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Biomedical subjects

S Cooper

Publications and source records attributed to S Cooper.

At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Pharmaceutical care for patients with chronic conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with participation in pharmaceutical care and the benefits of participation--in terms of amount of information about medications, administration of medications, and awareness of side effects. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental design, with a control group. Medication Survey, administered 6 months after pharmaceutical care intervention to participants, refusers, and controls. Logistic regression analyses. SETTING: Three staff clinic pharmacies and three contract clinic pharmacies affiliated with a health maintenance organization (HMO). PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Patients with chronic health conditions (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or heart disease) enrolled at six intervention sites, identified through the HMO's electronic pharmacy database. Control sample with the same chronic health conditions, without access to pharmaceutical care (n = 210 participants, 162 refusers, and 368 controls; overall adjusted response rate = 72%). INTERVENTION: Pharmaceutical care, in the form of a comprehensive drug therapy management program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Predictors of participation, amount of information about medications, use of reminder methods, and awareness of side effects. RESULTS: The following variables were significantly associated with the probability of participating in pharmaceutical care (P < .05): number of medications, employment, income, health status, education, and living situation. Participants were more likely than controls to say they received "a lot of information" from their pharmacist about all aspects of medications (odds ratio [OR], 1.75 to 2.68). Participants were more likely to report leaving their medication container in a visible place and using two or more reminder methods (OR, 1.87 to 1.48). There were no significant differences in the probability of missing doses. Participants were more likely to report experiencing "symptoms or problems" associated with prescription medications (OR, 1.81). CONCLUSION: Pharmaceutical care appears to increase the information given to patients about medications, promote more effective self-administration of medications by encouraging patients to use systematic reminders, and increase awareness of medication side effects.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Solubilized ibuprofen: evaluation of onset, relief, and safety of a novel formulation in the treatment of episodic tension-type headache.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relative efficacy of a new solubilized formulation of ibuprofen compared with acetaminophen caplets. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized, parallel group study evaluated 154 subjects taking a single dose of solubilized ibuprofen, 400 mg; acetaminophen, 1000 mg; or placebo for the relief of episodic tension-type headache. Time to relief was measured using a stopwatch, and overall efficacy was measured using traditional categorical pain and relief scales. RESULTS: Ibuprofen capsules (liquigel), 400 mg, were significantly faster than both acetaminophen, 1000 mg, and placebo for all time-to-relief measures. Ibuprofen liquigel had a median time to first perceptible pain relief of 39 minutes compared with 47 minutes for acetaminophen and 113 minutes for placebo. For median time to meaningful relief, ibuprofen liquigel had a time of 39 minutes compared with 53 minutes for acetaminophen and more than 180 minutes for placebo (P</=.02 for both measures). In addition, ibuprofen liquigels demonstrated significantly superior overall analgesic efficacy compared with acetaminophen, 1000 mg, for the relief of episodic tension-type headache. Both active treatments had a side effect profile similar to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Although several other studies have demonstrated the overall analgesic superiority of ibuprofen to acetaminophen, this study demonstrated that the liquigel formulation also provides a clinically relevant advantage for time to analgesic effects.

Absorption↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The ultrastructural features of plasmablastic lymphoma.

Plasmablastic lymphoma was originally described in 1997 by Delecluse et al. and is an aggressive variant of diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma seen predominantly in a setting of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and nearly always in extranodal sites. The authors have seen 10 cases in their department between 2001 and 2005. The patients' ages ranged from 24 to 39 years and there were 7 females and 3 males. In 7 cases where human immunodeficiency virus had been tested it was positive. Eight cases were extranodal and 2 cases involved lymph nodes. Five cases were followed up and 4 were confirmed dead within 5 months of diagnosis, verifying the aggressive nature of this condition. Histology showed large, polygonal tumor cells some of which had a slightly plasmacytic appearance. Six cases had a "starry sky" background. Immunohistochemical stains were negative in 1 case, while the other 9 cases were positive for CD138. Electron microscopy showed concentrically arranged rough endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm in 9 cases. In 1 case the cells were too degenerate for evaluation. This study shows that the ultrastructural features are well developed and can help in distinguishing plasmablastic lymphoma from other light microscopically undifferentiated tumors.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Infrared breath alcohol analysis following inhalation of gasoline fumes.

The effect of inhalation of gasoline fumes on breath ethyl alcohol testing by infrared absorption was examined. A subject inhaled gasoline fumes for a period of approximately 15 minutes and was then tested on an intoxilyzer. When 10 minutes had elapsed after gas inhalation had ceased, no response was found with the intoxilyzer.

Breath Tests↗
PubMedDate not supplied

An effective method of positioning the burn patient.

We describe an easily constructed bed device for maintaining proper upper extremity position of the burn patient. The device maintains proper arm position while the patient is supine or upright in bed.

Arm Injuries↗
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Electron microscopic evidence on the acrosomal status of bound sperm and their penetration into human hemizonae pellucida after storage in a buffered salt solution.

The hemizona assay (HZA) was developed to evaluate sperm binding potential using microbisected human zona pellucida. In this study, eight human oocytes stored in a buffered salt solution for 60 days were bisected into two identical hemispheres (hemizonae) and coincubated with the spermatozoa from a fertile man. All evaluated spermatozoa were tightly bound to the outer surface or had begun penetration into the zona pellucida. The hemizonae with bound spermatozoa were prepared and fixed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using standard techniques. Among the 108 sperm bound to the zone we were able to evaluate 25 by TEM. Twenty (80%) of the zona bound spermatozoa were partially or completely acrosome reacted, while six (20%) of the zona bound sperm had intact acrosomes. Acrosome intact, partially acrosome reacted and completely reacted spermatozoa were observed within the zona. Penetration pathways or tunnels were seen within the zona matrix. The results illustrate, that typically spermatozoa tightly bound the human zona pellucida show induction of the acrosome reaction. Importantly, following storage of human eggs in salt solution (buffered to 7.4), the zona pellucida retain their biological and functional characteristics for at least 90 days.

Acrosome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Unemployment and health.

The relationship between unemployment and health continues to be the subject of much debate. Unemployment levels in the UK are high and this has major consequences for both the individual and the nation. This article reviews the current literature, offers some explanations and outlines the main methodological problems with research in this area, which should be considered by nurses when planning health care.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Recent developments in psychoanalytic technique: a review.

This article provides an update on recent trends in psychoanalytic theory, particularly the theory of technique. It discusses several trends that have coalesced into a major shift in emphasis. Psychoanalysis is moving to embrace a two-person psychology, focused on the relations between patient and analyst. In this new perspective the analyst is no longer seen as an objective observer, even potentially free from unconscious influences. These trends are discussed in terms of their origins in analytic experience, contemporary science, and philosophy. The struggle within psychoanalysis to deal with these new views is examined, and some implications for the practice of psychotherapy are offered.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Vascular endothelial growth factor but not placental growth factor promotes trophoblast syncytialization in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: The object of this study was to determine the effect of epithelial growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and placental growth factor (PlGF) on the differentiation of first-trimester and term cytotrophoblasts. METHODS: The first-trimester trophoblasts were isolated from villous tissue obtained at suction termination (n = 5), and the term trophoblasts were isolated from placentas (n = 6) at elective cesarean. Cultured cells were stimulated with EGF, VEGF, or PlGF at 0.5, 5, and 50 ng/mL, in the presence or absence of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (10(-4) M). Syncytialized trophoblasts were identified by immunostaining with antidesmosomal protein and anti-cytokeratin-7, whereas nuclei were counted in each syncytia using hematoxylin. RESULTS: Without treatment, background levels of syncytialization were significantly higher in term preparations than first-trimester cells. With VEGF and EGF, the number and size of syncytia increased significantly for the first-trimester cytotrophoblasts (P <.05). Neither VEGF nor EGF had any effect on the syncytialization of cultured cells at term. Nitric oxide showed no involvement in syncytial induction, and PlGF had no effect on syncytialization of cytotrophoblasts, from either the first or third trimester. CONCLUSION: Both EGF and VEGF appeared to enhance the in vitro syncytialization of first trimester cytotrophoblasts.

Cell Differentiation↗
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Evaluation of neuroleptic drug use by nursing home elderly under proposed Medicare and Medicaid regulations.

Federal regulations for use of neuroleptic drugs in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes throughout the United States were implemented October 1, 1990. These regulations constitute the first time that prescription drugs are required, by law, to be justified by indications documented in the medical chart. This study used extant data to estimate ineligible neuroleptic use at the individual and nursing home levels had these regulations been in effect in 1976 through 1985. Subjects, randomly sampled admissions (N = 5752) and residents (N = 3191), were followed up for up to 24 months in 60 nursing homes. One half of neuroleptic use in each cohort could be considered ineligible under the regulations; all but one of the nursing homes had one or more individuals who were treated with the ineligible use of neuroleptics. Improvements in documentation and/or prescription of neuroleptic drugs for nursing home elderly will be needed to ensure compliance with these new regulations.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Israeli psychological casualties of the Persian Gulf war: characteristics, therapy, and selected issues.

The Persian Gulf war in 1991 presented Israel with its first experience of a threat of chemical attack on the home front. Ground-to-ground missiles were aimed directly at civilian populations, threatening death and destruction over a period of several weeks. Uncertainty as to time, place, and nature of the missile attacks affected the civilian population psychologically. The psychological responses of the population were the result of the continuous nature of the emergency which affected the entire population, and the destruction, injury, and displacement which affected those who were the targets of the attacks. The primary psychological effects of the emergency were investigated in several ways: surveys of samples of civilian and rear-echelon military populations, studies of the military personnel who asked for ambulatory psychological treatment as a result of the war, and studies of the specific populations that bore the brunt of the actual physical attacks were conducted. These studies show a high level of distress in the samples, with considerable differentiation between the populations. Levels of functioning generally remained intact even among the displaced or injured. Interventions were based on experience gained in the treatment of combat stress reaction. The issues of evacuation of psychological casualties to hospitals, psychiatric aspects of chemical attacks, and secondary traumatization of therapeutic and other staff are emphasized.

Chemical Warfare↗
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Influence of purified recombinant human macrophage colony stimulating factor in mice.

The endotoxin-resistant strain of mouse, C3H/Hej, was assessed for hematological responsiveness to multiple injections of high dosages of purified recombinant human macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhu-M-CSF). Mice were administered the rhu M-CSF i.p. at dosages of 40 micrograms per injection, 2 or 3 times per day for 4 days. This resulted in significant increases in circulating leukocytes compared to control mice given sterile pyrogen-free saline. Assessment of the marrow and spleen of these mice on the 5th day noted a significant reduction in the numbers of marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells, with no change in their cycling rates. In contrast, splenic granulocyte-macrophage and erythroid progenitor cell numbers were markedly increased and the cycling rates of these progenitors plus those of multipotential progenitors were significantly enhanced. Marrow and splenic early myeloid cells (blasts, promyelocytes, and myelocytes) and macrophages were increased, while marrow and splenic PMN were decreased. The results suggest that multiple injections of high dosages of rhu-M-CSF to previously untreated mice for a short period of time has a modest enhancing effect on blood leukocyte levels. This is associated with a shift of hematopoietic cell activity from the marrow to the spleen.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of labeling and treatment of hypertension on perceived health.

The effects of labeling a person as hypertensive have important implications for hypertension screening. The Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program (HDFP) provides an opportunity to examine the effects of labeling, treatment, and study assignment on a large group of hypertensives (n = 10,070). Their answers to questions regarding perceived health and general well-being asked at baseline and again one year later were analyzed. There was no significant change in the perceived health status of persons who were unaware of their hypertension at baseline and remained untreated at one year (labeling alone). The effect of labeling plus treatment was associated with a significant decrease in perceived health. The effect of antihypertensive drug therapy on perceived health status was examined in persons who were aware of their hypertension but not on treatment at baseline, and on treatment at one year. The stepped care group (SC) had a significant improvement in their perceived health and a significant decrease in the amount of time spent worrying about their health. The referred care group (RC) had no change. Program assignment effects were studied in individuals aware of their hypertension and on treatment both at baseline and one year later. Both the SC and RC groups had a significant improvement in their perceptions of their health status. The SC group had a significant decrease in time spent worrying about their health, while the RC group showed no change. These reassuring results fail to support the suggestion that labeling persons as hypertensive is necessarily followed by negative psychological consequences.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗