Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Postal Service”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 541 records · Page 30Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Minimizing respondent attrition in longitudinal research: practical implications from a cohort study of adolescent drinking.

The methods used to maximize retention in a longitudinal study of adolescent drinking are discussed. Data were collected at three time points: at recruitment to the study, after nine months and at 18 months. Strategies to minimize attrition included the collection of detailed contact information, incentives for participation, postcard and telephone reminders and telephone interviews. Ninety-six percent of the original sample completed the first follow-up questionnaire, 92% completed the second and the study lost contact with just 3% of participants. The success of the current project is notable as this type of population is notoriously difficult to retain in longitudinal studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Rapid apolipoprotein E genotyping from mailed buccal swabs.

Genetic polymorphism of apolipoprotein E (apoE) is linked with the risk of cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We determined apoE genotypes from mailed buccal cell swabs in 36 healthy individuals and 18 demented patients suffering from AD. DNA was released from the swabs by a rapid lysis technique. Polymerase chain reaction using 'hot start' and restriction enzyme digestion by HhaI was used for genotyping of apoE alleles, which were detected by polyacrylamide or MetaPhor agarose gel. ApoE genotypes determined from buccal cells or from stored leucocytes were identical to previously done phenotyping. An advantage of the present simplified buccal cell collection procedure is the possibility to collect DNA samples for apoE genotyping rapidly by mail from patients visiting their physician geographically distant from research laboratory. Moreover, venepuncture and storing of the samples in refrigerators are avoided and costs are reduced. This non-invasive and painless method is also applicable to other genetic screening tests in risk populations.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Repeatability and validity of a combined mail and telephone questionnaire on demographics, diet, exercise and health status in an insured-dog population.

The validity and repeatability of a telephone questionnaire on demographics, diet, living patterns, exercise and health status in a well-defined dog population was assessed. Randomly selected dogs aged 1-3 years in the largest animal-insurance database of Sweden were included in the study. The repeatability was measured by doing two identical interviews with 64 dog owners on average 39 (S.D. 17) days apart. The overall response percentage was 66% (64/97). The repeatabilities for demographic data were excellent (r(sp) 0.82-1.00), and dietary intake and feeding patterns correlated well between interviews (r(sp) 0.66-0.99, kappa 0.57-0.95). However, correlations for the frequency and daily intake of specific table foods had a wide range (r(sp) 0.06-0.97). The energy and specific nutrient intakes had high repeatabilities (r(sp) 0.72-0.79). Dog owners were quite consistent in reporting living patterns, exercise and dog-training activities (r(sp) 0.65-0.94, kappa 0.43-0.88), except for number of walks per day (r(sp) 0.50). The repeatabilities also were excellent for the evaluation of health status (r(sp) 0.78-0.99, kappa 0.81-1.00). The questionnaire also was compared to a 7-day weighed record of total food intake and registration of exercise to give data on the validity. The questionnaire was given 62 (S.D. 19) days before the weighed registrations, and the overall response percentage was 76% (58/76). Correlations for the frequency and amount of commercial feeds given were high (0.81-0.92), although correlations for specific table foods had a wider range (0.03-0.81). Correlations for total energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate intakes were between 0.80 and 0.85 in the total diet, and 0.79-0.85 in the commercial part of the diet. The correlations for frequency and amount of exercise ranged between 0.50 and 0.77. Corresponding correlations for training activities (such as hunting, tracking, and obedience) were 0.51-0.68.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

External audits of electron beams using mailed TLD dosimetry: preliminary results.

AIM: A feasibility study has been performed to investigate the possibility of using mailed thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) for external audits of clinical electron beams in Europe. METHODS: In the frame of the EC Network Project for Quality Assurance in Radiotherapy, instruction sheets and mailing procedures have been defined for mailed TLD dosimetry using the dedicated holder developed by a panel of experts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Three hundred and thirty electron beam set-ups have been checked in the reference centres and some local centres of the EC Network Project and in addition through the centres participating to the EORTC Radiotherapy Group trial 22922. RESULTS: The mean ratio of measured dose to stated dose is 0.2% and the standard deviation of measured dose to stated dose is 3.2%. In seven beam set-ups, deviations greater than 10% were observed (max. 66%), showing the usefulness of these checks. CONCLUSION: The results of this feasibility study (instruction sheets, mailing procedures, holder) are presently endorsed by the EQUAL-ESTRO structure in order to offer in the future to all ESTRO members the possibility to request external audits of clinical electron beams.

Cobalt Radioisotopes↗