Computing. Keeping it in the family.
There is no legal obligation on health authorities to ensure the confidentiality of patients' data. Simon Jenkins argues that this helps neither Joe Bloggs nor John Major.
Computer Security↗
Biomedical subjects
S Jenkins
Publications and source records attributed to S Jenkins.
Colorectal liver metastases.
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Colorectal Neoplasms↗
The stimulus responsible for the peritoneal fluid inflammation observed in infertile women with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that menstrual debris from ectopic endometrium is the stimulus responsible for eliciting the peritoneal fluid (PF) inflammation observed in infertile women with endometriosis. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS: The extent of endometriosis was correlated with the PF volume and total PF cell count retrospectively in 135 infertile women with endometriosis. RESULTS: The volume and total cell count were positively correlated, whereas the total cell count was negatively correlated with the extent of endometriosis. Despite a similar negative trend, no statistically significant correlation was noted between the volume and the extent of endometriosis. These relationships did not change when the data were reanalyzed deleting those pathological features contributing to the endometriosis score but not capable of producing intraperitoneal menstrual debris, i.e., adhesions and encapsulated ovarian endometriomas. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that menstrual debris from ectopic endometrium is probably not a major factor in the elicitation of the observed PF inflammation in infertile women with endometriosis and suggest an inverse relationship may exist between PF inflammation and the extent of endometriosis.
Ascitic Fluid↗
Formation of lentivirus particles by mammalian cells infected with recombinant fowlpox virus.
Recombinant fowlpox viruses (FPV) containing the env or gag-pol genes of simian immunodeficiency virus from macaques (SIVmac) were constructed. The env, gag, and pol-encoded polypeptides were efficiently expressed and processed in avian cells productively infected with FPV as well as in mammalian cells, in which FPV infection is abortive. In addition, the recombinant FPV expressing the gag-pol genes directed the formation of defective, lentivirus-like particles which were released into the culture medium of infected cells. Coinfection of cells with the env and gag-pol recombinant viruses resulted in the generation of particles containing SIVmac envelope glycoprotein. The applications of this system to vaccine development are discussed.
Animals↗
The effect of some chlorhexidine-containing mouthrinses on salivary bacterial counts.
A number of chlorhexidine mouthwashes are available commercially which differ in formulation and regimen of use. As a comparative measure of antimicrobial persistence, this study evaluated the effect of 4 chlorhexidine mouthwash formulations on salivary bacterial counts after a single rinse. The study was a randomised single-examiner blind 5-way crossover investigation employing a panel of 10 young healthy human volunteers. The 0.12% and 0.2% commercial formulations when rinsed according to the respective manufacturers instructions produced similar large and prolonged reductions in salivary bacterial counts during the 7-h period. A 0.1% formulation also commercially available produced minimal effects on salivary bacterial counts and was little different to the saline rinse. A reformulated 0.1% rinse, not commercially available at the time of the study, produced significant salivary bacterial count reductions over the 7-h period albeit to a lesser degree of magnitude than to the 0.2% and 0.12% rinses. The results were consistent with comparative plaque inhibitory studies of the formulations and suggest that the method is a quick and simple way of screening products for antimicrobial and antiplaque potential.
Adult↗
Triclosan and sodium lauryl sulphate mouthwashes (I). Effects on salivary bacterial counts.
A number of commonly used toothpaste ingredients, such as detergents, possess not inconsiderable antimicrobial activity. Additionally, specific ingredients including triclosan are now added to toothpastes to enhance such activity and to improve plaque inhibition. To date, there have been few studies of the antimicrobial properties in vivo of individual toothpaste ingredients. Most investigations have evaluated the whole toothpaste product. Persistence of antimicrobial action in vivo has been shown to relate to potential plaque inhibitory action. The aim of this study was to compare the magnitude and duration of salivary bacterial count reductions produced by a single rinse of 0.2% triclosan, 1% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes. 16 volunteers took part in a single-blind latin-square randomised crossover designed study with balanced residual effects. Before and for time periods up to 420 min following rinsing with the allocated mouthwashes, saliva samples were obtained and processed for total anaerobic counts. With the exception of the saline control rinse, the 3 test solutions produced considerable reductions in bacterial counts which remained significant to 3 h for triclosan and 7 h for SLS and chlorhexidine. However, at most time periods after baseline, the effects of chlorhexidine were significantly greater than triclosan and SLS. Overall, SLS had significantly greater effects than triclosan. Incremental values from 30 min post rinsing were always positive for SLS and triclosan, indicating bacterial recovery, whereas these values were negative for chlorhexidine. The results indicate that triclosan and SLS provide some persistence of antimicrobial activity in the oral cavity when used at relatively high dose compared to a toothpaste vehicle.
Adult↗
Triclosan and sodium lauryl sulphate mouthrinses. (II). Effects of 4-day plaque regrowth.
Toothpastes have been shown to exert some plaque inhibitory effects probably due to the action of detergents such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Recently the antimicrobial, triclosan, has been added to experimental and commercial toothpaste products to enhance activity against plaque. There is, however, little information as to the plaque inhibitory effects alone of ingredients such as SLS and triclosan. This investigation compared the effects on 4-day plaque regrowth of a 1% SLS, 0.2% triclosan and 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse with a 0.9% saline rinse. The study was single blind, latin square, four-period crossover design, balanced for residual effects and employing 16 healthy dentate volunteers. During each period, normal oral hygiene ceased and plaque regrowth from a zero baseline was measured by score and area after 2 x daily rinses with 10 ml volumes of each rinse. Washout was a minimum of 60 h. Plaque scores and areas were significantly lower with chlorhexidine than the other preparations and significantly higher with saline. There were no significant differences between SLS and triclosan. The results were essentially consistent with the similar substantivity of SLS and triclosan demonstrated from the salivary bacterial count investigation. Taste acceptability may, however, explain the small reverse trends noted between the two studies. It is concluded that both SLS and triclosan would individually confer plaque inhibitory properties to toothpaste formulations. However, when combined in a single formulation, their effects may not be additive.
Adult↗
Community wellness: a group empowerment model for rural America.
Because answers to rural health problems no longer reside solely at the federal or state level, county Extension agents in Georgia are playing a pivotal role in helping communities empower themselves with the Community Wellness program. Community Wellness is a process-oriented program that encompasses community-based program planning; facilitates interventions based on an assessment of community-specific health needs; encourages empowerment of the community; and develops a community-wide support system. County Extension agents and other leaders serve as catalysts to bring together members of the community to identify health needs, develop strategies to solve problems, and implement solutions. Four case histories describe how this model has strengthened community infrastructure, developed human capital, and created rural leadership. A discussion of barriers to implementation and lessons learned follows.
Community Health Services↗
Organisation of screening: a practical view.
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Electronic Data Processing↗
Screening and the 1990 contract.
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Contract Services↗
Alteration of 24-hour rhythms in myometrial activity in the chronically catheterized pregnant rhesus monkey after a 6-hour shift in the light-dark cycle.
We determined the effect of a 6-hour phase shift in the light-dark cycle on the 24-hour rhythm of myometrial activity with 15 chronically catheterized pregnant rhesus monkeys during the last third of gestation. Monkeys were housed indoors in constant temperature on a 14-hour-light/10-hour-dark photoperiod in two groups based on the time the lights were turned on (group A lights on at 6 AM and group B lights on at midnight). The power spectra were calculated for periods of 512 readings (1.138 hours) starting at the time the lights were turned on for continuous periods of 25.03 hours of data showing well-developed contraction-type activity at any time during that period. The power spectra data for contractures and contractions were analyzed separately from myometrial electromyographic data. During the 14 hours of light, myometrial activity was primarily composed of contractures. In all experimental animals the switch from contractures to contractions occurred around the time the lights were turned off. The proportion of contraction-type activity in each 1.138-hour analysis interval expressed as a percentage of the total contraction power for the whole 25.03-hour analysis period for all monkeys increased around the time the lights were turned off in both groups. The increase in contractions was observed 12 to 15 hours after the lights were turned on. No systematic change in the proportion of contracture activity was observed. Peak contraction activity was 22.6 +/- 0.60 hours (16.6 hours after lights on), and was at 18.3 +/- 1.4 hours (18.31 hours after lights on) in groups A and B, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (22.6 +/- 0.6 vs 18.3 +/- 1.4 hours, p less than 0.05). Seven of eight monkeys in group A and six of seven in group B had switched from contractures to contractions before lights were turned off. We have confirmed a 24-hour rhythm in myometrial activity in the pregnant rhesus monkey and provided new evidence to support the endogenous nature of this rhythm and its direct relationship to the light-dark cycle.
Animals↗
A laboratory assessment of the antimicrobial effectiveness of glove washing and re-use in dental practice.
This study has assessed the ability of five hand-washing agents, Hibisol, Hibiscrub, Betadine, 70% isopropyl alcohol and bar soap, to decontaminate the surfaces of Biogel D, Surgikos Microtouch and Ansell Gammex latex medical gloves after repeated inoculation with Staphylococcus aureus. The glove and hand-washing agents were compared in a Latin Square experiment, and a standardized handwashing regime followed. Each of the gloves used in the study was later tested electrically for micropuncture formation. On the basis of microbial recovery, no specific combination of glove and hand washing agent proved superior, the marker organism being isolated on a sporadic basis. In addition, 17% of the gloves showed evidence of micropunctures after five sequential inoculations and washings. These results suggest that, even under strictly controlled conditions, glove surfaces cannot be reliably and consistently cleaned of microbial contamination, nor can they be guaranteed to remain puncture-free. Ideally, therefore, a new pair of gloves should be worn for each patient.
Cross Infection↗
Factor VIII related antigen measurement.
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Humans↗
Epidemiology of Lyme disease in Virginia.
Prior to January 1986, only one case of Lyme disease was reported from Virginia. In 1986-87, however, the Virginia Department of Health observed an increase in reports of suspected Lyme disease by physicians, despite the fact that Ixodes dammini is not highly prevalent in the Virginia tick population. Twenty-eight cases of Lyme disease were identified in Virginia, of which eight cases occurred in 1986 and 20 in 1987. Lyme disease appears to be increasing in frequency in Virginia and moving southward along the Eastern Atlantic Seaboard.
Adolescent↗
The effect of triclosan, stannous fluoride and chlorhexidine products on: (I) Plaque regrowth over a 4-day period.
A number of substances have been incorporated into toothpastes or gels to inhibit plaque regrowth. The aim of this study was to evaluate triclosan and stannous fluoride products for plaque inhibitory properties by comparison with a chlorhexidine or saline rinse and a control product which was a conventional commercially available toothpaste. In a blind 8 cell cross-over study, 15 volunteers rinsed 2 x a day for 4 days with slurries of the products or the saline and chlorhexidine solutions. No other form of oral hygiene was performed and plaque regrowth from a zero baseline was recorded by plaque score and plaque area. Plaque regrowth was significantly less with the chlorhexidine rinse and significantly greater with the saline rinse compared to the toothpaste and gel products. No significant differences were found between the test and control products. The results again demonstrate that commercially available toothpastes have plaque inhibitory effects which so far appear difficult to improve upon by the addition of specific ingredients, in this case stannous fluoride or triclosan. Commercially available products of known activity would appear useful benchmarks for comparison of experimental formulations.
Adult↗
The effect of triclosan, stannous fluoride and chlorhexidine products on: (II) Salivary bacterial counts.
A previous study demonstrated that triclosan and stannous fluoride containing oral hygiene products reduced plaque regrowth compared to saline but were not more effective than a conventional commercial fluoride/anionic detergent toothpaste. To further understand these results, this study measured the persistance of antimicrobial activity of the same products by recording the duration of salivary bacterial count reductions following a single exposure to each product. Comparison was also made with a chlorhexidine rinse as the positive control. From a panel of 16 volunteers, in an 8-cell randomised cross-over designed study, salivary bacterial counts were recorded at baseline and to 420 min. All test and control products were significantly more effective than saline and significantly less effective than chlorhexidine at suppressing bacterial counts. Unlike chlorhexidine, evidence of bacterial recovery was apparent after the 30-min sampling time. There were essentially no significant differences between the test and control products, although the stannous fluoride toothpaste performed marginally better than other products. The findings are consistent with the plaque regrowth results previously obtained and again demonstrate to date that it is difficult to surpass the antimicrobial and plaque inhibitory properties of conventional commercially available toothpastes by the addition of antimicrobial agents such as triclosan and metal salts.
Adult↗
The effects of 0.5% chlorhexidine and 0.2% triclosan containing toothpastes on salivary bacterial counts.
A number of antimicrobial compounds could be incorporated into toothpastes to enhance plaque inhibitory effects. However, the number of possible formulations is immense and makes clinical testing in plaque and gingivitis studies difficult. In this study, the effects on salivary bacterial counts of a number of chlorhexidine and triclosan toothpastes was evaluated as a predictor of persistence of antimicrobial action in the mouth. The study was a supervised, randomised 15-way crossover study employing 10 healthy human volunteers. All toothpastes were brushed for 1 min and comparison made with a 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse. The latter produced a large drop in salivary bacterial counts to the end of the 7-h study period. The toothpastes decreased salivary bacterial counts and all but two had notably more effect than a water brushing. No toothpaste showed a significant persistence of antimicrobial effect beyond 5 h. In the light of available plaque inhibition data for the toothpastes, persistence of antimicrobial activity beyond 5 h will be necessary for a clinical effect on plaque and gingival health. The method appears to be a simple and rapid screening technique for products formulated to enhance plaque inhibition mediated through an antimicrobial action.
Adult↗
Comparative effects of toothpaste brushing and toothpaste rinsing on salivary bacterial counts.
The persistence of antimicrobial action of compounds and formulations in the mouth can be demonstrated by recording the magnitude and duration of the reduction of salivary bacterial counts following a single application. Such measures of substantivity appear to correlate with the plaque inhibitory properties of antimicrobial agents. For toothpastes, studies on the short-term inhibition of plaque formation use a number of delivery methods to measure the direct effect of the preparation divorced from toothbrushing. Such methods include paste slurries, paste in trays or cap splints. This study determined whether toothbrushing with a toothpaste produced the same effects on salivary bacterial counts compared to rinsing with a slurry. A group of 24 volunteers brushed or rinsed with a slurry of a commercial toothpaste. Each regimen was repeated twice on 4 separate days by all volunteers and salivary bacterial counts recorded at baseline and time periods to 7 hours. There were no significant differences between brushing or slurry rinsing on salivary bacterial counts and each method produced reproducible effects. This supports the use of the slurry method where the direct plaque inhibitory action of an antimicrobial toothpaste is to be assessed; and indicates that both methods equally make available and activate the relevant ingredients in formulations.
Adult↗