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Biomedical subjects

M Davidson

Publications and source records attributed to M Davidson.

425 records · Page 24Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Neuroendocrine and monoaminergic responses to acute administration of alprazolam in normal subjects.

The effect of a single dose (3 mg) of alprazolam on plasma cortisol, growth hormone (GH), prolactin, norepinephrine (NE) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (MHPG) was studied in 10 healthy males. Alprazolam and placebo were administered orally in a crossover design and blood was sampled for 24 h. In comparison to placebo, alprazolam significantly reduced plasma cortisol levels and raised plasma GH levels. Prolactin levels were elevated by 100% from 2 to 8 h after alprazolam administration. The robust increase in prolactin levels is less consistent with previously reported data on traditional benzodiazepines. Plasma NE levels following alprazolam were lower than following placebo administration only at one time point, and MHPG concentrations were not affected. The lack of change in NE and MHPG levels suggests that the acute effect of alprazolam in normal subjects is not mediated via the central noradrenergic system.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bacterial pathogens in chronic otitis media with effusion in Alaska Native children.

This study examined the bacterial pathogens and the presence of possible risk factors for the development of chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) in a group of Alaska Native children. Middle ear aspirates were collected from 128 children < 6 years of age requiring tympanocentesis between 1987 and 1989. Bacterial pathogens were cultured from 40% of 209 fluids. Predominant isolates, after contamination of the outer ear was controlled for, were Haemophilus influenzae (21%; 84% of these were nontypeable), Streptococcus pneumoniae (8.1%; serotypes 6B, 10A, 11A, 14, 18B, 18C, 19A, and 23F), Staphylococcus epidermidis (3.8%), and Moraxella (Brahmanella) catarrhalis (2.9%). Pneumococcal-C-polysaccharide (PnC) was detectable in 3 of 135 (2.2%) aspirates that did not grow Streptococcus pneumoniae. Combining culture and PnC assay results evidence of pneumococcal infection was found in almost 10% of aspirates tested. There was not a significant difference in the number of episodes of acute otitis media after the first year of life based on the age at the first episode (< 6 mo, > or = 6 mo). However, 88% of infants in the study had their first acute otitis media episode before 1 year of age.

Alaska↗
PubMedDate not supplied

When to recognize that breastfeeding is not an option.

All members of the symposium panel agree that the best feeding option is exclusive breastfeeding. The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous, and the practice is advantageous to both mother and child. Yet, there are times when breastfeeding is not possible. As health care professionals, we need to realize when it is necessary to discuss feeding alternatives. We must make a point not to judge our patients in order to successfully educate parents about proper infant nutrition practices.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Key issues to address with bottle-feeding.

Proper feeding during a baby's first year of life is crucial for a sound nutritional foundation. Because of this, there are several issues that must be addressed to ensure the child is fed properly. First, bottle-feeding moms should not be made to feel guilty about their feeding decision. It is also important to review feeding practices to avoid overfeeding and encourage positive nurturing techniques. Mothers should learn the key signals to watch for from their baby, such as sleep patterns and bowel movements. Also, it is crucial to teach parents the essential issues related to preparing bottles, such as cleaning the bottles and nipples and properly mixing the formula.

Bottle Feeding↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Understanding cultural differences when advising mothers about feeding choices.

Cultural teachings and practices greatly influence a mother's feeding decisions. It is important for all health care professionals to understand the cultures within their community and how various beliefs impact infant nutrition. For example, studies have shown the African American and Hispanic mothers are more likely to gain feeding information from family members. There are significant misconceptions being passed down through the generations which can lead to serious nutritional problems, such as overfeeding and the early introduction of cow's milk and food.

Cultural Characteristics↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hepatitis B vaccine: prospects for duration of immunity.

The duration of hepatitis B vaccine-induced immunity was studied in a group of 54 seronegative health professionals who received plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine (Merck's Heptavax) in 1978 and 1979. Five to seven years later, 52 vaccinees received a booster dose of yeast recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Merck's Recombivax). Of 54 vaccinees, 47 (87 percent) had a favorable anti-HBs response (greater than 10 S/N RIA units) and 7 (13 percent) had low (2.1-10 S/N) or undetectable levels (less than 2.1 S/N) one year after primary immunization. After five to seven years, the anti-HBs values had declined to undetectable levels in 25 percent and to low levels in 23 percent. A booster dose of vaccine induced an anamnestic response in 90 percent of vaccinees by two weeks. The results of this study indicate that persons who respond favorably to primary immunization may be protected for at least seven years.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pneumococcal vaccination in a remote population of high-risk Alaska Natives.

In response to an increasing prevalence of serious pneumococcal disease among adult Alaska Natives of northwest Alaska, a 3-year program was begun in 1987 to identify residents of that remote region who were at high risk for developing invasive pneumococcal disease, to determine their pneumococcal vaccination status, and to deliver vaccine to at least 80 percent of those at risk. After reviewing public health nursing and Indian Health Service data bases, the authors identified 1,337 persons, 20 percent of the 6,692 residents of the region, at high risk for invasive pneumococcal infection, defined either by having a specific chronic disease or by age criteria. Cardiovascular disease and alcoholism were the two most common chronic diseases. Only 30 percent of those determined to be at high risk had received one or more doses of pneumococcal vaccine previously. Half of those persons had received their most recent vaccination 6 or more years earlier. The program used both customary and innovative methods to deliver 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine to 1,046 of those at high risk (78 percent), including 388 persons who were revaccinated. At the completion of the project, 1,123 persons, 84 percent of those at high risk, had received at least 1 dose. They included 1,088 persons, 81 percent of those at high risk, with vaccination within the previous 5 years as a result of the project, compared with a 15-percent rate prior to the vaccination phase of the project. The program demonstrated that high levels of vaccination against pneumococcal disease, exceeding Year 2000 objectives of 60 percent, are attainable in a remote rural Alaskan population.

Adolescent↗