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Out-of-hospital resuscitation research: rationale and strategies for controlled clinical trials.

There is no better place to test life-saving resuscitation interventions than in the prehospital setting. Patients rarely survive cardiac arrest if resuscitation techniques have failed before leaving the scene. Also, paramedics are usually very experienced in key initial resuscitative techniques, and they routinely operate under strict paramilitary protocol, resulting in better study compliance. In addition, the large study populations that are derived from emergency medical services (EMS) systems lead to faster study completion and statistically stronger data. Most important, by reinforcing standardized care, rigidly scrutinized trials improve patient care, regardless of the effect of the study intervention. The success of productive EMS research centers requires routine communication between hospital and EMS administrators and their medical directors, designation of mutually acceptable data collectors who guarantee confidentiality, reciprocal exchange of study data provided as educational seminars to the hospitals, commitments to support the budget requests of an EMS program and appropriate system modifications, inclusion of EMS personnel in study design from the very beginning, prospective education of the medical community and media before protocol implementation, an authoritative grassroots medical director, and a paramedic supervisor system.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Optimization of foot-and-mouth disease vaccination protocols by surveillance of neutralization antibodies.

An appropriate immunization program for pigs in a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) endemic area was proposed based on data analysis obtained from serological surveillance in Taiwan, after an intensive vaccination program. To provide an adequate passive immunity for piglets, gilts that have completed two basic vaccinations must be boosted once before breeding. To achieve an efficient response to the FMD vaccine for piglets born to well vaccinated sows, vaccination need to be delayed until 10-12 weeks of ages for the first immunization, followed by a boost 4 weeks later.

Animals↗

Three-dimensional kinematics and trunk muscle myoelectric activity in the elderly spine - a database compared to young people.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a database of lumbar spine kinematics and muscle activation profiles for a healthy elderly population. DESIGN: Spine motion parameters and muscle activation profiles of the elderly were identified and quantified in part by comparison with an existing database of younger people. BACKGROUND: Databases are often used as a benchmark to establish what is "normal", or for developing appropriate exercise programs or diagnostic methodologies. METHODS: Twelve people (average age 69 yr) performed full range of motion movements about the flexion, lateral bending and axial twist axes of the lumbar spine. Fourteen torso muscles (7 per side) were monitored with electromyographic electrodes and the signals normalized to maximum voluntary efforts. RESULTS: The elderly were slower moving, and had a reduced range of motion in full flexion and lateral bend but not in axial twist. Furthermore there was more coupled motion evident in the twisting efforts of the elderly. Abdominal muscles appeared to become more active, earlier in the lateral bending movement. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of motion is normal with age together with subtle changes in the way the spine moves and groups of muscles are recruited around the torso. RELEVANCE: Quantification of "normal" changes associated with aging will enable clinicians and scientists to distinguish normal changes from pathology.

Aged↗

The Behavior Management Flow Chart: a component analysis of behavior management strategies.

Representative published child behavior management research was reviewed. Based upon the review, a task analysis of child behavior management strategies was conducted. The Behavior Management Flow Chart is a flow chart of the task analysis that synthesizes the research into a cohesive unit and visually depicts actions that adults may be trained to use to manage misbehavior displayed by disruptive children. A discussion compares and contrasts the Behavior Management Flow Chart with Hanf-model behavior management programs, the appropriate unit of analysis is examined, and concerns regarding integrating a wide range of research variables into a unitary model are addressed.

Adult↗

Physiological effects of exercise on the cardiopulmonary system.

The cardiopulmonary adaptations made to dynamic and static exercise show the amazing ability of the human body to alter physiological processes in order to meet metabolic demands. A remarkable partnership that allows individuals to maximize their abilities and obtain goals exists between the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. The adaptations of the cardiopulmonary system depend heavily on the intensity, duration, frequency, and type of exercise being performed. Although most of this article examined dynamic and static exercise separately, the majority of individuals train using a combination of these two modes. The overall adaptations will vary with the chosen degree of each exercise mode. An appropriate exercise program allows for improvements in the cardiopulmonary system that help develop and maintain fitness levels.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

[Multicenter prospective study of respiratory patient education and instruction in the use of inhalers (EDEN study)].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate patients' knowledge of the inhalers they use and to assess the effect of knowledge acquired in an instruction session on correct technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multicentric, prospective, descriptive study before and after one instruction session dealing with the technique to apply in using an inhaler: a pressurized canister, an inhalation chamber Autohaler, or one of two dry powder inhalers (the Turbuhaler or the Accuhaler). We studied 349 patients who used their inhalers regularly to treat their respiratory diseases. After assessing their theoretical knowledge of the airways (common), of the particular device they used, and their inhalation technique, we gave instruction in correct technique. Both types of knowledge were then evaluated 2 and 8 months after instruction. RESULTS: Before instruction, common theoretical knowledge was 3.2 (1) on a 6-point scale and knowledge of the device used was 2.7(1) on a 4-point scale. Technique was assessed as 77 (21) on a 100-point scale. After instruction both theoretical knowledge and technique improved significantly. Common knowledge after instruction was assessed as 5.1 (1) at 2 months and 5.2 (1) at 8 months; knowledge of the inhaler was 3.5 (0.6) and 3.6 (0.7), respectively. Technique was assessed at 95 (11) and 96 (11) at 2 and 8 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The EDEN study demonstrates that knowledge of inhalers in a large sample of the population of respiratory disease patients in Spain, although acceptable, can be improved by an appropriate instruction program. After a standardized instruction program, correct use of all the inhalers studied was achieved. We believe that we thereby contribute to improving symptoms and quality of life of respiratory disease patients.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Trends in cannabis use and its determinants among teenagers in the French-speaking community of Belgium.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis consumption among teenagers has undergone dramatic changes in Europe since the beginning of the 1990s. A number of behaviors associated with cannabis consumption, such as tobacco smoking, excessive drinking and truancy are developing too, each in their own way. METHODS: To assess the evolution over time of the various types of cannabis consumption (both ever and weekly consumption) in relation to these determinants (age, sex, studies chosen, truancy, tobacco smoking and recurrent intoxication), we have analyzed the cross-sectional study on Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children in the French-speaking Belgian Community (12-17 years) since 1994. We used logistic models to analyze the evolution of the various types of cannabis consumption and to identify the associated factors. Finally, in order to demonstrate time trends, we tested for each type of consumption in the interactions between the significant predictive variables in each model and the survey year (1994-1998-2000). RESULTS: Rates of ever use, past 30-day use and weekly use among the ever users have been increasing from 1994 to 2002 and reached, respectively, 22.0%, 11.6%, 6.8% and 32.9%. Cannabis ever use rose more noticeably among the general education students (adjusted OR (95%CI)): 3.08 (2.66-3.57) and among the truants: 4.57 (3.39-6.14). Weekly cannabis smoking rose most especially among the truants: 1.92 (1.34-2.78). CONCLUSION: Truants should constitute a priority target for the prevention of cannabis consumption, while the phenomenon of truancy must be moreover examined in depth in order to more thoroughly identify the appropriate prevention programs organized both in and outside of the school environment.

Adolescent↗

Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs for elderly cardiac patients.

The utility of cardiac rehabilitation for elderly cardiac patients is controversial, and cost, logistic barriers, and encumbering comorbidities often seem disproportionate. Many clinicians view the emphasis of cardiac rehabilitation on behavior modification and risk-factor reduction as irrelevant for very old adults and consider pure exercise programs as appropriate alternatives. The strong rationale for cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention is elucidated, and available corroborating data are presented. The benefits of exercise prescription in cardiac rehabilitation and synchronized risk-factor reduction are pertinent to aging and age-related heart disease, including coronary heart disease and heart failure.

Age Factors↗

Risks for abuse against pregnant Hispanic women: Morelos, Mexico and Los Angeles County, California.

BACKGROUND: Although violence against women is gaining international attention as a prevention priority, little is known about how risks differ across countries. METHODS: A comparative study of violence against pregnant Mexican women in Morelos, Mexico, and Latina women in Los Angeles County, California, United States. In 1998 and 1999, women in prenatal clinics were interviewed about psychological abuse and sexual and physical violence by their partner, during and the 1 year prior to the index pregnancy. The overall response rate for Morelos was 99%, with a sample size of 914; Los Angeles County had a response rate of 96.9%, with a sample size of 219. RESULTS: Women in Morelos reported a higher prevalence of violence compared to women in the California (14.8% v 11.9%, respectively). A partner aged <20 years was associated with increased violence in both countries, but the association of violence with other socioeconomic factors differed by country. For example, employed women had higher odds of violence in California but lower odds in Morelos. Women who experienced violence during both the year prior to pregnancy and as a child were more than 25 times more likely to be abused during pregnancy than women not reporting this type of abuse. CONCLUSION: The identification of factors associated with violence against women, especially as they differ by culture and ethnicity, will help clinicians to better identify victims and to design and implement culturally appropriate prevention programs.

Adult↗

Arthroscopy of the shoulder in the management of partial tears of the rotator cuff: a preliminary report.

Thirty-six patients with partial tears of the supraspinatus portion of the rotator cuff underwent arthroscopic examination and debridement of the lesion. All patients, whose average age was 22 years, were involved in competitive athletics; 64% were baseball pitchers. The average duration of symptoms prior to arthroscopy was 12 months. The most common presenting complaint was pain felt in the shoulder during overhead activities. Associated pathology included tears of the glenoid labrum and partial tearing or tendinitis of the long head of the biceps tendon. Of the 34 patients available for follow-up, 26 (76%) had excellent results, three (9%) had good results, and five (15%) had poor results. Eighty-five percent of the patients returned satisfactorily to their preoperative athletic activity. Our preliminary experience with arthroscopy of the shoulder in the management of patients with partial rotator cuff tears is encouraging. Not only can a partial rotator cuff tear be debrided to initiate a healing response, but a definitive diagnosis can also be made and associated pathology identified, permitting the establishment of an appropriate rehabilitation program.

Adolescent↗

Meniscus repair rehabilitation with concurrent anterior cruciate reconstruction.

Meniscal repair is preferable to meniscectomy because of the recognized benefits of the meniscus and the consequences of its loss. The most appropriate rehabilitation program after meniscus repair is unclear. Many meniscus repairs occur in association with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. An accelerated program permitting early full weight bearing, unrestricted motion, and no limitations on pivoting sports after the resolution of the postoperative effusion and full motion is established encourages patients and surgeon acceptance of the meniscus repair. To evaluate the success of meniscus repair in this accelerated rehabilitation program, a consecutive series of 63 patients with 65 meniscus tears undergoing arthroscopic meniscus repair were followed for a minimum of 2 years. There were seven failures (11%) at an average follow up of 38 months. The average patient age was 26 (range, 13 to 44). Arthroscopic relooks were done in 26%. Successful meniscal healing occurred in 92% of repairs done with ACL reconstructions, but only 67% of meniscus repairs performed in ACL-deficient knees, and 67% of meniscus repairs done in stable knees with no ACL injury. There was no statistical difference in the failures for acute and chronic meniscus tears, nor in the age of the patient undergoing the meniscal repair. Published rehabilitation protocols differ considerably on the three main issues of immobilization, weight bearing, and return to pivoting sports. These data show a meniscus repair success rate consistent with other published series. No modification of an ACL reconstruction accelerated rehabilitation program is needed for meniscus repairs performed in conjunction with the reconstruction.

Adult↗

[Epidemiology of severe cranial injuries].

Head injuries (HI) are one of the most common causes of death, morbidity and disabilities in young adults. Epidemiological studies allow a quantitative estimation in terms of incidence and a qualitative estimate for the identification of risk factors in specific populations. These estimates may enable appropriate prevention programs. Estimates of annual incidence rates depend on territories, periods and methodological tools. Annual rates for hospitalized patients are found between 150 and 300/100,000 inhabitants. Severity of HI can be assessed by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) or the Post-Traumatic Amnesia duration. Annual incidences of severe HI will depend on the selected score: around 25/100,000 inhabitants for cerebral trauma with intracranial injuries, around 9/100,000 for the most severe HI, with an AIS maximum of 5 with coma. The male:female ratio increases with degree of severity. Traffic accidents were the most frequent cause of HI. Many patients have associated injuries, worsening the outcome. Some risk factors are considered. Preventive measures are mainly conducted for traffic accidents, and include speed limit and regulations on helmet or seat belt use. Results of these measures are analysed.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Maximizing therapist effectiveness with geriatric hand patients.

The "graying of America" is resulting in higher proportions of older persons utilizing the health care system. Current trends indicate that the geriatric population represents a growing portion of the hand therapy patient population. Appreciating the unique needs of the geriatric hand patient and developing an appropriate treatment program require special interventions that may seem unappealing due to the likelihood of prolonged initial treatment time. However, such steps can strongly enhance therapist effectiveness, patient compliance, and ultimate outcome. The purposes of this paper are: (1) to address frustrations that may be encountered in the treatment of some elderly hand patients; (2) to introduce the reader to the phenomenon of age bias; (3) to present a well-accepted and effective assessment tool of memory, orientation, and ability to follow commands as these competencies pertain to hand therapy; (4) to address concepts in the gerontology literature that can be applied clinically as treatment guidelines to boost treatment effectiveness; and, finally, (5) to suggest communication techniques to use with the elderly hand patient. Maximizing therapist effectiveness with geriatric hand patients will serve to reinforce the dignity and value of this unique population.

Aged↗

Repetitive use and static postures: a source of nerve compression and pain.

Nerve compression or musculoskeletal diagnoses require consideration of both the repetitive movements and static postures that may be contributing to the problem. Certain postures and positions assumed at home, at work, and during sleep will have three major influences: (1) directly increasing pressure on nerves at entrapment sites; (2) placing muscles in shortened positions so that adaptive muscle shortening may then secondarily compress nerves; and (3) placing some muscles in elongated and weakened positions, resulting in other muscles being over-used, thus creating the cycle of muscle imbalance. Successful management of the patient with upper extremity pain, paresthesia, and numbness should begin with initial identification of all sites that are contributing to the presenting symptoms. Treatment must then be directed toward the sources of nerve compression and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Upper quadrant symptomatology can be alleviated with an appropriate therapy program, even in the patient with chronic symptoms, but only with patient education, compliance with an exercise program, and behavioral modification at home, work, and during sleep.

Arm↗

Treating multiple-risk hypertensive populations.

The majority of patients with hypertension have one or more additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In planning an appropriate treatment program, it is useful to identify and stratify hypertensive patients according to their risk of developing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or renal disease. At particular risk are the elderly, patients with diabetes, and those with target-organ damage manifested by impaired renal function. Evidence supports increased risk in these patients, and clinical trial results demonstrate the considerable benefits realized through aggressive blood pressure (BP) control. The number of elderly individuals continues to increase in the United States and other industrialized countries. The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is higher in the elderly than in younger individuals. ISH is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and should not be considered a physiologic manifestation of the normal aging process. Type 2 diabetes is also increasing in prevalence. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, renal failure, and other cardiovascular complications. Aggressive treatment of elevated BP can produce dramatic decreases in the cardiovascular complications of diabetes. The incidence of end-stage renal disease has increased 2.5-fold in the past two decades, and poorly controlled BP is a major contributor to the increase. Lowering BP to levels well below the traditional goal of 140/90 mm Hg is needed to slow the progression of renal dysfunction and prevent renal failure in hypertensive patients with renal disease, whether related to diabetes or to another etiology. Aggressive treatment of hypertension in multiple-risk populations (to the goals of JNC VI and the recent WHO-ISH Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension) can be expected to produce significant reductions in the incidence and prevalence of stroke, heart failure, coronary heart disease, chronic renal failure, and total cardiovascular mortality.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

Lives renewed: the emergence of a breast cancer survivor movement in Ukraine.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Ukraine. In addition to the physical toll that breast cancer takes, the psychological and emotional needs of women diagnosed with the disease are great but rarely addressed. Since 1997, with initial technical assistance from the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), a nascent breast cancer survivor movement has emerged in Ukraine, which aims to challenge societal stigmatization of the disease. As of mid-2001, survivor groups have been formed in 15 cities, representing 12 of the country's 25 provinces, and groups in eight cities have begun implementing Peer Support Volunteer programmes through which survivors provide information and emotional support to newly diagnosed women in hospital. Survivors also are playing an important role in raising public awareness about the disease through public events, outreach activities and the media. The groups have also forged alliances with key medical professionals specialising in cancer care, both to educate them about the potential role that survivors' groups can play in assisting patients, as well as to enlist their active support for these efforts. Solidifying the groups' organisational structures and strengthening their management and fundraising skills have been vital to success.

Awareness↗

Alcohol use and abuse by adolescents: the impact of living in a border community.

PURPOSE: To determine the rates of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related risk behaviors among a sample of high school students living on the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as to investigate factors associated with alcohol use among this population. METHODS: A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was administered to students in grades 9-12 during Fall and Spring semesters of 2001 (n = 1366; 639 males and 722 females) in 16 high schools in a community along the U.S.-Mexico border. The questionnaire addressed demographic factors, alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related behaviors. Surveys were completed by Chi-square tests for homogeneity of the odds ratio and logistic regression models were used to identify factors significantly associated with the outcome variables. RESULTS: Rates of binge drinking (45%), drinking and driving (19%), and riding with a driver who had been drinking (46%) were higher for our study population when compared with state and national rates. Students who consumed alcohol were more likely to report alcohol-related problems and lower academic grades. Drinking while in Mexico was significantly associated with binge drinking (OR = 6.44), drinking and driving (OR = 5.39), and riding with a driver who has been drinking (OR = 3.12). CONCLUSIONS: The high rates of alcohol risk behaviors among students living on the U.S.-Mexico border underscore the need to develop and implement culturally appropriate prevention programs that address alcohol consumption in Mexico, particularly in terms of students driving back home.

Adolescent↗

Partnering with physicians to achieve quality improvement.

BACKGROUND: The Maine Medical Assessment Foundation (MMAF) has successfully involved hundreds of Maine physicians in study groups to analyze data on small-area variation and assess physician decision-making patterns. In 1991 the MMAF model was replicated across a tri-state area (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont) in an effort called the Outcomes Dissemination Project, which is funded by a five-year grant from the U.S. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. THE OUTCOMES DISSEMINATION PROJECT: Five specialty study groups, each meeting three times a year, examine local and national utilization data, examine guidelines and research findings, participate in outcomes studies and patient education, and disseminate their findings through specialty society presentations and other feedback efforts. The MMAF study group process is based on the beliefs that medicine is a subculture with a complex set of professional values, beliefs, socialization processes, and norms, and that quality improvement efforts work best when they are nonpunitive and educational. ISSUES IN OBTAINING PHYSICIAN INVOLVEMENT: (1) Physicians are willing to change their practices if they are brought into a culturally appropriate improvement program. (2) Related specialties (for example, internists and family practitioners) can often work together effectively on issues of common interest. (3) Involving respected clinical leaders has helped establish the legitimacy of MMAF methods among physicians. (4) Area- and physician-specific data are not made public, so as to build a sense of confidentiality among participants. CONCLUSIONS: The project continues to function as a powerful education process and serves as a model for replication elsewhere.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗