Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Problem Formulation”

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 1,477 records · Page 82Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

[Report from the conference on "safe and hygienic learning conditions as indispensable elements of elementary schools' functioning"].

The conference was organized in Warsaw on the 14th of November 1997, by the Main Section of School Hygiene of the Polish Society of Hygiene. 202 people took part in the conference. They represented following institutions: a sanitary inspection, a health care service, academy institutes, pedagogical institutions, community councils. The purpose of the meeting was to point out and widespread local initiatives and ideas, appearing in various regions of Poland, that concern the following topics: 1: improvement of health conditions in schools, 2) improvement of conditions and realization's methods of increased number of physical training lessons in schools (a gradual increase from 3 hours a week at the present time to 5 in the year 2000), 3) providing actions to minimize the number of accidents among children and adolescents. There were panel discussions concerning the problems mentioned above. Many conclusions were formulated as the result of the discussion, out of which the most important are: ad 1) Maintaining the conditions of proper education demands cooperation between schools' headquarters and community councils and an initiative in seeking allies and sponsors. Examples of the activities of community councils to maintain proper safe and hygienic conditions in education should be propagated. These examples can be applied in another areas. ad 2) There is a dramatic shortage of facilities. Schools try to fulfil the increased requirements by: utilizing elements of natural environment, profiting from the spontaneous activity of children and parents, extending a traditional curriculum offered by new elements of physical culture. Increasing the number of physical training classes gives a chance to create social attitudes during these classes and health behaviour. ad 3) Accident risk in schools should be eliminated by carrying out a systematic many-sided and preventive activity. The coordination of actions should exist on all levels of local and national administration. In schools decisions concerning organizational solutions should be taken up, with the active involvement of headquarters, teachers, administrative workers and parents.

Accident Prevention↗
PubMed2001

Teachers awareness and opinion about AIDS--a study from eastern Nepal.

The potential for spread of HIV in Nepal is considered large because of the presence of extensive commercial sex workers, high rate of sexually transmitted disease, low condom use and many pockets of intravenous drug users. To prevent this disease from producing any public health problem in Nepal, strategies have been formulated by Government and non-government agencies in Nepal. School teachers' views and knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS are very important so that they can impart correct acknowledge about this dreaded disease AIDS to the school children who ultimately serve as catalytic agent to spread correct acknowledge in the community in long run. Teachers' awareness about HIV/AIDS in this study was fairly good. Majority of them were aware about established routes of HIV/AIDS transmission and various ways of preventing it. Various misconceptions regarding HIV transmission and its causes are the matter of concern. To impart education to the teachers and the community, more than 60% of the teachers expressed the radio to be the most effective medium. This can be suggested to the government to deliver more simple and attractive programmes about HIV/AIDS education through radio in suitable time for the community. The special AIDS education programme, for school teachers long term objective and with the support of government, non-government and social organizations will go a long way in dissemination of health knowledge to the school children.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2002

Paediatric immunisation: special emphasis on measles and MMR vaccinations.

The dictum, 'prevention is better than cure', is applicable to all ailments but it can be most easily followed for infectious diseases, increasing numbers of which are being contained by specific vaccinations since the first discovery of smallpox vaccine by Edward Jenner in 1796. Advances in immunology and laboratory techniques including cell culture, genetic engineering and animal experiments have contributed significantly to the production of more and more vaccines, used successfully in preventive programmes. Infectious diseases are widely prevalent in the developing countries. The child population is specially vulnerable to many of them. These infections contribute to high morbidity and mortality and immunisation programmes have been undertaken as preventive measures against them at the national level. Paediatricians and experts are actively engaged in formulating and improving these programmes as problems are faced in their implementation. Much new information is continuously being available in the literature, mostly in specialised journals. The general practitioners, particularly those serving in the remote and vast rural areas, are not likely to have access to these recent developments which they need for self-motivation in initiating the parents with confident advice to have their children properly immunised and also for tackling effectively any problem arising out of immunisation. This paper attempts to discuss the subject of paediatric immunisation with special emphasis being laid on measles and MMR vaccinations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

[Biological availability].

The term "bioavailability" is used to describe the actual percentage of a drug released from the dosage form, which reaches the receptor site in sufficient quantity to induce a biological effect. In this connection there are many problems arising in conjunction with the formulation of the preparation, as well as through the interaction of physiological and pathological factors. Prerequisite to the bioavailability of an orally administered preparation is, firstly, the quick disintegration of the dosage form, and secondly, the release and dissolution of the active substance. No in vitro methods for the examination of these factors have as yet been evolved which would allow a reliable prediction of bioavailability in man. Animal experiments only permit limited prognoses, since numerous influential factors, such as absorption from the intestine, metabolism and metabolic rates, influence of physical and mental stress, etc., strongly dependent upon the species. Bioavailability is determined using pharmacokinetical techniques on the area affected by the dose-response curve, or a combination of these methods.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1990

Large-scale propagation of insect cells.

Cultured insect cells have many uses in agriculture and medicine. They can be used in the diagnosis and isolation of a number of viruses infecting both animals and plants and for the laboratory study of these viruses. Large-volume culture of insect cells has been envisioned as a way of producing viruses for use in controlling insect pests and for the production of viral antigens for vaccine preparations. Recently they have become a potentially valuable way of producing a variety of proteins for human and veterinary medicine using the genetically engineered baculovirus expression vectors. The development of satisfactory cell lines and culture methods has proceeded at a slow, irregular pace, inhibited by the lack of knowledge of the physiology of the insect, its small size, and often by the lack of consistent, adequate support for the necessary developmental research. However, now that the basic culture systems are available, cell lines have been developed or can easily be developed for most needs. Suitable media are available and recent developments in refining existing media formations have resulted in low-cost media containing little protein to interfere with down-stream processing of cellular metabolites. Future developments are likely to further improve the media formulations and lower the cost. Technical problems relating to oxygen demand and cell fragility that inhibited the continued development of large-volume culture systems beyond the laboratory a few years ago now appear to be solved or at least are solvable. The successful culture of the Spodoptera cells in bioreactors of 40-liter capacity indicates that means of producing insect cells or their metabolic products on a commercial scale can be made economically feasible.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Maximizing biocompatibility: what is on the horizon?

The development of biocompatible peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) is one of the most significant improvements in the field. The evolution of PDFs can be divided into three phases: (1) identification of the problems; (2) basic laboratory studies and formulation of alternative solutions; and (3) clinical testing of the new alternatives. A summary of representative work for each of these phases, together with insights into future developments, is provided.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMed2005

[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder therapy update: extended-release methylphenidate].

INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a very common condition in neuropaediatric practice and the most widely used medication is methylphenidate (MPT). We discuss the comorbid disorders, diagnosis, aetiopathology and neurochemical bases, and we also stress the importance of pharmacological action on the dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways, and the problems and benefits of the different formulations of MPT. AIMS: Since extended-release MPT by means of the OROS technique has only recently been commercialised in Spain, we conducted a comparative analysis of immediate-release MPT and extended-release MPT in a series of 93 patients in order to determine which of them is preferable, to evaluate the reasons why this is so, and to analyse the shortcomings and advantages of the two drugs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present a study of 93 patients between 6 and 18 years old. Once an initial treatment had been established, changing over to extended-release MPT was proposed. We analysed compliance, effectiveness, safety, the preferences of the family and the degree of control over afternoon symptoms with the new treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients began treatment with immediate-release MPT or other medication. Changing to extended-release MPT brought about greater satisfaction with the control of afternoon symptoms and an improvement in the degree of compliance with respect to the initial treatment with immediate-release MPT or other drugs.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗
PubMed2006

Hepatoprotective herbal drug, silymarin from experimental pharmacology to clinical medicine.

Silymarin, a flavonolignan from 'milk thistle' (Silybum marianum) plant is used almost exclusively for hepatoprotection and amounts to 180 million US dollars business in Germany alone. In this review we discuss about its safety, efficacy and future uses in liver diseases. The use of silymarin may replace the polyherbal formulations and will avoid the major problems of standardization, quality control and contamination with heavy metals or bacterial toxins. Silymarin consists of four flavonolignan isomers namely--silybin, isosilybin, silydianin and silychristin. Among them, silybin being the most active and commonly used. Silymarin is orally absorbed and is excreted mainly through bile as sulphates and conjugates. Silymarin offers good protection in various toxic models of experimental liver diseases in laboratory animals. It acts by antioxidative, anti-lipid peroxidative, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, membrane stabilizing, immunomodulatory and liver regenerating mechanisms. Silymarin has clinical applications in alcoholic liver diseases, liver cirrhosis, Amanita mushroom poisoning, viral hepatitis, toxic and drug induced liver diseases and in diabetic patients. Though silymarin does not have antiviral properties against hepatitis virus, it promotes protein synthesis, helps in regenerating liver tissue, controls inflammation, enhances glucuronidation and protects against glutathione depletion. Silymarin may prove to be a useful drug for hepatoprotection in hepatobiliary diseases and in hepatotoxicity due to drugs. The non traditional use of silymarin may make a breakthrough as a new approach to protect other organs in addition to liver. As it is having a good safety profile, better patient tolerability and an effective drug at an affordable price, in near future new derivatives or new combinations of this drug may prove to be useful.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMed1991

Background factors in the decline of infant mortality in Sweden 1800-1930.

The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the changing Swedish society during the period 1800-1930 and to highlight factors which may have determined the decline in infant mortality during this period. A women's perspective will be used as a method to approach the problem. The following hypothesis has been formulated: a declining infant mortality was indirectly linked to and mediated through improvements in women's and mothers' living conditions in the past. Health information was successful when women and mothers possessed the necessary prerequisites for understanding and utilizing this information. Because of improved harvests food consumption per capita increased from the second decade of the 19th century. Deaths related to smallpox decreased from the beginning of the 19th century and fewer children under five and above died. A pronounced growth of the population due to declining mortality started from the second decade of the 19th century. The decline of infant mortality was, firstly, a combined effect of an increased intake of calories and a gradual decrease of work loads for women, which indirectly and directly influenced infants' health and survival. Fewer small-for-date infants were born, and mothers had more time for breast-feeding and child care. Secondary factors of importance were improved delivery care, health information on child care and hygiene, and declining fertility.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1991

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of hepsulfam (NSC 329680).

Hepsulfam (NSC 329680), a bifunctional alkylating agent structurally related to busulfan, has entered clinical trial based on its broader preclinical antitumor activity compared with that of busulfan and its i.v. formulation which may circumvent the many problems arising from the p.o. administration of busulfan, such as significant individual differences in bioavailability. In this Phase I study, 53 patients received 95 courses of hepsulfam at doses ranging from 30 to 480 mg/m2 administered i.v. over 30 min every 28 days. Hematological toxicity was dose limiting. Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were dose related, delayed in onset, and sustained for long durations. Toxicity was cumulative in most patients receiving more than one course. This pattern of myelosuppression suggests that hepsulfam is cytotoxic to hematopoietic stem cells. Although hematological toxicity was not particularly severe during most courses, its lengthly duration precluded the prompt administration of subsequent courses. Minimal nonhematological effects were observed. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the clearance rate of hepsulfam is linear over the dose range studied and that its plasma disposition is biphasic with mean alpha and beta half-lives of 19 +/- 18 (SE) min and 337 +/- 248 (SE) min, respectively. The area under the plasma clearance curve correlated with the percentage of change in WBC using a sigmoidal Emax model and with the duration of thrombocytopenia in patients with hematological toxicity. Based on the protracted duration of the toxicity of multiple doses that were greater than 210 mg/m2, the recommended starting dose for Phase II trials is 210 mg/m2. However, these trials should be pursued with caution because of the protracted nature of hepsulfam's myelosuppression. Because hepsulfam produced minimal nonhematological toxicity, substantial dose escalation above 480 mg/m2 may be possible with hematopoietic stem cell support.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Diagnostic usefulness of mycobacterial skin test antigens in childhood lymphadenitis.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are a frequent cause of chronic lymphadenitis in children. Previous studies of NTM antigen skin testing were inconclusive as a result of problems with study design and antigen formulation. The present study was undertaken with the Centers for Disease Control to determine whether newly formulated NTM skin test antigens applied in a double blind manner with a standard purified protein derivative could accurately distinguish NTM infections from those caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Among the 11 children enrolled at our institution the NTM antigens correctly identified the 5 children with culture-proved NTM infections, as well as 2 other children with clinical or histopathologic data consistent with NTM lymphadenitis (P = 0.003, Fisher test). None of the 11 children cross-reacted with the Centers for Disease Control-supplied purified protein derivative. The NTM antigens appear to be useful in the diagnostic evaluation of lymphadenitis and perhaps in the evaluation of children with positive purified protein derivative skin tests.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Bioequivalence of generic aerosol bronchodilators: what are the issues?

I have attempted to address some critical issues relating to the introduction of generic aerosol bronchodilators in Canada. I approached Genpharm to obtain information on the data submitted to the HPB, including the number of subjects involved, but the company refused to divulge this information because it was concerned about the use of such information by its competitors. In addition to the in-vitro testing conducted by the HPB, should a single pharmacodynamic study be sufficient to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a drug that serves such a critical role in the prevention of serious illness and possibly death? If so, what will constitute the minimum requirements for the design of such a study? In general, what should be the minimum standards required for safety, efficacy and bioequivalence of aerosol bronchodilators? The next phase rests with the provincial governments. What criteria will they use to determine whether a generic aerosol bronchodilator will be considered bioequivalent? It is essential that the criteria for bioequivalence be developed by experts, and ideally those criteria should be agreed upon and accepted by federal and provincial regulatory bodies before a product is given the status of bioequivalence. Unless such a step is taken it will be difficult to have confidence that products can be considered interchangeable. The issue of interchangeability of aerosol bronchodilators demands immediate attention. Regulatory agencies are caught between those groups with vested interests on both sides. Since patients will either benefit or suffer as a consequence of regulatory decisions, action must be taken to ensure that the best decisions are made. Scientists, clinicians and government officials should convene as soon as possible to formulate a satisfactory approach to this problem of interchangeability. The medical and pharmaceutical professions need reliable information, and patients should not be denied less expensive generic drugs if it can be determined that they are comparable to the innovator's product.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1987

Industrial problem solving with microbeam analysis.

The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the microbeam analytical techniques and to help select the appropriate one to solve complex problems often arising in today's high-tech industries. Case histories are given to show how renowned analytical service laboratories and microbeam experts formulated their strategies to approach a real life problem, what type of conclusions were deduced from the data and, finally, how the problem was solved.

Electron Probe Microanalysis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Combining health services in a development town in Israel.

A workshop on the evaluation of health and welfare services in an Israeli development town was conducted by the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Public Health and Community Medicine in the town of Beit Shemesh. The extensive field study by the second-year M.P.H. students led to a better understanding of community problems and needs and to the formulation of a model for the integration of health services. The workshop's outcomes, as evaluated by the participants, revealed close cooperation between the participants and the local health and welfare personnel and a positive appraisal of the workshop's goals.

Community Health Services↗
PubMed1987

The use of nursing diagnoses for health promotion in community practice.

The use of nursing diagnosis contributes to health promotion by helping nurses define and organize knowledge for community practice. When community nurses assess clients' responses to life and health events, clinical judgment frequently requires formulation of both positive and problem-oriented nursing diagnoses. Clinical examples and research findings are used to illustrate the use of nursing diagnoses for health promotion in community practice.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Economic analysis of the dissemination of a medical innovation: prenatal diagnosis by early amniocentesis as an example. Part 1. Epidemiologic, medical and socioeconomic bases. The dissemination of a diagnostic innovation].

The article offers a detailed analysis of the characteristics of the supply and demand of prenatal diagnosis by amniocentesis in order to identify the major problems that must be faced in formulating a policy designed to diffuse the use of this technique. The data collected for the whole of France made it possible to evaluate exhaustively the increase in the number of prenatal diagnoses during the years 1972-1981; to determine the number and geographic distribution of the diagnostic centers; to identify the medical criteria justifying the examinations. A comprehensive survey covering all examinations performed in the Ile de France (Paris region) in 1979--which constituted 46.5% of all the prenatal diagnoses performed in France that year--made it possible to determine the predominant socioeconomic characteristics of the women who took this examination, revealing, particularly, the significant inequalities of access, with an underrepresentation of the least privileged socioprofessional categories. The confirmation of the influence of socioeconomic status on access to this medical innovation is further reinforced by the fact that usage rates vary widely according to place of residence; furthermore, it adds to the financial barriers implicit in any policy of having reimbursement of the examinations dependent upon Social Security conventions. A public health policy regulating the diffusion of this innovation must take into account the discriminatory aspects of the first phase of diffusion, as analyzed here.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Soft lens cleaners: their effectiveness in removing depostis.

The useful life of a hydrophilic lens is often reduced by deposits forming on or within the polymeric structure of the lens. To eliminate this problem, several cleaning agents have been formulated to prevent and/or remove these deposits. The efficacy of these agents in cleaning heavily deposited lenses is the topic of this investigation.

Chemical Phenomena↗