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At least 649 records · Page 36Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

The first European simulation of a long-duration manned space mission.

Europe's space flight ambitions will involve long-duration manned space missions in the next century. This objective has given rise to several studies being undertaken in "space-analogous" environments during the last few years. The first wholly space-oriented manned simulation study undertaken in Europe took place during 1990. It involved a crew of six isolated for 4 weeks in a hyperbaric chamber complex. The resources available for the study were primarily devoted to obtaining scientific data on the psychological and physiological effects of long-duration isolation and confinement on crew performance. Fundamental lessons were also learned on the operational side, and these will be fully exploited in setting up future simulation campaigns.

Humans↗
PubMed2002

Functional food concept and its application to prebiotics.

A food can be regarded as functional if it is satisfactorily demonstrated to affect beneficially one or more target functions in the body, beyond adequate nutritional effects, in a way which is relevant to either the state of wellbeing and health or the reduction of the risk of a disease. A food can be made functional by increasing the concentration, adding or improving the bioavailability of a particular component. Functional food science will serve to establish claims based either on enhanced function or disease risk reduction. Inulin and oligofructose are functional food ingredients present in miscellaneous edible plants. They are non-digestible oligosaccharides classified as dietary fibres. The target for their functional effects is the colonic microflora that ferment them and for which they serve as selective "fertilizers"; the gastrointestinal physiology; the immune functions; the bioavailability of minerals; the metabolism of lipids; and colonic carcinogenesis. The scientific data available on the nutritional effects of inulin and oligofructose provide strong evidence for a prebiotic effect (i.e., selective stimulation of growth of bifidobacteria in colonic microbiota), improvement of bowel habit (both stool frequency and stool weight) and improved calcium bioavailability.

Colon↗
PubMed2003

Weight-based dosing of pegylated interferon-alpha in chronic hepatitis C: just a marketing 'gag'?

Today medical-scientific data are diluted by the marketing strategies of the biomedical industry making it difficult for practising physicians to decide what is correct or wrong. One typical example is the use of pegylated interferons for treatment of chronic hepatititis C. In this report the arguments pro and contra weight-based dosing are critically discussed. The factors contributing to success or failure to eradicate the virus are manifold, and include the sensitivity of the virus to interferon, viral genotype, age, gender stage of fibrosis, presence or absense of steatosis. Weight by itself plays just a minor role. The impact of weight-based dosing in general is overestimated and certainly not needed when 40 kD branched PEG-IFNalpha2a with a restricted volume of distribution is used. Whether weight-based dosing of 12 kD linear PEG-IFNalpha2b provides any benefit over a flat dose of the drug remains to be studied.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed2006

Biosensor assay for determination of haptoglobin in bovine milk.

Despite more than 30 years of research into mastitis diagnostics, there are few alternatives to the somatic cell count (SCC) in practical use for identification of cows with subclinical mastitis. Mastitis is not only an animal welfare problem, but also affects the yield, composition and technological properties of milk. Hence, dairy cooperatives give farmers a premium quality payment to encourage low SCC although there is no clear scientific data defining the level of SCC in bulk tank milk that is associated with additional benefits in terms of milk quality. Recent research on alternative markers for inflammatory reactions in the lactating cow, e.g. in mastitis, includes investigations of the acute phase protein, haptoglobin (Hp). So far, the content of Hp in milk has mainly been studied in relation to mastitis diagnostics, with little attention given to its importance for milk composition and technological properties. At present, Hp in milk is measured using ELISA, but this technique is not suitable for routine large-scale analysis. In recent years, optical biosensor technology has been used for automated and rapid quantitative analysis of different components in milk, but so far not for analysis of acute phase proteins. The aim of the present study was to develop a rapid and sensitive biosensor method to determine Hp in milk. An affinity sensor assay based on the interaction between Hp and haemoglobin was developed using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor technology. The assay was used to analyse Hp in composite milk samples from cows without any clinical signs of mastitis and quarter milk samples with a weak to strong reaction in the California Mastitis Test (CMT). A commercial ELISA for determination of Hp in milk was used for comparison. The limit of detection (LOD) of the biosensor assay was determined as 1.1 mg/l. Within-assay and between-day variations were determined both with bulk tank milk spiked with human Hp and with composite milk samples containing bovine Hp. Coefficients of variation varied between 3.6 and 8.6% at concentrations between 4.0 and 12 mg/l, respectively. Agreement between the results obtained by the biosensor assay and the ELISA was satisfactory; however, the results obtained by the biosensor were generally lower than the results obtained by the ELISA. Possible explanations for this observation are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Assessment of screening tests for transfusion-associated non-A non-B hepatitis.

Non-A non-B hepatitis is the most common serious sequela of blood transfusion, and its screening has become an essential goal of blood transfusion centers. Before 1989, two surrogate screening tests (for alanine aminotransferase and for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen) were used; in 1989, a direct test for the antibody to hepatitis C virus (the main agent of this hepatitis) was developed. The French National Agency for the Development of Medical Evaluation undertook an investigation to determine the optimal prevention strategy for posttransfusion non-A and non-B hepatitis (PTH). A detailed literature review was performed, complemented by expert group opinion. The performance of each test was derived indirectly by calculating the number of cases of PTH averted by each test. Hepatitis C virus testing is probably the most promising strategy, but different policies can be developed given the uncertainties of scientific data. Cost considerations should be taken into account in identifying the best screening strategy.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Genetic engineering in contemporary Islamic thought.

Muslims share with others both the interest in and the concern about genetic engineering. Naturally their reactions and views stem from general Islamic dogma and from Islamic medical ethics, but they are not unaware of Western scientific data. Particularly relevant is the Islamic religious prohibition against "changing what Allah has created." Muslim muftis try to offer practical solutions for individuals. Islamic law is concerned about maintaining pure lineage. Consanguineous matings are very common, but induced abortions are usually ruled out. Cloning has reawakened among Muslims an old debate over the positive as well as hazardous aspects of genetic engineering.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1987

Antioxidant therapy in Parkinson's disease.

It is postulated that endogenous oxidative mechanisms are a major factor in the continuing death of dopaminergic neurons and the progression of Parkinson's disease. Scientific evidence in support of, and negating, the free radical auto-toxicity and dopamine toxicity concepts is reviewed. There is conflicting evidence whether free radicals are involved in the toxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and attempts to prevent the toxicity of MPTP with antioxidant therapy have had variable results. The oxidation of dopamine by monoamine oxidase produces toxic metabolites however animal studies with high dose longterm levodopa and MPTP have failed to show clear evidence for autoxidation. Firm supportive evidence is obtained from the monoamine oxidase B inhibitor experience which demonstrated a block of the toxicity of MPTP in animals and probable prolongation of the course of human Parkinson's disease. The scientific data available is inconclusive but there is significant hope of retarding progressive catecholaminergic neuron degenerative changes by augmenting the free radical scavenging system with antioxidants (such as Vitamin E) and slowing catecholamine oxidation by monoamine oxidase B inhibition. Careful clinical trials with these agents must be performed.

Aging↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Decontamination of mass casualties--re-evaluating existing dogma.

The events of 11 September 2001 became the catalyst for many to shift their disaster preparedness efforts towards mass-casualty incidents. Emergency responders, healthcare workers, emergency managers, and public health officials worldwide are being tasked to improve their readiness by acquiring equipment, providing training and implementing policy, especially in the area of mass-casualty decontamination. Accomplishing each of these tasks requires good information, which is lacking. Management of the incident scene and the approach to victim care varies throughout the world and is based more on dogma than scientific data. In order to plan effectively for and to manage a chemical, mass-casualty event, we must critically assess the criteria upon which we base our response. This paper reviews current standards surrounding the response to a release of hazardous materials that results in massive numbers of exposed human survivors. In addition, a significant effort is made to prepare an international perspective on this response. Preparations for the 24-hour threat of exposure of a community to hazardous material are a community responsibility for first-responders and the hospital. Preparations for a mass-casualty event related to a terrorist attack are a governmental responsibility. Reshaping response protocols and decontamination needs on the differences between vapor and liquid chemical threats can enable local responders to effectively manage a chemical attack resulting in mass casualties. Ensuring that hospitals have adequate resources and training to mount an effective decontamination response in a rapid manner is essential.

Decontamination↗
PubMedDate not supplied

What a disaster?! Assessing utility of simulated disaster exercise and educational process for improving hospital preparedness.

INTRODUCTION: Recent events have brought disaster medicine into the public focus. Both the government and communities expect hospitals to be prepared to cope with all types of emergencies. Disaster simulations are the traditional method of testing hospital disaster plans, but a recent, comprehensive, literature review failed to find any substantial scientific data proving the benefit of these resource- and time-consuming exercises. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that an audiovisual presentation of the hospital disaster plans followed by a simulated disaster exercise and debriefing improved staff knowledge, confidence, and hospital preparedness for disasters. METHODS: A survey of 50 members of the medical, nursing, and administrative staff were chosen from a pool of approximately 170 people likely to be in a position of responsibility in the event of a disaster. The pre-intervention survey tested factual knowledge as well as perceptions about individual and departmental preparedness. Post-intervention, the same 50 staff members were asked to repeat the survey, which included additional questions establishing their involvement in the exercise. RESULTS: There were 50 pre-intervention tests and 42 post-intervention tests. The intervention resulted in a significant improvement in test pass rate: pre-intervention pass rate 9/50 (18%, 95% confidence interval ((CI) = 16.1-19.9%) versus post-intervention pass rate 21/42 (50%, 95% CI = 42.4-57.6%; chi-square test, p = 0.002). Emergency department (ED) staff had a stronger baseline knowledge than non-ED staff: ED pre-test mean value for scores = 12.1 versus non-ED scores of 6.2 (difference 5.9, 95% CI = 3.3-8.4); t-test, p <0.001. Those that attended > or = 1 component had a greater increase in mean scores: increase in mean attendees was 5.6, versus the scores of non-attendees of 2.7 (difference 2.9, 95% CI = 1.0-4.9); t-test, p = 0.004. There was no significant increase in the general perception of preparedness. However, the majority of those surveyed described the exercise of benefit to themselves (53.7%, 95% CI = 45.5-61.8%) and their department (63.2%, 95% CI = 53.5-72.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The disaster exercise and educational process had the greatest benefit for individuals and departments involved directly. The intervention also prompted enterprise-wide review, and an upgrade of disaster plans at departmental levels. Pre-intervention knowledge scores were poor. Post-intervention knowledge base remained suboptimal, despite a statistically significant improvement. This study supports the widely held belief that disaster simulation is a worthwhile exercise, but more must be done. More time and resources must be dedicated to the increasingly important field of hospital disaster preparedness.

Audiovisual Aids↗
PubMed2003

Testing alternative decision approaches for identifying cleanup priorities at contaminated sites.

This exploratory study compares two approaches for involving nonexpert stakeholders in difficult policy choices. Both approaches have as their goal informing members of the public about contaminated sites and involving them in decisions regarding their cleanup. The first approach focuses on technical information and seeks to improve the available knowledge base so that participants can make choices informed by detailed scientific data. This approach is similar in intent to many of the science-based initiatives in public involvement now being undertaken by EPA, DOE, and other federal or state agencies. The second approach, in contrast, focuses on values-oriented information and seeks to improve stakeholders' ability to make difficult choices in light of required tradeoffs across a variety of technical and nontechnical concerns. The results demonstrate that although both approaches help to increase participants' knowledge level, a values-based approach is more successful in terms of helping nonexpert participants to make decisions aboutwhat have historically been viewed as primarily technical problems.

Decision Making↗
PubMed2003

Evidence for the absence of Staphylococcus aureus in land applied biosolids.

Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen both within the hospital setting and as a community-acquired infection. Recently there has been concern that land applied biosolids may transmit S. aureus. However, no scientific data are available to document whether biosolids are a source of S. aureus. To determine if S. aureus is present in biosolids, we collected samples from 15 sites across the United States. Samples analyzed were as follows: 3 raw untreated sewage samples and 2 undigested primary sewage sludge samples; 23 different biosolid samples; and 27 aerosols obtained during biosolid land application (biosolid aerosols). Although S. aureus were detected in raw sewage samples, none were found in any of the treated biosolids nor in any biosolid aerosol samples. These results suggest that biosolids are not a likely source of S. aureus human exposure or infection.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2001

Bifidobacteria: genetic modification and the study of their role in the colon.

Bifidobacteria are among the most common bacteria in the human intestine and are thought to have a positive effect on human health. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in using these microorganisms as probiotics, either in fermented dairy products or formulated as tablets. However, convincing scientific data supporting their health claims are scarce. The study of the role of bifidobacteria in the colon is complicated by the fact that they are part of a complex ecosystem also interacting with the human host and by the fact that their in vivo study encounters many ethical constraints. Several tools have been developed at TNO with which the role of bifidobacteria can be studied. These include (i) an efficient transformation protocol for the introduction of foreign DNA into Bifidobacterium strains and (ii) in vitro models of the stomach/small intestine (TIM-1) and large intestine (TIM-2), creating an environment closely resembling that of the in vivo situation. With these tools, biomarkers from bifidobacteria quantifying their positive effect on gut health can be identified.

Bifidobacterium↗
PubMed1997

Adult psychosocial outcome in early-treated phenylketonuria.

Concerns about the psychosocial risk of adults with early-treated phenylketonuria (ETPKU) are predicated on four sources of scientific data: (1) consistent documentation of increased behavioural risk in children with ETPKU; (2) recent evidence of neurocognitive impairment in adults with ETPKU; (3) reports of neuroimaging abnormalities in adults with ETPKU; and (4) preliminary evidence of increased rates of psychiatric disturbance in this population. We studied the psychosocial adjustment of 25 patients, aged 18 years and older, with ETPKU. On most psychosocial outcome measures, patients were indistinguishable from 15 sibling controls. However, on a self-report inventory of psychiatric symptoms, 20% of the patients demonstrated significant morbidity. Psychosocial outcome of these patients was unrelated to concurrent or historical biological dietary disease factors, unlike neurocognitive outcome. A strong relationship was demonstrated, however, between neurocognitive measures and psychosocial morbidity. These findings indicate that a significant minority of patients with ETPKU develop psychosocial difficulties with multiple clinical elevations on a psychiatric inventory. However, most adults with ETPKU cope with the challenges of young adulthood with the same degree of success as their unaffected siblings. Neuropsychological surveillance during childhood and adolescence is important in identifying patients at risk for both neurocognitive and psychosocial morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Violence and reproductive health: current knowledge and future research directions.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the scope of violence against women and its importance for reproductive health, very few scientific data about the relationship between violence and reproductive health issues are available. METHODS: The current knowledge base for several issues specific to violence and reproductive health, including association of violence with pregnancy, pregnancy intention, contraception use, pregnancy terminations, and pregnancy outcomes, are reviewed and suggestions are provided for future research. RESULTS: Despite the limitations of current research and some inconclusive results, the existing research base clearly documents several important points: (1) violence occurs commonly during pregnancy (an estimated 4%-8% of pregnancies): (2) violence is associated with unintended pregnancies and may be related to inconsistent contraceptive use; and (3) the research is inconclusive about the relationship between violence and pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Improved knowledge of the risk factors for violence is critical for effective intervention design and implementation. Four areas that need improvement for development of new research studies examining violence and reproductive-related issues include (1) broadening of study populations, (2) refining data collection methodologies, (3) obtaining additional information about violence and other factors, and (4) developing and evaluating screening and intervention programs. The research and health care communities should act collaboratively to improve our understanding of why violence against women occurs, how it specifically affects reproductive health status, and what prevention strategies may be effective.

Battered Women↗
PubMed2002

Optimizing ambulatory ECG monitoring of T-wave alternans for arrhythmia risk assessment.

Considerable scientific data support the potential value of T-wave alternans (TWA) as an index of vulnerability to ventricular fibrillation. This chapter summarizes our state of knowledge regarding the use of routine ambulatory ECGs to evaluate TWA and discusses recent methodologic approaches designed to optimize AECG-based TWA analysis for arrhythmia risk stratification. Newer methods, including the nonspectral technique of Modified Moving Average analysis, appear promising in detecting TWA during the changing conditions associated with daily activities. The Modified Moving Average approach does not require specialized electrodes and is not encumbered by the need to achieve target heart rates, as is the case for conventional spectral-based methods. Guidelines are provided for evaluating latent cardiac electrical instability using AECG-based TWA testing. These recent developments make possible the TWA analysis of ambulatory ECGs not only in prospective trials but also in vast stores of archival data.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗
PubMed2002

[Phytotherapeutic drugs in psychiatry].

During recent years, the use of phytotherapeutics in psychiatry has gained enormous significance. The present paper reviews current scientific data on the most important herbal substances including St. John's wort, kava, valerian, and gingko. Although psychotropic phytotherapeutics have been shown to be partly effective in some psychiatric disorders, they cannot generally be recommended as an alternative to conventional medicaments because sufficient data concerning their efficacy, differentiated indication, and safety profile are still missing. Psychiatric patients treated with herbal drugs need intensive medical advice and supervision.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMed2005

[Alcohol and risk of coronary heart disease].

More than 60 prospective cohort studies have shown a consistent association between regular and moderate alcohol consumption and decrease in risk of coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke and heart failure by 20 to 40% as compared to heavy alcohol intake or drinking no alcohol. Lower protective effects were found in young, in women and in men living outside the Mediterranean area. Moreover, some biological characteristics of alcohol, particularly red wine, could interfere with the athero-thrombotic process and contribute to increase the plausibility for the protective effects of alcohol on cardiovascular diseases. However, the results of meta-analyses also demonstrate harmful effects in relation with dose and pattern of alcohol consumption. In regard to the available scientific data, alcohol consumption cannot be include in the recommendations for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand alcohol should not be prohibited when consumption remains mild to moderate.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed2003

Craniofacial imaging informatics and technology development.

PURPOSE: 'Craniofacial imaging informatics' refers to image and related scientific data from the dentomaxillofacial complex, and application of 'informatics techniques' (derived from disciplines such as applied mathematics, computer science and statistics) to understand and organize the information associated with the data. METHOD: Major trends in information technology determine the progress made in craniofacial imaging and informatics. These trends include industry consolidation, disruptive technologies, Moore's law, electronic atlases and on-line databases. Each of these trends is explained and documented, relative to their influence on craniofacial imaging. RESULTS: Craniofacial imaging is influenced by major trends that affect all medical imaging and related informatics applications. The introduction of cone beam craniofacial computed tomography scanners is an example of a disruptive technology entering the field. An important opportunity lies in the integration of biologic knowledge repositories with craniofacial images. CONCLUSION: The progress of craniofacial imaging will continue subject to limitations imposed by the underlying technologies, especially imaging informatics. Disruptive technologies will play a major role in the evolution of this field.

Databases as Topic↗