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At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Birth defects, cancer, chemicals, and public hysteria.

The "media" consistently inform us of all the "things" that are dangerous to us. However, time/space constraints, along with lack of knowledge and understanding of the area, often lead to inaccurate and/or insufficient dissemination of information. The areas of cancer and birth defects are particularly misrepresented. Such dissemination of inaccurate/incomplete/misleading information has resulted in almost a state of hysteria. As a result, the public's perception of the role of chemicals in the incidences of cancer and birth defects is inconsistent with what has actually been documented in these areas. Although no one wants to be exposed to risks, people generally do not wish to be encumbered with unnecessary safety precautions. Thus, accurate information in the areas of carcinogenicity and teratogenicity should be documented in an effort to show how one can better assess the risks involved in work/home exposures to specific chemicals. A better understanding of how society perceives risk should enable one to better appraise the situation when confronted with information that could lead to "chemophobia." The consequences of misinformation about drugs and other synthetic chemicals have been particularly unfortunate with pregnant women: negligence in necessary drug use, unnecessary anxiety, and termination of planned pregnancies without reasonable cause.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗
PubMed1998

Food preservation using ionizing radiation.

Irradiation processing has been researched extensively and is now in use worldwide for many food commodities. Irradiation has been successfully used to reduce pathogenic bacteria, eliminate parasites, decrease postharvest sprouting, and extend the shelf life of fresh perishable foods. Although food irradiation is widely accepted in world food markets, U.S. markets have been slower to accept the idea of irradiated food products. For fruits and vegetables, irradiation is not a cure for shelf life problems; cost and quality problems damage preclude its general use. It appears that the most likely use of irradiation in fruits and vegetables is as an insect control in those commodities for which there is no effective alternative method. For grains such as rice and wheat, irradiation has been used primarily to control insect infestation when insects have been shown to develop resistance to the traditional fumigation methods. Treatment of spices with irradiation doses of 10 kGy has proved to extend shelf life without causing significant changes in sensory or chemical quality. Higher doses that effectively sterilize spices, however, may cause undesirable chemical and sensorial changes. For meat, especially red meat, irradiation is considered a viable alternative in the effort to improve the safety of meat products. With time, the authors believe that economic realities and the technical superiority of irradiation for specific poultry products will lead to public acceptance of the process. Irradiation of seafood products is still being considered for approval by the USFDA, although it is currently used in Asian and European markets, especially for shrimp. It is our belief that scientifically based research in food irradiation and the positive results thereof will also prove economical in the twenty-first century. As we move to a more peaceful world with reduced threat of nuclear holocaust, these valid opinions will prevail and will overshadow the distortions and misinformation generated by the opponents of irradiation.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

The common cold.

The common cold continues to be the major cause of absences from school and work. A better understanding of the epidemiology and the natural history should lead to less anxiety about this disease. Although there is still much misinformation among the public, the time should soon come when better-informed patients with this disease will make fewer visits to the physician and will not expect unnecessary and worthless treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed1977

[Light- and electron microscopical investigation on the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma (author's transl)].

In Kaposi's sarcoma (K.S.) the regular metabolism between endothelial cell, extracellular matrix and fibrocyte is disturbed. Thereby the composition of the extracellular matrix change and via a feed-back to the CNS and hormonal system in return changes of endothelial cells and fibrocytes appear. Processing of misinformation sum up in transformation of fibrocytes to tumor cells and destruction of endothelial cells. Initial a widening of the interendothelial borders of the capillary bed seem to be of great importance for the pathogenesis of K.S., because for long time spaces lymphedemas preceed the tumor. With this immunoreactions occur which probably are accompanied by autoimmuno-processes

Aged↗
PubMed1989

The value of CT scanning in the management of patients with gynecologic malignancies.

The management of gynecologic malignancies is exceedingly complex, requiring thoughtful coordination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Despite the fact that the natural history and clinical course of these cancers are generally well understood, the scarring caused by surgery and/or radiation, and the marked limitations of pelvic examination make clinical staging and evaluation of limited value and known inaccuracy in following women with ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulvar and vaginal cancers. Understandably, the development of computerized axial tomography (CT), and its ability to visualize the abdomen and pelvis, lead to rapid acceptance of CT scans in defining extent of cancer and following patient response to various therapeutic interventions (Chen et al. 1980; Feigen et al. 1987; Photopoulos et al. 1977). Authors have compared the accuracy of CT findings with physical examination, surgical findings, lymphography, conventional radiography or ultrasound (Clarke-Pearson et al. 1986; Vercamb et al. 1987; Amendola 1981; Kerr-Wilson et al. 1984). However, little has been written on the effect of CT scanning on patient management. If we define and accept the accuracy of CT scanning in detecting pelvic and abdominal disease, can we show a benefit in patient management? Or, does CT scanning provide us with expensive information, or misinformation, which fails to translate into better patient care. Do complex imaging modalities compliment thorough examination and experienced clinical judgement, or only duplicate findings and provide extraneous information? To answer these questions, eighty-one months experience in using CT scanning in managing patients with gynecologic malignancies was reviewed.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1982

Removal of streaking artifact in computed tomography.

In transmission computed tomography, relative X-ray attenuation measurements are made at various angles around a patient's body. These input projection data are reconstructed to yield a cross-sectional view of internal structure. If the body section contains material that severely attenuates the X-ray beam (e.g., surgical clips, lead fragments), high-density streaks that obliterate internal structure will be produced in the process of image reconstruction. This loss of diagnostic information renders the scan useless. A technique has been developed that removes this imaging artifact. The approach views the affected projection data as misinformation. These data are assigned new values, and image reconstruction is performed without changing existing computer hardware or software. Projection data for a head section containing a lead fragment were obtained by Monte Carlo simulation. Three methods of obtaining replacement data were examined. A nearest-neighbor pattern recognition technique yielded excellent results.

Humans↗
PubMed1977

Effects of biofeedback on the discrimination of electrodermal activity.

Twenty-four subjects were tested on their ability to discriminate between the presence and absence of negative skin potential responses before and after training to control skin potential. Training consisted of 52 discrete 30-second trials during which subjects were asked either to increase or to inhibit palmar sweating. Subjects in groups N and P were provided with analogue feedback on their skin potential activity. Group N was correctly informed that increases in sweating were indicated by increases in the negativity of skin potential; group P was misinformed that these were indicated by increases in the positivity of skin potential. Subjects in the control (C) group received no feedback. Reliable evidence of discrimination was obtained only in groups N and P, following training. However, reliable evidence of control was obtained only in group N. Thus, training to control skin potential led to an ability to identify afferentation associated with the more common (i.e., negative) skin potential responses, even though biofeedback training appeared unsuccessful in the case of group P. These findings are discussed in the context of "discrimination" or "awareness" accounts of the process of acquiring control of internal response.

Autonomic Nervous System↗
PubMed1992

Oral contraception noncompliance: the extent of the problem.

Compliance has been defined as the extent to which a patient's behavior coincides with the clinical prescription. The lowest expected failure rate of oral contraceptive (OC) use has been suggested to be 0.1%; however, in typical users, the failure rate varies by age, race, and marital status. In some populations in the United States (eg, unmarried black adolescents), the failure rate is 18%; rates that factor in the occurrence of abortions suggest an overall failure rate of 6.2% during the first year of use. If the annual failure rate of 6.2% is assumed, long-term failure rates rapidly approach 25% to 50% (ie, the proportion of users who will experience an unintended pregnancy) over 10 years of use. The gap between the lowest expected failure rate and the failure rates seen in typical users is related in large part to problems of compliance. Compliance with OC use includes both correct daily use and continuing use. Factors that contribute to OC discontinuation include the experience of side effects, fears and misinformation about OC side effects fueled by negative media reports, and intermittent use. There are relatively few data regarding the issue of missed pills and correct use, but studies suggest that adolescents may miss an average of 3 pills a month, and at least 20% to 30% of individuals miss a pill every month. Patients may have difficulty in the transition from one packet of pills to the next, and missed pills that extend the hormone-free interval may contribute to the failure rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age Factors↗
PubMed1994

AIDS knowledge and high risk behaviors in the chronic mentally ill.

Chronic mentally ill adults are a high risk group for AIDS. In the present study, we used a questionnaire to assess AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors in 54 men and women who were clients at a "drop in" center for mentally ill adults. Most of the subjects were suffering from schizophrenia and about one-third of them had co-existing drug problems. Results showed widespread misunderstandings about AIDS transmission, high risk groups, and practices. Many of the subjects had been treated for STDs such as syphilis and gonorrhea and were engaging in behaviors that increased their vulnerability to AIDS. These include casual sex, anal sex, sex with an IV drug user, or sex in exchange for money, drugs, or a place to sleep. Subjects expressed a moderately high level of concern about acquiring AIDS/HIV, and 15% of those tested (5/33) said they already had the illness. We observed a significant correlation between misinformation about AIDS and the frequency of high risk behaviors. We also detected ambivalence about using condoms and i.v. drugs. Although males and females did not differ in AIDS knowledge or risk behaviors, the AIDS knowledge of both groups was significantly lower than a comparison sample of public high school students. Taken together, the results underscore the immediate need for comprehensive AIDS assessment, education, and prevention in this segment of the population.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1997

On models and muddles of heritability.

One reason for the astonishing persistence of the IQ myth in the face of overwhelming prior and posterior odds against it may be the unbroken chain of excessive heritability claims for 'intelligence', which IQ tests are supposed to 'measure'. However, if, as some critics insist, 'intelligence' is undefined, and Spearman's g is beset with numerous problems, not the least of which is universal rejection of Spearman's model by the data, then how can the heritability of 'intelligence' exceed that of milk production of cows and egg production of hens? The thesis of the present review paper is that the answer to this riddle has two parts: (a) the technical basis of heritability claims for human behavior is just as shaky as that of Spearman's g. For example, a once widely used 'heritability estimate' turns out to be mathematically invalid, while another such estimate, though mathematically valid, never fits any data; and (b) valid technical criticisms of flawed heritability claims typically are met with stubborn editorial resistance in the main stream journals, which tends to calcify such misinformation.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Aspiration and the elderly.

Aspiration is prevalent in the elderly but its association with impairment of oral intake and gastroesophageal reflux is often misunderstood. This paper describes the causes, pathophysiology, and consequences of aspiration and their unique features in aged persons. It also explains how videofluoroscopic evaluation can assess current function while limiting factors that result in misinformation. The management of aspiration is discussed, emphasizing the importance and difficulties in maintaining functional well-being and possible complications of therapy.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Assessment of sexual beliefs and information in aging couples with sexual dysfunction.

The incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunction indicate that a large portion of the U.S. population will experience a sexual dysfunction, with older individuals being particularly at risk. Cognitive factors (e.g., attitudes, misinformation, beliefs) may contribute to the development of sexual dysfunction or influence response to treatments. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a brief instrument designed to assess information and beliefs regarding sexual functioning in an aging population. Results indicate that the Sexual Beliefs and Information Questionnaire (SBIQ) had adequate test-retest reliability and is an internally consistent measure of sexual knowledge and beliefs. MOst individuals had adequate knowledge regarding sexual functioning as indicated by correct responses to most items; however, there were several items missed more often than expected. Exploratory factor analysis suggests an underlying five-factor structure of the SBIQ. Scores were not correlated with years of education, mood, or marital satisfaction. Scores on the SBIQ improved after a brief standardized educational intervention. The SBIQ is a simple and psychometrically sound measure of sexual knowledge and myths that can assist clinicians to identify and possibly rectify knowledge deficits.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

An economic theory of patient decision-making.

Patient autonomy, as exercised in the informed consent process, is a central concern in bioethics. The typical bioethicist's analysis of autonomy centers on decisional capacity--finding the line between autonomy and its absence. This approach leaves unexplored the structure of reasoning behind patient treatment decisions. To counter that approach, we present a microeconomic theory of patient decision-making regarding the acceptable level of medical treatment from the patient's perspective. We show that a rational patient's desired treatment level typically departs from the level yielding an absence of symptoms, the level we call ideal. This microeconomic theory demonstrates why patients have good reason not to pursue treatment to the point of absence of physical symptoms. We defend our view against possible objections that it is unrealistic and that it fails to adequately consider harm a patient may suffer by curtailing treatment. Our analysis is fruitful in various ways. It shows why decisions often considered unreasonable might be fully reasonable. It offers a theoretical account of how physician misinformation may adversely affect a patient's decision. It shows how billing costs influence patient decision-making. It indicates that health care professionals' beliefs about the 'unreasonable' attitudes of patients might often be wrong. It provides a better understanding of patient rationality that should help to ensure fuller information as well as increased respect for patient decision-making.

Beneficence↗
PubMed2000

Agricultural biotechnology: myth and measurement.

The title of this article could easily have been "The Inquisition, The First 100 Million Acres, and Future Quantification Challenges." After approximately 20 years of research, transgenic crops have made it through the maze of scientific and regulatory testing to reach commercial practice and have been adopted at a rapid rate. Plant scientists and growers have quickly recognized the extensive portfolio of benefits that can be obtained: it is analogous to the discovery of electricity (biotech) in a world of candles (conventional breeding). Despite the potential for advancement, a few groups have revolted against biotechnological crops. Misinformation has been used to capture headlines, and good scientific research principles have been castigated by self-appointed judges. Conversely, the probiotech camp has not been good at communicating in a broadly understandable manner, but they have the weight of scientific evidence on their side. There are 100 million acres of commercial transgenic crops, and more than 30,000 intensive field trials have been performed, but not one shred of reproducible evidence indicates that biotechnological crops are dangerous, unsafe, or a threat to the environment. Looking ahead, dozens of new beneficial traits are being explored in laboratories across the world, and their application will bring new issues and more difficult challenges. For example, several genes may be stacked in different combinations to provide trait sets with various levels of added value. These crops will no longer be traded as bulk-mixed commodities; therefore, some mechanism will be required to measure the value at each transaction point. The need to develop standards, operating procedures, and devices for accurate, real-time quantification of multiple possible trait sets may be one of the major limitations to rapid future progress in some sectors of crop biotechnology.

Biotechnology↗
PubMed1998

Practical approach to quality of life in Parkinson's disease: the nurse's role.

In recent years it has become apparent that nurses have several key roles in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. These include the practice of skilled clinical care, the provision of advice and education, communicating with patients and carers, and also between health and social care agencies. Their goals are to facilitate good clinical care, to reduce morbidity (both physical and psychological) and to achieve better informed patients by the reduction of misinformation, fear and distress caused by the diagnosis and consequences of this disease. The overall goal is to improve the prognosis and to reduce the impact of this disease on patients and their care givers. To achieve these goals the specialist nurse needs skills in assessment, reassessment and counselling in addition to knowledge of the disease and its management. The training needs have been established for the nursing profession to address these issues, and courses have been established and approved. A scale comprising four clinical management stages has been proposed: initially around the time of diagnosis; stable maintenance therapy; a more complex management stage, and palliative care. Nursing interventions and priorities differ in these arbitrary stages. Several models of nursing provision have been piloted in the United Kingdom, and results of evaluations are keenly awaited. Meanwhile, specialist nurses are proving to be popular with patients and carers, medical specialists, and the Parkinson's Disease Society which aims to see their provision in each Health District throughout the United Kingdom. In summary, the nursing role is complementary to those of the other members of the multi-disciplinary health team that aims to improve the quality of life of PD patients and their carers.

Disease Management↗
PubMed2004

[Fifty years of nutrition counseling. Remarks and perspectives].

Fifty years of nutrition information and education did not reach their goals. Nutrition-dependent diseases, obesity, and misinformation are still increasing. Cognitive information about nutrition does not induce changes in primary emotion-controlled eating habits. Better knowledge of nutrition on the part of consumers mainly activates their bad conscience when they rate their own eating habits. Future prevention campaigns, which clearly address consumer needs using social marketing principles, will be better able to change eating behavior.

Feeding Behavior↗
PubMed2003

Community attitudes toward and knowledge of mental illness in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Although recent advances in psychiatry have increased our understanding of psychiatric disorders,many people with chronic or severe psychiatric disorders may be unaware that effective treatment is available. It is possible that ignorance and stigma prevent such persons from seeking appropriate help, and that community attitudes and beliefs play a role in determining the help-seeking behaviour and successful treatment of the mentally ill. Nevertheless, there is little research on the attitudes of lay persons toward mental illness within the South African community. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of the general South African public toward mental illness, specifically regarding the causes of illness and treatment options. METHOD: The study design employed a questionnaire survey. Structured interviews (n = 667) were conducted with members of the general public. One of eight vignettes, portraying depression, schizophrenia, panic disorder or substance abuse, with subtle or obvious symptoms, was presented to each respondent. RESULTS: The main findings were that cases were most often conceptualised as stress-related or due to a lack of willpower rather than as medical disorders. Treatment advocated was more often to talk the problem over than to consult professional medical help. Psychotherapy was the preferred treatment option, particularly in vignettes where symptom presentation was subtle, and in cases of substance abuse. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that stigma and misinformation regarding mental illness exist, influencing preferred treatment modality and help-seeking behaviour. More work needs to be done to educate the public about the psychobiological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders and about the value of effective treatments. A better understanding of these disorders amongst the public would presumably lessen stigmatisation and encourage the use of currently available and effective interventions.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The influence of endotracheal tube leak on the assessment of respiratory function in ventilated children.

OBJECTIVE: The use of respiratory mechanics to optimise ventilator settings has become more common since the integration of pressure and flow transducers into modern ventilators. However, values of respiratory resistance (R(rs)) and compliance (C(rs)) can be overestimated in the presence of tracheal tube leak and clinical decisions based on these figures would be misinformed. This study aimed to assess the influence of tracheal tube leak on measurements of C(rs), R(rs) and expired tidal volume (V(TE)) in ventilated children in order to establish when such measurements were reliable in this population. DESIGN: Respiratory function was monitored for at least five consecutive hours during which normal medical procedures were performed. The magnitude and variability of tracheal tube leak was assessed during these periods. SETTING: The paediatric and cardiac intensive care units at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Trust, London. PATIENTS: Seventy-five paralysed, fully ventilated infants and children. RESULTS: Ten children had a mean leak greater than 20% (range: 22%-65%). Amongst this group there were wide fluctuations with respect to leak magnitude, V(TE), C(rs) and R(rs). Leaks of less than 20% appeared necessary to obtain reliable measurements of C(rs) and R(rs) and to ensure consistent and adequate ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Leaks larger than 20% result in inconsistent tidal volume delivery and gross overestimation of C(rs) and R(rs) irrespective of ventilation mode. The magnitude of tracheal tube leak needs to be accurately displayed on all ventilatory equipment to verify reliable measures of respiratory function so that appropriate clinical decisions can be made and ventilatory management optimised.

Adolescent↗