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PubMed1977

General health screening of four-year-olds in a Swedish country. V. A strategy for improving the effectiveness and the cost efficiency of the psychological screening program.

Data presented in a previous paper pointed to the necessity for improving the overall sensitivity of the psychological screening program. The present report indicates possibilities for such an improvement without changing the screening methods. A comparison of the primary data of the true positives, the false positives and all the negatives (non-referred) revealed the necessity of more stringent referral criteria. It is predicted that the systematic application these criteria would result in an increase in the rate of true positives form 2.8 to 4.8% of the screened population. In addition a strategy aiming at a reduction of the costs without deteriorating the effectiveness and based on a differential application of the various elements of the screening program is presented.

Child Behavior Disorders↗

PubMed1997

Is smoking in pregnancy interrelated between generations?

In order to compare pregnancy smoking habits in two generations, data on first generation deliveries in 1964-67 were obtained from prospective questionnaires. By record linkage with the Swedish Medical Birth Registry, data on daughters giving second generation births (n = 1659) were obtained, including prospective smoking information. The catchment area was that of Helsingborg County Hospital (population 145,000). Second generation births until December 31, 1993 were identified in all of Sweden. The odds ratio of maternal smoking in the first generation for pregnancy smoking among the daughters was significantly increased and approximately doubled. Adjustment for confounders was made using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Similar odds ratios remained after stratification either for a social environment index of the first generation or the educational level of the second generation. Thus, our data suggest a biological association between pregnancy smoking habits over generations. Research on causative mechanisms could help design more efficient intervention programs. In a separate analysis of two parturient cohorts in Helsingborg 30 y apart, we found that the prevalence of maternal smoking had decreased comparatively more among younger than older women.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Data labeling and sampling effects in harmonics-to-noise ratios.

The harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) was proposed for measurement of noise in sustained vowels. A generalized algorithm is described here for removing the dependence on the data offset and for reducing the influence of jitter and shimmer. In addition, a new algorithm is proposed that accommodates periodic perturbations. Formulations are presented that can be computed in a single pass through the data under certain assumptions, thus simplifying the implementation of an efficient analysis program. A mathematical analysis of the effect of small errors in pitch-period demarcation is presented. The analysis indicates that the sensitivity to demarcation errors depends on the preponderance of high-frequency components, and significant underestimation is predicted for /a/ and /i/ data. A method for correcting quantization and demarcation errors in pitch-period markers is described. The method is shown to be effective at reducing demarcation errors for all but the most severely perturbed waveforms. Examples of the use of this method for HNR estimation are provided. Finally, a comparison with recent work by Milenkovic [J. Speech Hear. Res. 30, 529-538 (1987)] is presented.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1997

Classification by multiple-resolution statistical analysis with application to automated recognition of marine mammal sounds.

A multiple-resolution statistical pattern recognition technique for classification by supervised learning is developed and then applied to automated recognition of marine mammal sounds. The data to be classified may be either unprocessed or transformed, e.g., time series or time-frequency distributions of acoustic transients. Training data consist of samples previously grouped by a human expert into labeled sets; these sets are presumed to be associated with different "classes." The labeled sets are then characterized by occupancy statistics associated with a multiple-resolution, binary partition of the (unreduced) sample space. Classification of a new sample is performed by calculating a posteriori probabilities of membership of the new sample in each class, computed by Bayesian inference from the occupancy statistics of the associated labeled set. These a posteriori probabilities are calculated by a recursive algorithm that progresses from coarse to fine resolution in the sample space. The algorithm is implemented in a simple, highly efficient computer program. Automated classification of both time series and time-frequency distributions of marine-mammal vocalizations is demonstrated using a small number of labeled samples (approximately ten samples per class).

Algorithms↗

PubMed1997

Phylogenetic methods come of age: testing hypotheses in an evolutionary context.

The use of molecular phylogenies to examine evolutionary questions has become commonplace with the automation of DNA sequencing and the availability of efficient computer programs to perform phylogenetic analyses. The application of computer simulation and likelihood ratio tests to evolutionary hypotheses represents a recent methodological development in this field. Likelihood ratio tests have enabled biologists to address many questions in evolutionary biology that have been difficult to resolve in the past, such as whether host-parasite systems are cospeciating and whether models of DNA substitution adequately explain observed sequences.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Fractal geometry: a design principle for living organisms.

Fractal geometry allows structures to be quantitatively characterized in geometric terms even if their form is not even or regular, because fractal geometry deals with the geometry of hierarchies and random processes. The hypothesis is explored that fractal geometry serves as a design principle in biological organisms. The internal membrane surface of cells, or the inner lung surface, are difficult to describe in terms of classical geometry, but they are found to show properties describable by fractal geometry, at least sectionwise and within certain bounds set by deterministic design properties. Concepts of fractal geometry are most useful in characterizing the structure of branching trees, such as those found in pulmonary airways and in blood vessels. This explains how the large internal gas exchange surface of the lung can be homogeneously and efficiently ventilated and perfused at low energetic cost. It is concluded that to consider fractal geometry as a biological design principle is heuristically most productive and provides insights into possibilities of efficient genetic programming of biological form.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Hepatitis delta virus infection: molecular biology and treatment.

Hepatitis delta virus is a defective human infectious agent which causes severe hepatic damage in hepatitis B virus-infected patients. Although prophylactic steps and the development, in certain countries, of efficient vaccination programs against hepatitis B virus have led to a diminution of the incidence rate of this disease, hepatitis D is still an important health problem. Hepatitis D infection is therefore associated with a worse clinical evolution than hepatitis B infection alone. On the other hand, the different therapeutic strategies being assayed at present including the use of interferon, have shown to be inefficient in the treatment of this disease. In this article, different aspects of the molecular biology and natural history of the infection, specially focused on those unknown aspects of this virus, are discussed. Finally, we have included a revision of the current state of hepatitis D treatment, as well as a comment of the new experimental strategies, like the use of antisense probes and trans-ribozyme activities.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Multidisciplinary evaluation of diabetic impotence.

Patients referring to the Urology and/or Endocrinology Departments of Ankara Medical School with complaints of diabetes mellitus (DM) and related complications were evaluated during the last year. A detailed history was obtained and all of the patients were questioned especially about sexual function problems. Following this evaluation, all patients were divided into two main groups, i.e. patients with sexual disorders, and those with normal sexual function. Factors such as BPH, cerebrosclerosis and other important vascular-neurologic pathologies which may play a role in the etiology of impotence were excluded from the study and 38 patients with sexual dysfunction and 15 with normal sexual activities have undergone further evaluation. Following routine blood and urine analyses, serum hormone levels (testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin) were determined. Penile color-flow doppler analysis, cavernosometry, cavernosography, bulbocavernous reflex latency time and evaluation of somatosensory evoked potentials were performed. Additionally, all patients were evaluated from the psychiatric aspect using the Hamilton depression scale and MMPI questionnaire. The presence of vascular or neurologic pathology in 89.4% of our patients and of both pathologies in 39.4% of the patients, indicated the importance of multifactorial evaluation of diabetic impotence in order to plan a complete and efficient therapy program.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

Mental health expenditures in California counties.

In 1957 California began placing responsibility for public mental health services on county programs still vary widely in emphasis and size. The authors explored determinants of counties' unequal program developments using per capita expenditures as the measure of county services. Sociodemographic variables that help explain states' social program expenditures correlate weakly or not at all with county mental health expenditures. The most powerful predictor of these expenditures is number of psychiatrists per 10,000 population. Equal per capita expenditures, however, are not a reasonable goal; these can mask wide variations in program content, efficiency, and quality of care.

California↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Muscular control of the ankle in running.

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the muscle firing patterns of the muscles controlling the ankle during running. Fine-wire electrodes monitored the activity of the gastrocnemius, soleus, peroneus brevis, tibialis posterior, and tibialis anterior muscles during 3 paces of running. High-speed film was used to synchronize the electromyographic data with the phases of running. The subjects were 15 recreational and competitive runners who were injury-free. There were 3 significant findings. First, the firing patterns of all of the posterior muscles demonstrated peak activity during midstance phase. Thus, these muscles were contracting in an eccentric fashion to control ankle dorsiflexion as the center of gravity passed over the ankle. Second, the tibialis anterior muscle fired above the fatigue threshold for 85% of the time. This may account for the high number of fatigue-related injuries to the tibialis anterior muscle seen in runners. Third, there was a significant increase of activity in the peroneus brevis muscle as the pace increased. This indicates the importance of training this muscle when pace is increased. Using this information, a sport-specific effective and efficient exercise program for runners can be developed.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Prospective budgeting for home care: making titration work.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a model for prospective budgeting for home care that is plausible, coherent, flexible, and sufficiently tractable that it can serve as a template for practical decision making and to clarify what would be the data requirements and statistical framework to calibrate the model. METHODS: Methods used are standard risk-neutral expected value theory, cost benefit analysis, and the conditional logistic probability model. RESULTS: A simple but effective prospective budgeting model that provides analytic scaffolding for a practical decision support system for home care case managers, consultants, and program evaluators that can improve program equity, efficiency, and effectiveness. DISCUSSION: The author criticizes the well-known Titration Budgeting Model of Weissert, Chernew, and Hirth in terms of its logical and operational problems but then goes on to develop a framework within which the goals of the titration model can be met and home care resources can be more efficiently allocated.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

5-Hydroxytryptamine drives apoptosis in biopsylike Burkitt lymphoma cells: reversal by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Serotonin (5-HT), a well-known neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, has been implicated in diverse aspects of immune regulation. Here we show that 5-HT can efficiently drive programmed cell death in established Burkitt lymphoma (BL) lines that remain faithful to the original biopsy phenotype (group 1). Group 1 BL cells cultured in the presence of 5-HT exhibited marked suppression of DNA synthesis that was accompanied by extensive apoptosis-serotonin-driven apoptosis was complete within 24 hours, was preceded by early caspase activation, and was accompanied by a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential. BL cells that had drifted to a lymphoblastic group 3 phenotype were relatively resistant to these actions of serotonin, and the forced ectopic expression of either bcl-2 or bcl-x(L) provided substantial protection from 5-HT-induced apoptosis. 5-HT receptor antagonists (SDZ205-557, granisetron, methysergide) failed to inhibit serotonin-induced apoptosis, whereas the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)-fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa)-substantially blocked the monoamine actions. Western blot analysis showed that BL cells expressed protein for the 5-HT transporter, and transport assays confirmed active uptake of serotonin by the cells. Unlike what was suggested for neuronal cells, there was no evidence that intracellular oxidative metabolites were responsible for the 5-HT-induced programmed death of BL cells. These data indicate that serotonin drives apoptosis in biopsylike BL cells after its entry through an active transport mechanism, and they suggest a novel therapeutic modality for Burkitt lymphoma.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2004

[Susceptibility of Aedes aegypti larvae to the insecticide temephos in the Federal District, Brazil].

OBJECTIVE: To study the susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti to the organophosphate insecticide temephos. METHODS: Samples of Ae. aegypti larvae were obtained, using ovitraps, from eight cities of the Federal District, central Brazil, in 2000 and 2001. Larvae were submitted to the diagnostic dose of 0.012 mg/l temephos, as recommended by standard World Health Organization methodology. Field populations were tested in parallel with reference strains Rockefeller and DIVAL, from the Environmental Surveillance Directory (DIVAL) insectary. The concentration and purity of temephos solutions were verified by gas chromatography. Correlation calculations were performed using StatView - SAS Institute Inc., version 5. Student's t test was used for detecting differences in susceptibility, with significance levels of alpha=0.05. RESULTS: In 2000, Ae. aegypti larvae populations from Taguatinga, Guara, and Nucleo Bandeirante showed resistance to temephos, with mortality ranging from 54.1 to 63.4%. The populations from Gama, Planaltina, and Sobradinho showed altered levels of susceptibility (mortality ranging from 83.6 to 92.8%). The population from Ceilandia was the only susceptible one, with 98% mortality. In 2001, all populations tested were resistant (44.4 to 66.4% mortality). No significant correlation was found between the susceptibility of populations and the distance between the cities of origin, or the amount of insecticide applied in the years preceding the study. CONCLUSIONS: Ae. aegypti susceptibility to temephos is changing in the Federal District. It is essential to continue monitoring the resistance of this vector to insecticides in order to ensure the efficiency of programs aimed at vector control and at the protection of human health.

Aedes↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Update on Chagas' disease in Mexico.

Chagas' disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, represents a major public health problem in most of the American continent. As transmission of the parasite is being interrupted in most of South America, the disease remains endemic in various areas of Mexico. We review here some of the information gathered in recent years. Seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection in humans remains relatively high in some areas, and there has been a general increase in the number of chronic cases reported to health authorities in recent years. In fact, chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy appears to be affecting a large number of patients with heart disease, but many cases may be misreported because of the unspecific nature of the clinical symptoms. Epidemiological monitoring of vector and reservoir populations, as well as of human cases is helping focus on endemic areas, but a better coordination and development of these efforts is still needed. Recent studies of parasite biology are in agreement with previous work showing the great diversity of parasite characteristics, and support the need for a regional approach to this zoonosis. Strong and continuing support from health and academic authorities is thus still needed to further improve our understanding of Chagas' disease in Mexico and implement efficient control programs.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2004

[Description and analysis of "embracement": a contribution to the family health program].

The humanist and efficient healthcare required by the Family Health Program makes the "embracement" essential. This study aimed to identify how the "embracement" was developed at Family Healthcare Services in Sao Paulo, SP. Brazil. The authors observed several "embracement" links and interviewed healthcare professionals. The results pointed out the clinical and biological focuses of the "embracement". They also showed that "embracement" resolution is limited and does not entail bounding. To make the healthcare services more accessible, according to the proposal of the National Health System, the theoretical and practical perspectives of the "embracement" must be reviewed.

Brazil↗

PubMed1983

Maximizing the impact of dairy and beef bulls through breeding technology.

Both biological and monetary considerations influence adoption of new breeding technologies. Therefore, genetic, reproductive, and economic factors that determine productivity of dairy and beef operations are reviewed. Improved sire evaluation programs, more efficient artificial insemination, and effective natural service are discussed and related to the present and future impact of dairy and beef bulls. Potential benefits of heterosis, artificial control of reproduction, improved bull management, computers, and multidiscipline research also are suggested. The dramatic impact of artificial insemination on genetic improvement and profitability of most commercial dairy herds is outlined. The uncertain expansion of beef artificial insemination is examined. Comparisons of dairy and beef industries indicate that expectation of similar results from the same animal breeding technologies are unwarranted. Dairy artificial insemination is and should continue to be economically feasible for commercial operations. Commercial beef producers will use little artificial insemination and rely on natural service bulls until precise human control of conception in the bovine is cost effective.

Animal Husbandry↗

PubMed1992

Milk composition of Majaheim camels.

To determine composition, milk samples were obtained at random from camels at two camel rearing areas near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Proximate analyses indicated 3.15% fat, 2.81% protein, 4.16% lactose, 10.95% total solids, .15% acidity, .83% ash, and 88.33% water. Mineral composition was (milligrams per gram) 30.03, Ca; 72.48, K; 43.10, Na; .28, Fe; .18, Pb; and 4.50, Mg. Results should contribute to the overall knowledge of camels as a food source, but much still needs to be learned if efficient improvement programs are to be initiated.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Review: dairy cattle reproductive physiology research and management--past progress and future prospects.

Artificial insemination developed as the solution for two important problems in the dairy cattle industry during the past 50 yr: 1) the need for genetic improvement and 2) the elimination of costly venereal diseases. Cooperation among researchers, extension workers, veterinarians, dairy producers, and emerging AI organizations in pooling their expertise, was instrumental to the remarkably rapid development of AI. The cooperation of universities, government, and producers to fund teams of reproductive specialists to collaborate and transfer findings quickly to potential users was a major component of this successful venture. Money invested in these experiments was estimated to have returned about $100 for each $1 invested. Successful freezing of sperm led to the development of the field of cryobiology, and AI paved the way for embryo transfer. The development of ultrasound equipment; various types of rapid hormone assays; prostaglandins, progestogens, and GnRH; and computerization made possible various alternative management plans for controlling reproduction. Multidisciplinary, multigeographical teams that gather basic needed information have the potential for making excellent progress. As herd size increases, new programs for efficient reproductive management and for identifying needed research through computer modeling are a must. Sexed embryos from elite cows and bulls will be used selectively. When embryonic stem cell technology becomes practical, it will revolutionize cattle breeding.

Animals↗