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PubMed1996

Genetic linkage mapping of the human steroid 5 alpha-reductase type 2 gene (SRD5A2) close to D2S352 on chromosome region 2p23-->p22.

Two steroid 5 alpha-reductase isoenzymes catalyze the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, the more bioactive androgen, which is essential for male phenotypic sexual differentiation and for androgen-mediated growth of such tissues and organs as the prostate. Inherited mutations in SRD5A2 cause male pseudohermaphroditism. The SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 genes encoding the steroid 5 alpha-reductase type 1 and type 2 isoenzymes have been previously assigned by in situ hybridization to 5p15 and 2p23, respectively. To map the SRD5A2 gene by linkage analysis, a novel RsaI RFLP detected in exon I and a TA repeat polymorphism found in exon V were genotyped in eight CEPH reference families. A two-point linkage analysis was performed between these polymorphisms and the chromosome 2 microsatellite markers of Généthon and NIH/CEPH. The closest linkage was observed with D2S352 (Zmax = 24.06; thetamax = 0.001) in the region 2p23-->p22. To further define the localization of SRD5A2, a framework map, including nine Généthon markers flanking the polymorphic SRD5A2 locus, was built by multipoint linkage analysis. This led to a high-resolution genetic map of the region flanking the polymorphic SRD5A2 gene, including the nine Généthon markers and three NIH/CEPH markers, yielded the following order: tel-D2S48-D2S149-D2S320-D2S171-D2S165- [D2S352/SRD5A2]-D2S367-[D2S19/D2S177]-[ D2S391/CALM]-D2S378-cen.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Clinical nutrition managers have access to sources of empowerment.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain perceived access of dietitians to power in the workplace. DESIGN: The conceptual framework was Kanter's theory of organizational power. The Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire was used to measure perceived access to sources of power: information, support, resources, and opportunities. Demographic data were collected to identify factors that may enhance empowerment. SUBJECTS/SETTINGS: The questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 348 dietitians chosen from members of the Clinical Nutrition Management dietetic practice group of the American Dietetic Association. Blank questionnaires were returned by 99 (28.4%) people not working as clinical nutrition managers, which left 249 in the sample. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Descriptive statistics were used to organize and summarize data. One-way analysis of variance and t tests were performed to identify differences in responses based on levels of education, work setting, and information technology skills. RESULTS: Usable questionnaires were received from 178 people (71.5%). On a 5-point scale, scores for access to information (mean +/- standard deviation [SD] = 3.8 +/- 0.7), opportunity (mean +/- SD = 3.6 +/- 0.7), support (mean +/- SD = 3.2 +/- 0.9), and resources (mean +/- SD = 3.1 +/- 0.8) demonstrated that clinical nutrition managers perceived themselves as having substantial access to sources of empowerment. Those having higher levels of education, working in larger hospitals, having better-developed information technology skills, and using information technology more frequently had statistically significant higher empowerment scores (P = < or = .05) than contrasting groups in each category. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSION: Clinical nutrition managers are empowered and able to assume leadership roles in today's health care settings. Their power may be enhanced by asserting more pressure to gain greater access to sources of power: support, information, resources, and opportunities.

Computer Literacy↗

PubMed2025

Identifying key palmitoylation-associated genes in endometriosis through genomic data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Palmitoylation, a post-translational lipid modification, has garnered increasing attention for its role in inflammatory processes and tumorigenesis. Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between palmitoylation and inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. However, the precise mechanistic interplay remains elusive, necessitating further investigation. METHODS: This study integrated transcriptomic analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR) to identify a causal gene set implicated in endometriosis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were first identified in the training dataset using the limma package in R. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was subsequently performed, leveraging Single Sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA)-derived scores of palmitoylation-related genes (PRGs) as phenotypic traits to identify key modular genes. The intersection of these key modular genes with DEGs yielded a refined gene set. Machine learning algorithms were then applied to further optimize gene selection, followed by external validation, immune infiltration analysis, RNA network construction, and exploration of potential targeted drug candidates. RESULTS: Through a rigorous screening process, VRK1, GALNT12, and RMI1 emerged as key genes associated with palmitoylation, exhibiting significant downregulation in endometriosis samples (P < 0.05), indicative of a potential protective role. Immune infiltration analysis further revealed strong correlations between these genes and M2 macrophages as well as resting Natural Killer (NK) cells. Additionally, investigations into the targeted RNA network and drug association profiling provided novel insights, laying the groundwork for future high-quality validation studies. CONCLUSIONS: This study employed a comprehensive analytical framework to identify palmitoylation-associated key genes in endometriosis. The integration of immunoinfiltration analysis, RNA network construction, and drug association profiling offers valuable insights for advancing clinical diagnostics, disease monitoring, and therapeutic development in endometriosis.

Humans↗

PubMed1991

Ascribed meaning: a critical factor in coping and pain attenuation in patients with cancer-related pain.

Advanced cancer is frequently associated with severe pain, and some patients suffer markedly more than others. The experience of pain is a multifactorial phenomenon involving not only sensory but also cognitive, affective, motivational, and behavioral dimensions. The latter variables were investigated within the framework of Melzack and Wall's gate control model of pain and Lazarus' coping psychology model. Quantitative measures of the McGill Pain Questionnaire, a self-report depression scale, and a coping strategy questionnaire were employed, and a face-to-face interview was conducted in which patients ascribed meaning to their pain. One hundred terminal cancer patients in the Winnipeg, Manitoba area were studied, all of whom received care at home, with one half having access to support from a hospital palliative care unit (PCU) and one half not. Analgesic medication levels were recorded and converted to a common standard. Statistical results showed that the ability to cope with the pain experience was little influenced by access to the PCU; nor was medication level a confounding variable. Variance analysis showed that the strongest impact on pain, depression, and coping scores was made by the meaning ascribed to pain by patients (p = 0.0001). The most frequently ascribed meanings were challenge (n = 30), punishment (n = 26), and enemy (n = 20). Successful pain attenuation thus depends in part on understanding the cognitive processing of pain by individual patients.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1983

Parental rearing behaviour and personality characteristics of depressed patients.

Within the framework of a large and ongoing study of depression in its biological, clinical, psychological and social aspects, 141 patients of both sexes in the age range 21 to 65 years participated in a study of parental rearing practices and personality characteristics. The perceived parental rearing behaviour was assessed by means of a specially constructed inventory (EMBU), and the personality characteristics by means of a Swedish personality inventory, the KSP, which had previously been shown to measure relatively stable personality characteristics. Several important correlations emerged between parental rearing practices and personality traits. In particular, power assertive practices and psychological types of discipline (shaming, guilt-engendering) showed significant correlations with aspects of aggression and significant negative correlations with socialization. There was a good agreement between male and female patients in the judgement of the rearing behaviour of their fathers. However, female patients scored their mother as more abusive, whereas male patients scored them as more over-protective. On the whole, the rearing practices of the mothers were judged more negatively than those of the fathers. The findings of this study appear to be consistent with earlier results reported by other authors.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Motor and functional skills of children with developmental coordination disorder: a pilot investigation of measurement issues.

This paper reports on the motor and functional outcomes of 20 children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) aged 4-8 years consecutively referred to a pediatric physiotherapy service. Children with a Movement ABC (M-ABC) score less than the 15th percentile, and with no concurrent medical, sensory, physical, intellectual or neurological impairments, were recruited. The Motor Assessment Outcomes Model (MAOM) [Coster and Haley, Infants and Young Children 4 (1992) 11] provided the theoretical base for measurement selection, and preliminary findings at the activities and participation levels of the model are reported in this article. Children with DCD performed at the lower end of the normal range on the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (fine motor total score) (M=85.65, SD=12.23). Performance on the Visual Motor Integration Test (VMI) standard scores was within the average range (M=96.15, SD=10.69). Videotaped observations of the children's writing and cutting indicated that 29% were left-handed and that a large proportion of all children (31%) utilized unusual pencil grasp patterns and immature prehension of scissors. Measurement at the participation level involved use of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance (PCSA) and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Overall, these young children rated themselves towards the more competent and accepted end of the PCSA over the dimensions of physical and cognitive competence and peer and maternal acceptance. The PEDI revealed generally average performance on social (M=49.98, SD=16.62) and mobility function (M=54.71, SD=3.99), however, self-care function was below the average range for age (M=38.01, SD=12.19). The utility of the MAOM as a framework for comprehensive measurement of functional and motor outcomes of DCD in young children is discussed.

Child↗

PubMed1980

Attitudes toward the physically disabled: beliefs and their evaluation.

The composition and structure of attitudes toward the physically disabled were studied using Fishbein's theoretical framework and methodology in which an individual's attitude toward any object is assumed to be (1) a function of his beliefs about the object, and (2) the evaluative aspects of these beliefs. This is stated algebraically as: [Formula: see text]. The subjects for the study were 52 workers employed in a large public construction company in Israel. They were asked to state their beliefs about the characteristics of physically disabled persons. Using the Semantic Differential Technique, the most frequent beliefs expressed were used to construct (a) a scale which measured the evaluative aspect of the belief, and (b) a scale to measure the probability dimension of each belief. In addition, an obtained measure of attitude towards disabled persons was elicited, and in order to test the validity this scale the Attitude Towards Disabled Persons was also given. The estimated attitude score for each subject was obtained using the above formula. A correlation of r = .91 (p < .01) between the Fishbein attitude score and the obtained attitude score was found. The correlations between the Fishbein attitude score and the ATDP was r = .78 (p < .01). These correlations provide support for the main hypothesis. In addition, the study demonstrated the advisability of assessing attitudes towards the physically disabled as they relate to specific roles that the disabled person has in various life areas and not as a general attitude.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Child- and family-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for pediatric bipolar disorder: development and preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To describe child- and family-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CFF-CBT), a new developmentally sensitive psychosocial intervention for pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) that is intended for use along with medication. CFF-CBT integrates principles of family-focused therapy with those of CBT. The theoretical framework is based on (1). the specific problems of children and families coping with bipolar disorder, (2). a biological theory of excessive reactivity, and (3). the role of environmental stressors in outcome. CFF-CBT actively engages parents and children over 12 hour-long sessions. METHOD: An exploratory investigation was conducted to determine the feasibility of CFF-CBT. Participants included 34 patients with PBD (mean age 11.33 years, SD = 3.06) who were treated with CFF-CBT plus medication in a specialty clinic. Treatment integrity, adherence, and parent satisfaction were assessed. Symptom severity and functioning were evaluated before and after treatment using the severity scales of the Clinical Global Impression Scales for Bipolar Disorder (CGI-BP) and the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) respectively. RESULTS: On completion of therapy, patients with PBD showed significant reductions in severity scores on all CGI-BP scales and significantly higher CGAS scores compared to pretreatment results. High levels of treatment integrity, adherence, and satisfaction were achieved. CONCLUSIONS: CFF-CBT has a strong theoretical and conceptual foundation and represents a promising approach to the treatment of PBD. Preliminary results support the potential feasibility of the intervention.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2004

Testing a conceptual framework for diabetes self-care management.

Diabetes is a major source of morbidity, mortality, and economic expense in the United States. The majority of researchers and clinicians believe that diabetes is a self-care management disease, and that patients should be reliable, capable, and sufficiently responsible to take care of themselves. However, individuals with diabetes may or may not have diabetes knowledge, social support, self-care agency (an individual's capability to perform self-care actions), and self-efficacy (an individual's beliefs in his or her capability to perform self-care actions) that would help them to engage in diabetes self-care management. Therefore, this study examined the relationship among those factors using a cross-sectional model testing design. A convenient sample of 141 insulin-requiring individuals with either diabetes type 1 or type 2, 21 years old and over, was recruited from an outpatient diabetes care center located in a Southeast region of the United States. Simple linear regression, multiple standard regression, and multiple hierarchical regression were used to analyze the data. Individuals with greater diabetes knowledge had greater self-care agency and self-efficacy. Those with a higher score in social support had greater self-care agency and better diabetes self-care management, and those with greater self-efficacy had better diabetes self-care management. In addition, self-care agency mediated the effects of diabetes knowledge on self-efficacy and the effects of social support on diabetes self-care management. Self-efficacy mediated the effects of self-care agency on diabetes self-care management. Furthermore, the linear combination of diabetes knowledge, social support, self-care agency, and self-efficacy, taken together, positively affected diabetes self-care management. Enhancing an individual's diabetes knowledge, social support, self-care agency, and self-efficacy may be a strategy which can promote better engagement in diabetes self-care.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Longitudinal assessment of community psychobehavioral responses during and after the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: In previous literature, the stability and temporal evolution of psychobehavioral responses to an outbreak remained undefined, because of the exclusively cross-sectional nature of such study designs. METHODS: Using random-digit dialing, we sampled 4481 Hong Kong residents in 6 population-based surveys that were conducted at different times during and after the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). RESULTS: Respondents' State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score (range, 10-40) showed a decreasing temporal trend, from a high mean value of 24.8 during the peak of the Amoy Gardens outbreak to a postepidemic mean baseline value of 14.5. Those who perceived a higher likelihood of contracting or dying of SARS had significantly higher anxiety scores. Female respondents, individuals aged 30-49 years, and individuals with only a primary education or less were predisposed to greater anxiety. There was a positive dose-response gradient between anxiety level and uptake of personal protective measures. Males respondents, individuals at the extremes of age, and individuals with lower educational levels were less likely to engage in self-protective behavior. The presence of symptoms was the only consistent predictor for greater use of health services. There was remarkable stability in the magnitude and the direction of associations between predictors and outcomes over time. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings can assist in modifying public service announcements in the future, which should be tailored to psychobehavioral surveillance intelligence to achieve the desired behavioral outcomes. Future research should explore the use of more-sophisticated techniques, including structural equation modeling and game-theoretical frameworks, to analyze population psychology and behavior, and it should integrate such findings with transmission dynamics modeling.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Applying the health promotion model to development of a worksite intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Consistent use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) decreases noise-induced hearing loss, however, many workers do not use them consistently. Past research has supported the need to use a conceptual framework to understand behaviors and guide intervention programs; however, few reports have specified a process to translate a conceptual model into an intervention. PURPOSE: The strongest predictors from the Health Promotion Model were used to design a training program to increase HPD use among construction workers. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Carpenters (n = 118), operating engineers (n = 109), and plumber/pipefitters (n = 129) in the Midwest were recruited to participate in the study. DESIGN: Written questionnaires including scales measuring the components of the Health Promotion Model were completed in classroom settings at worker trade group meetings. MEASURES: All items from scales predicting HPD use were reviewed to determine the basis for the content of a program to promote the use of HPDs. Three selection criteria were developed: (1) correlation with use of hearing protection (at least .20), (2) amenability to change, and (3) room for improvement (mean score not at ceiling). RESULTS: Linear regression and Pearson's correlation were used to assess the components of the model as predictors of HPD use. Five predictors had statistically significant regression coefficients: perceived noise exposure, self-efficacy, value of use, barriers to use, and modeling of use of hearing protection. Using items meeting the selection criteria, a 20-minute videotape with written handouts was developed as the core of an intervention. A clearly defined practice session was also incorporated in the training intervention. CONCLUSION: Determining salient factors for worker populations and specific protective equipment prior to designing an intervention is essential. These predictors provided the basis for a training program that addressed the specific needs of construction workers. Results of tests of the effectiveness of the program will be available in the near future.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Integrated mapping analysis of the Werner syndrome region of chromosome 8.

The Werner syndrome locus (WRN) is located at 8p11-p12. To facilitate eventual cloning of the WRN gene, a 10,000-rad radiation-reduced hybrid (RH) cell panel was generated to map genetic markers, sequence-tagged sites (STSs), and genes in this region. A hamster cell line carrying an intact human chromosome 8 was fused with another hamster cell line. Two sets of hybrid cell panels from 2 separate fusions were generated; each panel consisted of 50 independent clones; 33 and 34 cell lines from the 2 fusions retained human chromsome material as determined by inter-Alu PCR. The combined panel was genotyped for 52 markers spanning the entire chromosome, including 10 genes, 29 anonymous polymorphic loci, and 13 STSs. Seventeen of these markers have not been previously described. Markers near the centromere were retained at a higher frequency than more distal markers. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was also used to localize and order a subset of the markers. A RH map of the WRN region was constructed using a maximum likelihood method, giving the following most likely order: D8S131-D8S339 (GSR)-D8S124-D8S278-D8S259-(D8S71)-D8S283- D8S87-D8S105-D8S135 (FGFR1)-D8S135PB-D8S255-ANK1. A genetic map of 15 short tandem repeat polymorphic loci in the WRN region was also constructed. The marker orders from the genetic and RH maps were consistent. In addition, an integrated map of 24 loci in the WRN region was generated using information from both genetic and RH mapping methods. A 1000:1 framework map for 6 loci (LPL-D8S136-D8S137-D8S87-FGFR1-ANK1) was determined by genetic mapping, and the resulting locus order was fixed during analysis of the RH genotype data. The resulting integrated map contained more markers than could confidently be ordered by either genetic or RH mapping alone.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2005

Mixture model approach to tumor classification based on pharmacokinetic measures of tumor permeability.

PURPOSE: To categorize the disease severity of mammary tumors in an animal model through the application of a novel tumor permeability mixture model within a hierarchical modeling framework. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six rats with mammary tumors of varying grade were imaged via dynamic contrast-enhanced (CE) MRI using albumin-(Gd-DTPA)30. Time-dependent contrast agent concentration curves for blood and tumor tissue were obtained and a mathematical model of microvascular blood-tissue exchange was developed under the hypothesis that endothelial integrity is disrupted in a manner proportional to the degree of malignancy, with benign tumors showing no disruption of the vasculature endothelium. This permeability model was incorporated into a statistical model for the benign and malignant tumor subgroups that enabled automatic subject classification. The structural and statistical models were implemented using the software Nonlinear Mixed Effects Modeling (NONMEM) to statistically separate subjects into the two subgroups. RESULTS: Individual tumor classifications (as benign or malignant) were evaluated against the Scarff-Bloom-Richardson microscopic scoring method as applied to the tumor histology of each subject. The model-based classification resulted in 90.9% sensitivity, 92.9% specificity, and 91.7% accuracy. CONCLUSION: Mixture model analysis provides a robust method for subject classification without user intervention and bias. Although the present results are promising, additional research is needed to further evaluate this technique for diagnostic purposes.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Identification of visual scanning deficits in adults after cerebrovascular accident.

Visual scanning deficits can result in the inefficient acquisition of information about one's environment. For adults who have had cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), such deficits can interfere with the independent performance of many daily activities. The present study examined five tests designed to measure visual scanning deficits in post-CVA adults. Subjects with right and left hemisphere lesions were matched with control subjects by age and sex, and their performances on the tests were compared. The difference between the matched groups was statistically significant for all tests, with the hemiplegic subjects achieving lower scores than their normal counterparts. Deficits in visual scanning speed, identification of visual stimuli in the hemifield on the involved side, use of a systematic scanning pattern, and the ability to reproduce accurate visual designs were identified in the hemiplegic group. Statistically significant correlations were obtained on test-retest and interrater data, which indicates that the tests are reliable measures. The results of this study show that visual scanning deficits are present in post-CVA patients and can be measured with simple clinical evaluations. The presence of scanning deficits may significantly interfere with performance on tests measuring higher level visual-perceptual skills such as visual closure, figure-ground perception, and visual memory. An accurate assessment of visual-perceptual skills cannot be made without prior evaluation of such basic oculomotor functions as scanning. This approach is consistent with the developmental framework applied to most areas of treatment with brain-injured adults but is one that traditionally has not been applied in the evaluation of visual-perceptual skills.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1994

[Primary quality control in Israel Air Force clinics].

The practice of primary medicine within a military framework differs from that in the civilian environment in: accessibility, its consumers, obligations of the providers, involvement of the funder (the commanders), and ability to define and enforce professional guide lines. These differences influence the scope of medical service, as well as affect the methods and results of quality control. A system of quality control evaluation and feedback of military primary care in 16 Israel Air Force clinics was carried out by a team of experienced physicians using peer group review and according to a specially prepared protocol. Emphasis was placed on medical record assessment using obligatory markers of adequate medical evaluation and treatment. Identification of the population at risk, further medical training, and medical administration with a direct effect on the quality of medical treatment were also evaluated. 2 quality control surveys with feedback were carried out 6 months apart. The overall mean score was 81.66 +/- 7.16% at the first evaluation, increasing to 88.60 +/- 7.46% at the second (p < 0.01). The greatest improvements were in follow-up of population at risk (increasing from 68.4% to 86.4%, p < 0.025), training of medical teams, (from 75.7% to 87.5%, p < 0.05) and patient case management (from 79.4% to 85.1%, N.S.). Categories in which there was no improvement were medical records, recovery of old medical files and patient education. The categories in which there was improvement had a common denominator: "recognition of importance" and "provision of patterns" by headquarters. The quality control system was designed for routine use, and not as a research project.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aerospace Medicine↗

PubMed2001

Validation of the Chinese translated version of ISAAC core questions for atopic eczema.

BACKGROUND: The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was designed to allow international comparison of epidemiological data on atopic conditions in childhood. In so doing, further aetiological information would be obtained that in turn would provide a framework for future studies. The global ISAAC results on the prevalence of atopic dermatitis indicated a 60-fold variation recorded in different countries. Such a degree of difference may be partially due to the translated questionnaires that were not validated in all of the involved countries. OBJECTIVE: To validate the Chinese version of the ISAAC core questions for atopic eczema. METHODS: One thousand nine hundred and twenty children aged between 3 and 5 were randomly recruited from 13 kindergartens in Hong Kong. Using a dermatologist's clinical examination as the gold standard, we validated the Chinese version of the ISAAC core questions for atopic eczema. The Youden's Indexes obtained in our study were compared with those obtained in the United Kingdom's validation study. RESULTS: The Youden's Indexes obtained in our study were significantly lower than those from the United Kingdom. The low scores were likely to be due to a reduction in the sensitivity of the Chinese questionnaire, which ranged from 23.5% to 70.6%. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the translated questionnaire is less effective than the English version in assessing the prevalence of atopic eczema. The indication of a low prevalence of atopic eczema among the Chinese population reported in previous studies was at least partially due to problems with the translated questionnaire.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed2003

[Identification and analysis of errors in prescription, preparation and administration of drugs in intensive care, medicine and surgery at the University Hospital Center of Tours].

OBJECTIVE: Within the framework of a project to establish "the safety of drug use and the prevention of iatrogenic risks", the pharmaceutical team conducted a review on the errors in drug prescription in order to implicate the medical professionals in its development. In collaboration with the medical teams, the pharmacy organised a series of therapeutic surveys aimed at quantifying and qualifying the errors related to the prescription, preparation and administration of medicinal products. METHODS: A prospective survey was conducted in three types of care units (Medicine, surgical intensive care and paediatric vascular surgery) over a 30-day period in each unit. A resident pharmacist studied the preparations and administration of drugs and compared them to the prescriptions and recommendations of in the literature. The investigator also conducted the pharmaceutical analysis of the prescriptions (dose, drug interactions, administration timetable...). The clinical impact of the errors on the patient were scored 0 (none) to 3 (lethal) by a duo composed of an external physician and the resident physician in charge of the study on site. RESULTS: Among the 3,023 drugs prescribed, the error rate was of 0.04 [0.033; 0.047], 44% of which scored 2. The errors in preparation or administration were of 0.134 [0.117; 0.151] among the 1,632 drug administrations observed, 19% of which scored 2. Regarding errors in prescription and administration, no significant difference was revealed between the three units [p > 0.09]. DISCUSSION: This study enhanced the awareness of the nursing and medical staff and the hospital management with regards to the reality of medical errors. Our data were comparable to the results of other studies published elsewhere.

Academic Medical Centers↗

PubMed1999

Modeling the effects of nutritional and socioeconomic factors on the growth and morbidity of Kenyan school children.

This paper estimates dynamic models for the height, head circumference, weight, and morbidity of approximately 110 Kenyan school children (6-9 years) in a multivariate longitudinal data framework. Dynamic models allow anthropometric dimensions to depend on the respective measurements in the previous period. The system of 4 equations specified for height, head circumference, weight, and morbidity incorporates the inter-relationships among these variables; explanatory variables in the model consist of nutritional, socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental factors. The model parameters are estimated using the principle of maximum-likelihood, while controlling for the unobserved between-children differences. The main findings are, first, that calcium intakes are positively associated with height while protein and energy intakes are associated with weight. Vitamin A intakes are negatively associated with morbidity. Second, socioeconomic status plus the cash income of the household is a significant predictor of height, head circumference, and morbidity. Third, maternal height is positively associated with children's height and maternal body mass index (BMI) is positively associated with children's weight. Fourth, parents' scores on psychological tests, mother's age, and children's hemoglobin concentration are negatively associated with morbidity while mothers' morbidity is positively associated with children's morbidity. Implications of the modeling results are discussed. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 11:317-326, 1999. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Journal Article↗