual abuse of patients by physicians and to assess the importance of concern about accusations of sexual abuse in influencing clinical decisions. DESIGN: Qualitative study and cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Ontario. PARTICIPANTS: Focus groups: 34 physicians who completed family medicine residency training between 1984 and 1989 participated in seven focus groups between June and October 1992. SURVEY: all certificants of the College of Family Physicians of Canada who received certification between 1989 and 1991 and were currently practising in Ontario. Of the 564 eligible physicians 395 (184 men and 211 women) responded, for an overall response rate of 70.0%. The response rates among the male and female physicians were 70.5% and 69.6% respectively. OUTCOME MEASURES: Physicians' attitudes toward restricting physical examinations done by physicians to same-sex patients, mandatory reporting of sexual impropriety and loss of licence in cases of sexual violation and the perceived importance of concern about accusations of sexual abuse as an influence on clinical decisions. RESULTS: During the focus groups male physicians in particular expressed concerns about the effect on their practice patterns of the current climate regarding sexual abuse of patients. Female physicians were less concerned about possible accusations of sexual abuse but expressed concerns regarding possible sexualization of the clinical encounter by male patients. In the survey equal proportions of men (163 [93.7%]) and women (191 [92.3%]) disagreed with restricting examinations to same-sex patients. The women were more likely than the men to agree that all suspected cases of sexual impropriety committed by other physicians should be reported (121 [58.7%] v. 86 [50.0%]), whereas the men were more likely to disagree (48 [27.9%] v. 32 [15.5%]) (p = 0.008). The women were also more likely than the men to agree that physicians should lose their licence permanently if they were found guilty of sexual violation (125 [62.2%] v. 73 [43.5%]), whereas the men were more likely to disagree (61 [36.3%] v. 37 [18.4%]) (p < 0.001). Almost half of the men (80 [46.5%]) but only 28 women (14.1%) reported that concerns about accusations of sexual abuse were of importance in their clinical decisions (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Young female family physicians practising in Ontario are much more likely than their male counterparts to endorse permanent loss of licence for physicians who sexually abuse patients and are significantly less concerned about accusations against themselves. Neither sex endorses only same-sex examinations by physicians. Educational approaches to protect patients while ensuring that appropriate care continues to be delivered are essential.
Attitude↗
[Adverse reaction to iodine contrast media used in radiology].
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Contrast Media↗
Masing and single-mode locking in a free-electron maser employing prebunched electron beam.
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Journal Article↗
Dyslexia and corpus callosum morphology.
OBJECTIVE: There is evolving evidence that developmental dyslexia is associated with anomalous cerebral morphology in the bilateral frontal and left temporoparietal regions. This study examined the morphology of the corpus callosum, as possible deviations in other important structures are poorly understood in this behaviorally diagnosed syndrome. DESIGN: Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained from children with developmental dyslexia and from matched control children. Morphometric measurements were examined to determine if regional differences existed in the corpus callosum between these two groups of children. SETTING: Magnetic resonance imaging studies were completed at Athens (Ga) Magnetic Imaging. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen developmental dyslexic children (mean age, 9.7 years) and a matched sample of children who were diagnosed as being normal were examined by using a reliable comprehensive diagnostic process. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Using a midsagittal magnetic resonance imaging scan, corpus callosum morphology was evaluated by segmenting the corpus callosum into five regions of interest. RESULTS: Analysis of the corpus callosum revealed that the anterior region of interest (the genu) was significantly smaller in the dyslexic children. Significant correlations existed between reading achievement and the region-of-interest measurements for the genu and splenium. Measured intelligence, chronologic age, and gender were not related to region-of-interest measurements of the corpus callosum. Consistent with previous studies, the dyslexic individuals were characterized by significant psychiatric comorbidity, particularly attention-deficit disorder with and without hyperactivity. Reported familial left-handedness also distinguished the dyslexic children. CONCLUSIONS: Subtle neurodevelopmental variation in the morphology of the corpus callosum may be associated with the difficulty that dyslexic children experience in reading and on tasks involving interhemispheric transfer.
Child, Preschool↗
Pilot prospective evaluation of counterpulsation with different intra-aortic balloon volumes on cardiac performance in humans.
UNLABELLED: Smaller intra-aortic balloons (IAB) may minimize peripheral vascular complications. To determine the influence of different IAB volumes on cardiac performance, we studied 20 hemodynamically stable patients on IAB counterpulsation. Variables were measured with either a 40cc or 32cc IAB displacement, at an assist ratio of 1:1 or 1:8: Heart rate, Ao and PA pressures, and Fick cardiac output. By echo-Doppler, the velocity time integral (VTI) across the LV outflow tract, a measure of stroke volume was also calculated. The mean age was 60 yr (range 18-77), height 5'6" (5'2"-5'11"), and body surface area 1.9M2 (1.5-2.3). Results presented as mean values were: [table: see text] *P < 0.005 1:1 vs 1:8 for both 40 and 32cc IAB. CONCLUSION: IAB pumping at 1:1 with either 40 cc or 32 cc volume displacement yields similar degrees of improvement in cardiac performance. A larger cohort is required to determine if smaller balloons may decrease complications without compromising efficacy.
Adolescent↗
Sustained blood pressure control with controlled-release isradipine (isradipine-CR).
The safety and efficacy, as measured by peak/trough blood pressure reduction, of a new, once-daily, controlled-release formulation of isradipine (isradipine-CR, ICR) were evaluated in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension during a nine-week trial. After a 3-week placebo washout period, patients with a sitting diastolic blood pressure between 100 and 114 mm Hg were randomized to either 1 of 4 ICR treatment groups or placebo. Of 402 randomized patients, 384 completed the study (placebo = 77, ICR-5 mg = 76, ICR 10 mg = 76, ICR-15 mg = 78, and ICR-20 mg = 77). Peak and trough post-dose blood pressure responses and heart rates were monitored for both the sitting and upright positions. Blood chemistries, urinalyses, complete blood counts, and electrocardiograms were done during the study. Both sitting and upright blood pressure decreased with the 5-(P < .05), 10-, 15-, and 20-mg (P < .001) once-daily ICR doses. The peak blood pressure reduction for all ICR doses occurred at 8 to 10 hours post-dose. Maximum peak/trough blood pressure response, achieved with the 10-mg dose, was similar with that of 15 and 20 mg of ICR. No serious clinical or metabolic side effect were noted, except ankle edema, which was dose dependent but did not require discontinuation of treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Age Factors↗
Atypical skeletal tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis remains a major cause of skeletal infection in many parts of the world. With the advent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and mass emigration from underdeveloped to industrialized nations this past decade, a new patient population is being encountered in which extrapulmonary tuberculosis is not uncommon and atypical presentations may confuse the diagnosis. Our recent experience with an unusual presentation has prompted this report.
Adult↗
Hypotheses: melatonin/steroid combination contraceptives will prevent breast cancer.
The use of the conventional combination oral contraceptives (containing ethinyl-estradiol and a progestin) is associated with reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. However, prolonged use of these pills before first term pregnancy apparently increases the risk of pre menopausal breast cancer. We propose that the pineal gland hormone melatonin, combined with a progestin, as a new and novel oral contraceptive combination might prevent breast cancer in long term users. This hypothesis is based on the assumption that women have a propensity to develop breast cancer which correlates with number of ovulatory cycles over their lifetime. In evolution, the phylogenetic point at which women became sensitive to breast cancer evolved at a transfer point of the mechanism of ovulation from seasonal ovulation, which is still common in many mammalian species, to the current human pattern of continuous ovulatory cycles. We suggest that melatonin/ovarian-steroid contraceptive will restore the lost mechanism of endogenous anovulation, and thus, by preventing continuous epithelial breast cell proliferation, will reduce the risk of breast cancer in long-term users.
Breast Neoplasms↗
Monitoring Anticoagulation During Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.
Monitoring of the activated clotting time in the interventional catheterization suite is essential to minimize the risk of acute thrombotic occlusion, as well as to minimize the risk of bleeding-related complications postprocedure. Based on the technique used, a Hemochron ACT of >400 seconds or a HemoTec ACT of >300 seconds is associated with a low risk of acute thrombotic occlusion. Avoiding an ACT of >500 seconds should minimize the risk of procedure-related bleeding complications.
Journal Article↗
Characteristics of mental health case management: results of a national survey.
In the last several years, state mental health authorities throughout the United States have assigned a high priority to the funding, development, and operation of case management programs. Although the concept of case management has been in existence for over a decade, there is still confusion regarding the definition of case management and the identification of alternative case management approaches. Recognizing this confusion, the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation undertook a comprehensive study to determine the state of case management practice today. This article reports on the results of a national survey of case management programs and describes the characteristics of the programs themselves, the case managers, the clients they serve, and the systems within which they operate. Implications of these findings for a definition of case management are discussed.
Administrative Personnel↗
Discrimination and abuse experienced by general internists in Canada.
OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency of psychological and emotional abuse, gender discrimination, verbal sexual harassment, physical sexual harassment, physical assault, and homophobia experienced by general internists. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Canadian general internal medicine practices. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 70.6% (984/1,393); the 501 respondents who classified themselves as general internists were studied. Three-fourths of the internists experienced psychological and emotional abuse at the hands of patients, and 38% of the women and 26% of the men experienced physical assault by patients. The majority of the female internists experienced gender discrimination by patients (67%) and by physician peers (56%). Forty-five percent of the women experienced verbal sexual harassment by patients, and 22% experienced physical sexual harassment by patients. The male internists experienced verbal sexual harassment from nurses slightly more often than the female internists did (19% vs 13%, p > 0.05). Verbal sexual harassment by male colleagues was reported by 35% of the female internists, and physical sexual harassment was reported by 11%. Approximately 40% of general internists reported homophobic remarks by both health care team members and patients. CONCLUSIONS: Abuse, discrimination, and homophobia are prevalent in the internal medicine workplace. A direct, progressive, multidisciplinary approach is necessary to label and address these problems.
Adult↗
Sustained blood pressure control with controlled-release isradipine.
The efficacy and safety of different doses of a new controlled release formulation of isradipine (isradipine-CR, ICR) were evaluated in patients with mild to moderate (stages 1 and 2) essential hypertension in a placebo-controlled study. Of 402 randomized patients, 384 completed the study (placebo = 77, 5 mg ICR = 76, 10 mg ICR = 76, 15 mg ICR = 78, 20 mg ICR = 77). All doses of ICR decreased the blood pressure and the effect was greater with doses of 10, 15, and 20 mg once daily (P < .001). The most common clinical side effect was mild ankle edema, which was dose dependent, occurring in 35.5% of the patients taking the 20-mg ICR dose. This study showed that ICR is long acting, effective, and well tolerated.
Blood Pressure↗
Bioenergetic comparison of a new energy-storing foot and SACH foot in traumatic below-knee vascular amputations.
In this study, the metabolic performances of a new energy-storing foot (Proteor) and of the solid-ankle cushion heel (SACH) are compared. Twelve patients with traumatic below-knee amputations (mean age: 50.0 +/- 19.9 years) and 12 patients with vascular below-knee amputations (mean age: 73 +/- 7 years) were studied. Oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured in all the subjects on a walkway at a self-selected velocity; only the subjects with traumatic amputation were tested on a level treadmill (progressive speed: 2.4-4 and 6 km/h), and then in two randomized trials: incline (+5%) and decline walking treadmill test at 4 km/h. Vascular explorations were done in the vascular patients: distal pressure measurements, pulse plethysmography, transcutaneous oxygen tension. Free walking was improved in subjects with traumatic amputation using the energy-storing foot (+6%), with a better bioenergetic efficiency (0.24 +/- 0.4mL/kg.m vs 0.22 +/- 0.04mL/kg.m). However, in subjects with vascular amputation, this foot did not produce an increased free velocity nor an improved energy cost. During the level treadmill test, the traumatic amputee subjects showed a decrease of energy expenditure with the new prosthetic foot, more significant at sufficient speed (4 km/h): 17.00 +/- 3.42 vs 14.67 +/- 2.05 mL/kg/min (p < .05). The same effect is shown during the incline (19.31 +/- 2.80 vs 16.79 +/- 2.32 mL/kg/min-p < .02) and decline walking tests (14.13 +/- 3.64 vs 11.81 +/- 1.54mL/kg/min-p < .02). There is no significant difference in cardiocirculatory effects between the two types of prosthetic foot. Despite a lower velocity, the subjects with vascular amputation exceed 70% of the maximal heart rate, with the cardiocirculatory factor being the main cause of walking restriction. The energy-storing foot should be reserved for active and fast walkers, whereas the SACH foot seems more suitable for elderly patients with amputation with a slow walk.
Age Factors↗
A new light-cured glass ionomer cement that bonds brackets to teeth without etching in the presence of saliva.
Previous studies stress certain advantages of glass ionomer cements, for use in bonding orthodontic brackets to teeth. Failure rate, however, had been higher than with conventional procedures. A new light-cured glass ionomer cement exhibited all the necessary qualities needed to bond brackets, without any etching and in the presence of saliva. The tensile strength of this cement exhibited enough resistance to forces needed to move teeth. The debonding procedures were also completely undamaging to the underlying enamel surfaces. On removal of the appliances, no decalcification was observed on any teeth, because the cement releases fluoride. Both the time saved during a routine strap-up, plus the ease to both the operator and the patient, could make light-cured glass ionomer cement the ultimate choice for bonding techniques after many trials, this cement is now being routinely and successfully used on all patients.
Acid Etching, Dental↗
Ascorbic acid and gastrointestinal cancer.
A literature review was made to critically evaluate the ability of ascorbic acid to modulate the incidence of gastrointestinal cancer. A comparison of preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies indicated that evidence for ascorbic acid as an inhibitor of carcinogenesis is stronger with regard to gastric cancer and weaker with regard to esophageal and colon/rectal cancer. Insufficient evidence currently exists regarding the oral cavity and the use of ascorbic acid in precancerous conditions such as polyposis and leukoplakia.
Animals↗
Effect of rigid microfixation on the craniomaxillofacial skeleton.
Rigid microfixation has enhanced the immediate results in pediatric craniomaxillofacial surgery. The effects of rigid fixation on the development of the craniofacial skeleton, however, remain uncertain. The long-term effects of rigid microfixation on the growing craniofacial skeleton in the rabbit model were evaluated in this study. Bifrontal craniectomies were preformed in 9-day-old rabbits. The frontal bones were replaced orthotopically and fixed both anteriorly and posteriorly with either wire osteosynthesis or titanium microplates and screws. The animals were allowed to grow to craniofacial maturity, and craniofacial development was evaluated with both cephalometric and craniometric analyses. All data were statistically analyzed through analysis of variance. Regional adverse growth effects on the craniofacial skeleton with the use of both wire and rigid fixation were observed. The adverse effects were greatest with the use of rigid fixation.
Analysis of Variance↗
Intraoperative scalp management in craniofacial surgery.
A simple hair-braiding technique is presented as an adjunct for the intraoperative management of the scalp in patients undergoing craniofacial reconstruction with exposure through a coronal incision. The method is described, and its practical advantages over standard approaches are discussed.
Adult↗