Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Harm Reduction”

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 1,333 records · Page 74Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Mitochondrial free radical production and cell signaling.

Mitochondria were classically recognized as the organelles that produce the energy required to drive the endergonic processes of cell life, but now they are considered as the most important cellular source of free radicals, as the main target for free radical regulatory and toxic actions, and as the source of signaling molecules that command cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis. The progress in the knowledge of mitochondrial functions in the last decades is reviewed. The mitochondrial production of the primary free radicals superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) and nitric oxide (NO), as well as of the termination products H(2)O(2) (hydrogen peroxide) and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), is described. A network of intramitochondrial antioxidants consisting of the enzymes Mn-superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and of the reductants NADH(2), ubiquinol and reduced glutathione, is operative in minimizing the potentially harmful effects of O(2)(-), NO, H(2)O(2) and ONOO(-). Nitric oxide and H(2)O(2) participate in cell signaling, through narrow concentration ranges that signal for opposite cellular situations, i.e., proliferation or apoptosis. A mechanism involving mitogen-activated protein kinases is described. The role of mitochondria in apoptosis is well established through the mitochondrion-dependent pathways of cell death, that includes increased NO production, loss of membrane potential, appearance of dysfunctional mitochondria, cytochrome c release and opening of the voltage-dependent anion channel of the outer membrane.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Microbial control of mosquitoes: management of the upper rhine mosquito population as a model programme.

For more than a decade, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and B. sphaericus have been used successfully as biological control agents against mosquitoes in Germany. Over 1000 km(2) of breeding areas have been treated with Bti, resulting in a yearly reduction of the mosquito population by more than 90%, without evidence of any harmful impact on the environment. Here, Norbert Becker describes the control strategy and operational use of Bti and B. sphaericus in Germany.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

The questionable role of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in cardiovascular disease.

A fat diet, rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and low in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), is said to be an important cause of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The evidence for this hypothesis was sought by reviewing studies of the direct link between dietary fats and atherosclerotic vascular disease in human beings. The review included ecological, dynamic population, cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies, as well as controlled, randomized trials of the effect of fat reduction alone. The positive ecological correlations between national intakes of total fat (TF) and SFA and cardiovascular mortality found in earlier studies were absent or negative in the larger, more recent studies. Secular trends of national fat consumption and mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) in 18-35 countries (four studies) during different time periods diverged from each other as often as they coincided. In cross-sectional studies of CHD and atherosclerosis, one group of studies (Bantu people vs. Caucasians) were supportive; six groups of studies (West Indians vs. Americans, Japanese, and Japanese migrants vs. Americans, Yemenite Jews vs. Yemenite migrants; Seminole and Pima Indians vs. Americans, Seven Countries) gave partly supportive, partly contradictive results; in seven groups of studies (Navajo Indians vs. Americans; pure vegetarians vs. lacto-ovo-vegetarians and non-vegetarians, Masai people vs. Americans, Asiatic Indians vs. non-Indians, north vs. south Indians, Indian migrants vs. British residents, Geographic Study of Atherosclerosis) the findings were contradictory. Among 21 cohort studies of CHD including 28 cohorts, CHD patients had eaten significantly more SFA in three cohorts and significantly less in one cohort than had CHD-free individuals; in 22 cohorts no significant difference was noted. In three cohorts, CHD patients had eaten significantly more PUFA, in 24 cohorts no significant difference was noted. In three of four cohort studies of atherosclerosis, the vascular changes were unassociated with SFA or PUFA; in one study they were inversely related to TF. No significant differences in fat intake were noted in six case-control studies of CVD patients and CVD-free controls; and neither total or CHD mortality were lowered in a meta-analysis of nine controlled, randomized dietary trials with substantial reductions of dietary fats, in six trials combined with addition of PUFA. The harmful effect of dietary SFA and the protective effect of dietary PUFA on atherosclerosis and CVD are questioned.

Arteriosclerosis↗
PubMed2006

Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus starter cultures as a tool for microflora management in malting and for enhancement of malt processability.

Lactobacillus plantarum VTT E-78076 (E76) and Pediococcus pentosaceus VTT E-90390 (E390) starter cultures were added to the steeping water of normal malting barley in order to balance the microbial community and to enhance malt processability. In this study, we also investigated the effects of lactic acid-acidified MRS-spent medium (MRS-LA) on malting performance. Malting trials with five different two-row barley varieties were carried out in 25 kg pilot scale. The starter cultures promoted yeast growth during malting and restricted the growth of harmful bacteria and Fusarium fungi. Furthermore, they had positive effects on malt characteristics. Reduction in wort viscosity and beta-glucan content and enhanced xylanase and microbial beta-glucanase activities were observed. Starter cultures notably improved lautering performance. Some of the beneficial effects were due to the lactic acid and low pH, as similar effects were obtained with MRS-LA. Starter cultures offer a tool for tailoring of malt properties.

Edible Grain↗
PubMed1989

An evaluation of formal risk scoring for preterm birth.

Formal risk scoring systems for the prediction of preterm birth lack many of the characteristics that are required from effective screening tests. They show poor positive predictive values, poor reproducibility, and large differences in performance among different populations. In clinical practice the implementation of these scoring systems has not shown to confer more benefit than harm to the women and infants involved. There is no conclusive evidence for reduction of the incidence of preterm birth, especially among women considered to be at high risk on the basis of such scores. The use of these scores has led to a profusion of interventions being applied to women without demonstrable benefit for them from these interventions. The introduction of formal risk scoring for preterm birth thus profoundly alters the type of care available to pregnant women. The main effect thus far appears to be that a potential but relatively imprecise risk of preterm birth tends to be replaced by the certain risk of dubious treatments, whose merits are undocumented and whose hazards are unknown. There is great need for controlled studies to establish whether and for whom potential benefits of formal risk scoring can outweigh its hazards.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1980

Spontaneous cancer and its possible relationship to oxygen metabolism.

Mortality statistics for cancer in various countries and periods of time indicate that there has been little effect of industrialization on the inherent or spontaneous rate of occurrence of cancer. From U.S. cancer statistics and the BEIR values [Report of the Advisory Committee on the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (1979)] for radiation dose response, the ionizing radiation exposure required to produce a number of cancers equal to this spontaneous incidence was estimated to lie between 450 and 2100 rads (1 rad = 0.01 J/kg). From these "cancer equivalent" doses the number of single-strand DNA breaks required to produce the spontaneous cancers is estimated to be 0.26-1.3 per cell DNA per day. It is suggested that the univalent reduction of oxygen in normal metabolism to O2- and subsequent production of more harmful radicals is the source of the DNA defects that, in cases where the defense mechanisms fail, lead to spontaneous cancer in the individual.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2002

Endoscopy for anterior pelvis fixation.

The objectives of this study are to describe the anatomic findings relative to anterior pelvic endoscopy, determine the potential use of endoscopy for reduction and fixation of fractures of the anterior pelvic ring, and report two illustrative cases performed using this method. Using the windows described, endoscopy permits placement of plates and screws on top of the symphysis pubis, reduction of internally displaced fragments, and performance of percutaneous procedures that do not harm anatomic structures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Effect of dietary calcium and milk consumption on risk of thromboembolic stroke in older middle-aged men. The Honolulu Heart Program.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Evidence suggests that dietary calcium is protective against hypertension. This report examines whether the effect has an influence on thromboembolic stroke. METHODS: Since 1965, the Honolulu Heart Program has followed a cohort of men in a study of cardiovascular disease. This report examines the effect of baseline dietary calcium and milk intake on stroke risk in 22 years of follow-up in 3150 older middle-aged men (55 to 68 years). RESULTS: Men who were nondrinkers of milk experienced stroke at twice the rate (P < .05) of men who consumed 16 oz/d or more (7.9 versus 3.7 per 100, respectively). While the rate of stroke decreased with increasing milk intake (P < .05), the decline in stroke risk with increased consumption was modest for those who consumed under 16 oz/d. Intake of dietary calcium was also associated with a reduced risk of stroke (P < .01), although its association was confounded with milk consumption. Calcium intake from nondairy sources was not related to stroke, suggesting that other constituents or covariates related to milk consumption may be important. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that an association between milk consumption and a reduced risk of stroke in older middle-aged men cannot be explained by intake of dietary calcium. Since milk is often part of a diverse pattern of dietary intake, it is difficult to determine whether milk consumption has a direct role in reducing the risk of stroke. Data suggest that consumption of milk in older middle age is not harmful, and when combined with a balanced diet, weight control, and physical activity, reductions in the risk of stroke may occur.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1993

American medical culture and the health care crisis.

The health care crisis is easily defined as a progressive and massive rise in costs coupled with a failure of the system to provide care to a large minority of the population (37 million). Multiple remedies have been proposed, none of which confronts the core problem. This crisis has been largely produced by the American medical culture--how our physicians practice, what they do to and order for patients. Clearly, medical culture in other Western democracies is different, yielding better overall health care at a lower cost. A brief analysis of any of the sectors of medicine or surgery reveals the overabundance of clinical interventions that take place. The solution will require a major reduction in clinical interventions so many of which are questionable, useless, or even harmful.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Alcohol and cardiovascular health: recent findings.

This review is focused on recent studies published since 1997 that have contributed toward our current thinking about the association between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies reinforce the consistent finding of a J-shaped inverse association between alcohol and cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, primarily due to an underlying association between alcohol and coronary heart disease (CHD). Despite the methodological difficulties of studying alcohol consumption, epidemiological studies are surprisingly consistent in showing that light to moderate alcohol intake has an inverse association with the risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality compared with those who do not drink at all. The depth and width of the J-shaped inverse association is largely dependent upon the underlying lowered risk of CHD. Alcohol likely reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease through increases in plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Further support for the HDL-C hypothesis comes from the lack of a differential effect of alcohol by beverage type, suggesting that ethanol is responsible for the protective effect. While other mechanisms for a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease by alcohol have been suggested - including hemostatic markers and improvements and insulin sensitivity - evidence remains preliminary. The current recommendation set forth by the American Heart Association and other groups to limit alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women appear justified but must be cautiously promoted. Although the association of alcohol and cardiovascular disease is likely to be causal, these recommendations must consider the complexity of the metabolic, physiological, and psychological effects of alcohol. In general, maximal benefits and safety appear to be at the level of approximately 1 drink per day. Limited data suggest that the level for optimal benefit and safety may be slightly lower for women. From a public policy standpoint, whether the benefits for cardiovascular disease persist at heavier drinking levels or are attenuated, may not be relevant since clear harm in terms of overall mortality would likely outweigh any benefits in the reduction of cardiovascular disease.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1995

Access to care under physician payment reform: a physician-based analysis.

This article reports physician-based measures of access to care during the 3 years surrounding the 1989 physician payment reforms. Analysis was facilitated by a new system of physician identifiers in Medicare claims. Access measures include caseload per physician and related measures of the demographic composition of physicians' clientele, the proportion of physicians performing surgical and other procedures, and the assignment rate. The caseload and assignment measures were stable or improving over time, suggesting that reforms did not harm access. Procedure performance rates tended to decline between 1992 and 1993, but reductions were inversely related to the estimated fee changes, and several may be explainable by other factors.

Black or African American↗
PubMed1976

[Changes in the serum activity of lysosomal enzymes in rats after the use of propoxur (Baygon) insecticide. 2. The dynamics of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase].

The influence of 1/50 and 1/10 LD50 of the monomethylcarbamate insecticide Propoxur (Baygon) on the lysosome enzyme beta-N-acetylglucose-aminidase serum activity is studied in white rats upon daily administration per os, over a period of 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days. A statistically significant increase of the enzyme activity is recorded at 15 days after introduction of 1/50 LD50, and at 15 and 30 days after 1/10 LD50 administration, followed by a reduction of the activity and returning to normal values. In all likelihood, the harmful effect of Propoxur on the lysosome and cellular membrane decreases after the 15th day because of activation of the microsome enzymes which, in turn, speed up the process of rendering innocuous the insecticide administered.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed1999

Higher neonatal morbidity after routine early hospital discharge: are we sending newborns home too early?

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence suggests that the trend toward earlier discharge may affect newborn morbidity. The authors assessed how hospital readmission rates were affected by a clinical guideline aimed at discharging newborns from hospital 24 hours after birth. METHOD: A retrospective before-after cohort study was conducted involving 7009 infants born by uncomplicated vaginal delivery at a large level II hospital in Toronto between Dec. 31, 1993, and Sept. 29, 1997. The primary outcome was a comparison of the rate of hospital readmission among newborns before (5936 infants) and after (1073 infants) the early-discharge policy was implemented (Apr. 1, 1997). The causes for readmission were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Before the early-discharge guideline was implemented, the mean length of stay declined from 2.25 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.18-2.32) to 1.88 days (95% CI 1.84-1.92) (p < 0.001). After implementation there was a further decline, to 1.62 days (95% CI 1.56-1.67) (p < 0.001). A total of 126 infants (11.7%) in the early-discharge cohort required readmission by 1 month, as compared with 396 infants (6.7%) in the preguideline cohort (odds ratio 1.86, 95% CI 1.51-2.30). The main reason for early readmission was neonatal jaundice, with a higher rate among infants in the early-discharge cohort than among those in the preguideline cohort (8.6% v. 3.1%; odds ratio 2.96, 95% CI 2.29-3.84). INTERPRETATION: Decreases in newborn length of stay may result in substantial increases in morbidity. Careful consideration is needed to establish whether a reduction in length of stay to less than 24 to 36 hours is harmful to babies.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed1988

Act No. 18.620, 27 May 1987.

This Act approves the Labor Code, which contains the following major provisions: 1) discrimination on the basis of sex is prohibited in contracts of employment; 2) at least 85% of an employer's workers must be of Chilean nationality, including foreigners who have a Chilean spouse or children or who have been resident in Chile for more than five years; 3) women are guaranteed maternity leave with full pay and benefits for six weeks before delivery and 12 weeks afterwards, which can be increased as necessary if the woman becomes ill during pregnancy or after delivery, as demonstrated by a medical certificate; 4) a woman cannot renounce this leave, her position must be kept open during her absence, and her contract cannot be terminated for a year after maternity leave has ended without a judge's approval; 5) a mother is entitled to leave with full pay and benefits to care for a seriously ill child less than one year old, as demonstrated by a medical certificate; 6) during pregnancy, women who are occupied in work considered harmful to their health are to be transferred to other work without a reduction of salary; and 7) establishments that employ 20 or more workers are to provide child-care facilities where mothers can feed their children and the children can remain while the mothers work; the costs of these facilities are to be paid for by the employer.

Americas↗
PubMed2004

[The measurement parameters and statistical analysis of therapeutic study].

We can draw a correct conclusion unless we select appropriate measurement parameters and properly do the statistical analysis including description and inference, after checking and processing the data of therapeutic study. A comprehensive understanding and correct application of the measurement parameters as well as statistical processing is the key to improve our scientific research. In this article, some common mistakes were addressed in the light of basic concepts in therapeutic study, focusing on the measurement parameters (survival rate, negative conversion rate or positive conversion rate, relative benefit increase, relative risk reduction, relative risk increase, number needed to treat, likelihood of being helped vs. harmed, index of effectiveness) and statistical processing (data type, distribution character, intention-to-treat analysis, efficacy analysis, treatment received analysis, hypothesis testing).

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Calf antibiotic and sulfonamide test (CAST) for screening antibiotic and sulfonamide residues in calf carcasses.

The Calf Antibiotic and Sulfonamide Test (CAST), a microbial inhibition screening test, was developed for detecting antibiotics and sulfonamides in bob veal calf carcasses. The test uses Bacillus megaterium ATCC 9885 as the indicator organism and Mueller Hinton agar as the growth medium. Compared to Swab Test on Premises (STOP), developed in 1970, this screening test has higher sensitivity and the ability to detect a wider range of veterinary antimicrobial residual drugs, particularly sulfonamides, at lower concentrations. Carcasses that are tested with CAST and suspected of containing chemical residue above tolerance level are retained for confirmation. Disposition of these carcasses are determined upon laboratory result. Routine testing of bob veal calves with CAST allowed the Food Safety and Inspection Service to release most calf carcasses within 24 h post-slaughter, thus conserving shipping and handling resources. However, changes in the regulation in 1990 dictate that disposition of carcasses found to contain violative levels of sulfonamide residues should be based on laboratory findings. The analysis of the data for the years 1990-1994 and 1998 indicate that the use of CAST over the years was significant, and had a direct impact on reduction of residue violations in veal carcasses. With the use of CAST, potentially harmful antimicrobial chemicals entering the human food chain through veal meat have been minimized.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of atmospheric air pollution in an industrial city].

The data obtained as result of studies of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of urban ambient air give the ground to make a conclusion that air pollution in the areas of industrial enterprises is of a local character. A great part of urban territory is polluted with the major harmful impurities (carbon oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, dust). The studies carried out open up perspective to investigate the influence of harmful impurities on the population health and to develop activities aimed at the reduction of the level of chemicals' concentration in the air.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1994

Health implications of fatty acids.

1. Although dietary trans fatty acids can effect the fatty acid composition of tissues, they are not considered to be harmful, provided sufficient essential fatty acids are present in the diet. 2. A reduction in dietary saturated fatty acids (SFA) and dietary increases in mono- and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids are beneficial in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. 3. There is only limited evidence of a beneficial effect on hypertension by reducing either total fat or SFA in the diet. 4. There is a little evidence of a role for dietary fat in the initiation of cancer but linoleic acid has been implicated in tumor promotion and chemical carcinogenesis. 5. Dietary PUFA might be beneficial in the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases such a multiple sclerosis.

Diet↗