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The effect of nondirective questioning on women's decisions whether to undergo bone density screening: an experimental study.

This study investigated the effects of nondirective counseling on health screening decisions. Ninety women (mean age = 51 years) received information about bone density screening and osteoporosis. They were then randomly allocated to 1 of 4 groups and were encouraged to focus on positive issues about bone density screening (positive group), on negative issues (negative group), on both positive and negative issues (all-focusing group), or on issues relating to the common cold (control group). Women were asked to rate how likely they would be to opt for bone density screening if they saw it available. After being informed that they could have bone density screening, actual uptake was assessed. It was found that the issues on which individuals focused significantly influenced their rate likelihood of opting for the scan. Rated likelihood of testing was significantly associated with whether individuals actually did opt for testing when it was subsequently offered to them.

Adult↗

Picornaviral 3C cysteine proteinases have a fold similar to chymotrypsin-like serine proteinases.

The picornavirus family includes several pathogens such as poliovirus, rhinovirus (the major cause of the common cold), hepatitis A virus and the foot-and-mouth disease virus. Picornaviral proteins are expressed by direct translation of the genomic RNA into a single, large polyprotein precursor. Proteolysis of the viral polyprotein into the mature proteins is assured by the viral 3C enzymes, which are cysteine proteinases. Here we report the X-ray crystal structure at 2.3 A resolution of the 3C proteinase from hepatitis A virus (HAV-3C). The overall architecture of HAV-3C reveals a fold resembling that of the chymotrypsin family of serine proteinases, which is consistent with earlier predictions. Catalytic residues include Cys 172 as nucleophile and His 44 as general base. The 3C cleavage specificity for glutamine residues is defined primarily by His 191. The overall structure suggests that an intermolecular (trans) cleavage releases 3C and that there is an active proteinase in the polyprotein.

3C Viral Proteases↗

Fulminant type 1 diabetes: a novel clinical entity requiring special attention by all medical practitioners.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes is a recently discovered subtype of type 1 diabetes. It is defined as diabetes in which the process of beta-cell destruction and the progression of hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis are extremely rapid. The pathogenesis of this disease remains to be clarified, but the involvement of both genetic background-especially human leukocyte antigen genes-and viruses has been suggested. Fulminant type 1 diabetes has the following clinical characteristics: duration of hyperglycemic symptoms is 4 days on average; there is a high prevalence of preceding common-cold-like and gastrointestinal symptoms; there is a near-normal level of glycated hemoglobin in spite of very high plasma glucose levels associated with ketoacidosis; the disease is sometimes related to pregnancy; and there are increased serum pancreatic enzyme levels, absent C-peptide levels, but virtually no detectable autoantibodies against constituents of pancreatic beta cells. The presence of the above characteristics strongly indicates the diagnosis of fulminant type 1 diabetes. Once the diagnosis of this disease is suspected, treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis must be started immediately, as in all other cases of type 1 diabetes. Otherwise, the death of the patient is likely to occur within 24 h. All medical practitioners must remember that this extremely rapidly progressing type of diabetes does exist, and they must pay special attention not to overlook it.

Acute Disease↗

Chronic otitis media with effusion during infancy, have parent-reported symptoms prognostic value? A prospective longitudinal study from 0 to 2 years of age.

As a part of a prospective study (age, 0-2 years), the prognostic value of parent-reported symptoms relative to chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) was examined in a group of 122 infants. The occurrence of hearing loss, ear infection, mouth breathing, snoring and common cold was inventoried using a standardised questionnaire filled in by parents at 3-monthly intervals. Tympanometric and otoscopic records were combined for assessment of middle ear status. Subjects were categorized into three groups: none (n = 13), mild (n = 78) and severe (n = 31) COME. Analysis revealed that all symptoms in the first year of life were significantly associated with severe COME. In the second year, only hearing loss was associated with a higher risk for severe COME. The risk for severe COME increased when symptoms were combined. In conclusion, a questionnaire based on only symptoms during the first year of life may assist in screening and managing severe COME.

Age Distribution↗

Leiomyosarcoma of the pulmonary vein.

A case of a 74-year-old man with leiomyosarcoma of the pulmonary vein is reported. The patient felt transient chest oppression while playing golf 1 week before he visited a clinic with a common cold. He underwent an ultrasonographic examination of the heart, which showed a mass lesion in the left atrium. The preoperative clinical diagnosis was myxoma of the left atrium. Cardiac surgery revealed the mass to be a leiomyosarcoma, probably extending from the left inferior pulmonary vein. The patient underwent a left lower lobectomy of the lung, and the tumor was confirmed to have originated from the wall of the left inferior pulmonary vein. Although the patient had a metastatic lesion in the right axillary lymph node 11 months later, which was excised, he remained free of disease 14 months after the initial operation. Histologically, the tumors were composed of pleomorphic cells with bizarre nuclei and spindle cells with blunt-ended nuclei with 1-4 mitotic figures in 10 high power fields. Immunohistologically, the tumor cells were positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin and desmin. We reviewed 17 cases of leiomyosarcoma of the pulmonary vein (six males and 11 females with a mean age of 50 years in each group). The present case was the oldest in age and to our knowledge was the first reported case with metastasis in a distant lymph node.

Aged↗

The challenge of choosing a pediculicide.

Head lice is the most frequently occurring communicable disease, except for the common cold, among children in the United States. The impact on a family facing the challenge of head lice is tremendous, ranging from emotional to financial distress. Challenges also face the health care provider and school personnel. Many over-the-counter preparations and prescription products are available to combat head lice. With the alleged advent of pediculicide-resistant head lice, many other products and applications not necessarily intended to treat head lice are being recommended. The purpose of this article is to outline the products and procedures currently being utilized and to provide a starting point for treating head lice.

Animals↗

Survival of human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 in suspension and after drying onsurfaces: a possible source ofhospital-acquired infections.

Strains OC43 and 229E of human coronaviruses (HCoV) cause one-third of common colds and hospital-acquired upper respiratory tract HCoV infections have been reported in premature newborns. To evaluate possible sources of infection, virus survival was studied in aqueous suspensions and on absorptive and non-absorptive surfaces representative of a hospital environment. Virus susceptibility to chemical disinfection with standard products was also characterized. Virus survived in saline solution for as long as six days but less in culture medium, with or without added cells. After drying, HCoV-229E infectivity was still detectable after 3h on various surfaces (aluminum, sterile latex surgical gloves, sterile sponges) but HCoV-OC43 survived 1h or less. Of the various chemical disinfectants tested, Proviodine reduced the virus infectious titre by at least 50%. This study suggests that surfaces and suspensions can be considered as possible sources of contamination that may lead to hospital-acquired infections with HCoV and should be appropriately disinfected.

Coronavirus↗

Pharmacokinetic interaction study of a fixed combination of 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid/30 mg pseudoephedrine versus each of the single active ingredients in healthy male volunteers.

UNLABELLED: Acetylsalicylic acid (CAS 50-78-2, ASA) and pseudoephedrine (CAS 90-82-4, PSE) both are remedies given together for the treatment of the symptoms of a common cold, i.e. mainly nasal congestion, running nose, sore throat and headache. The aim of this open, randomized, three-factorial (three-treatment, three-period, six-sequence) Latin Square clinical study was to investigate if there were any pharmacokinetic interactions between ASA and PSE when given as fixed combination of 500 mg ASA/30 mg PSE.HCl. Lack of interaction was assessed by determination of pharmacokinetic characteristics and relative bioavailability of both substances and salicylic acid (CAS 69-72-7, SA), administered in combination and as equally single dosed drugs. In total, the data of 12 healthy male volunteers were included into the pharmacokinetic evaluation. Primary target parameters were ratios combination/equally dosed single drugs of AUCnorm and Cmax, norm of ASA, its metabolite SA and PSE. The primary target parameters were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) after logarithmic transformation of the data. 90% confidence intervals were calculated for the geometric means of ratios using the mean square error term of the ANOVA. RESULTS: Bioequivalence was given for AUCnorm and Cmax, norm for all ratios calculated. No interaction was found for AUCnorm and Cmax, norm between the fixed combination ASA/PSE and the equally single dosed drugs as reference. The supplementary evaluation for the non-normalized original parameters AUC and Cmax also revealed bioequivalence. All treatments were safe and well tolerated.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Rhinovirus elicits proasthmatic changes in airway responsiveness independently of viral infection.

BACKGROUND: Rhinovirus (RV), the principal pathogen responsible for the common cold, is importantly implicated in triggering attacks of asthma secondary to changes in airway responsiveness. OBJECTIVE: Because the airway histopathologic features of RV infection are relatively modest, we tested the hypothesis that RV can directly elicit proasthmatic-like changes in airway smooth muscle (ASM) responsiveness independently of actual viral infection and its associated cytopathic effects. METHODS: Isolated ASM tissues and cultured ASM cells were inoculated with either infectious or noninfectious (UV-irradiated) RV16 and RV2, the latter serotypes belonging to the "major" and "minor" groups of RV subtypes, respectively. ASM constrictor and relaxant responsiveness, G(i) protein expression, and proinflammatory cytokine release were subsequently compared under the different treatment conditions. RESULTS: In contrast to RV2, which had no effect, RV16 inoculation elicited enhanced ASM contractility and impaired relaxation to cholinergic and beta-adrenergic agonists, respectively, in association with increased ASM membrane G(i) protein expression and induced release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-5 and IL-1beta. These proasthmatic-like effects were also observed in ASM exposed to UV-irradiated RV16, wherein viral replication was completely inhibited. In contrast, pretreatment of ASM with a neutralizing antibody directed against ICAM-1, the host receptor for the "major" group of RVs, completely abrogated the proasthmatic effects of RV16. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that (1) RV16 elicits proasthmatic changes in ASM responsiveness that can occur independently of actual viral infection of the ASM and (2) the effects of RV16 are attributed solely to binding of the virus to its host receptor (ICAM-1) on the ASM cell surface. Collectively, these findings support the notion that RV-induced exacerbation of wheezing in asthmatic individuals can occur even in the absence of any cytopathology associated with viral infection.

Animals↗

Computed tomography imaging of the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses in children with short-duration purulent rhinorrhea.

INTRODUCTION: Adults with a common cold often have paranasal sinus effusions detected by computed tomographic (CT) scans. There are no comparable data for children. The purpose of this study was to document the sinus CT findings in children with short-duration purulent rhinorrhea. DESIGN: Thirty children, 3 to 12 years of age (median age, 7 years), with purulent rhinorrhea for a mean duration of 5 days (and always less than 9 days) were enrolled in the study. The children were otherwise well. Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approval was obtained before enrollment of the first patient. Informed written consent was obtained from each child's parent. CT imaging of the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses was obtained on the day of the initial visit (occasionally, the following day). Follow-up CT scans were obtained from cooperative children/parents, 3 to 4 weeks later. RESULTS: Opacification or an air/fluid level in the maxillary sinuses was seen in 27 (90%) of 30 study children at study entry. Ethmoid sinuses were not opacified without opacification of a maxillary sinus. Three weeks later, 24 of 27 study children, who had positive CT scans on study entry, improved clinically. Of 17 follow-up CT scans, 10 (58%) normalized, 4 had improvement of bilateral disease, and 3 improved with unilateral disease. None appeared worse than baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Pansinus opacification (ethmoid and maxillary sinuses), on CT scans in children with short-duration purulent nasal drainage was seen in 70% of children. An additional 20% had isolated maxillary sinus effusions (10% had no effusion). Three-week follow-up CT scans on 17 children were normal in 60% and improved (partial clearance) in 40%. In this patient population, the decision to treat with antibiotics should be made on clinical grounds alone.

Cefuroxime↗

Are recommended daily allowances for vitamin C adequate?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) for adults has now been set at 45 mg day(-1) by the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board. This intake suffices to prevent scurvy in most people. It is, however, much less than the optimum intake, the intake that leads to the best of health. A larger intake decreases the incidence and severity of the common cold and other diseases. Ascorbic acid has antiviral and antibacterial activity and is required for phagocytic activity of leukocytes. Several arguments indicate that for different human beings the optimum intake lies between 250 mg day(-1) and a much higher value, 5000 mg day(-1) or more. It is proposed that the present Recommended Dietary Allowance of 45 mg day(-1) of vitamin C for adults be renamed the Minimum Dietary Allowance, defined as the amount needed to prevent scurvy, and that, after consideration of the evidence about intake and the best of health, there be formulated another category of values, the Recommended Daily Intake, with the suggested range of 250 mg day(-1) to 4000 mg day(-1) of ascorbic acid for an adult.

Ascorbic Acid↗

Structure-assisted design of mechanism-based irreversible inhibitors of human rhinovirus 3C protease with potent antiviral activity against multiple rhinovirus serotypes.

Human rhinoviruses, the most important etiologic agents of the common cold, are messenger-active single-stranded monocistronic RNA viruses that have evolved a highly complex cascade of proteolytic processing events to control viral gene expression and replication. Most maturation cleavages within the precursor polyprotein are mediated by rhinovirus 3C protease (or its immediate precursor, 3CD), a cysteine protease with a trypsin-like polypeptide fold. High-resolution crystal structures of the enzyme from three viral serotypes have been used for the design and elaboration of 3C protease inhibitors representing different structural and chemical classes. Inhibitors having alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl groups combined with peptidyl-binding elements specific for 3C protease undergo a Michael reaction mediated by nucleophilic addition of the enzyme's catalytic Cys-147, resulting in covalent-bond formation and irreversible inactivation of the viral protease. Direct inhibition of 3C proteolytic activity in virally infected cells treated with these compounds can be inferred from dose-dependent accumulations of viral precursor polyproteins as determined by SDS/PAGE analysis of radiolabeled proteins. Cocrystal-structure-assisted optimization of 3C-protease-directed Michael acceptors has yielded molecules having extremely rapid in vitro inactivation of the viral protease, potent antiviral activity against multiple rhinovirus serotypes and low cellular toxicity. Recently, one compound in this series, AG7088, has entered clinical trials.

3C Viral Proteases↗

Analysis of three structurally related antiviral compounds in complex with human rhinovirus 16.

Rhinoviruses are a frequent cause of the common cold. A series of antirhinoviral compounds have been developed that bind into a hydrophobic pocket in the viral capsid, stabilizing the capsid and interfering with cell attachment. The structures of a variety of such compounds, complexed with rhinovirus serotypes 14, 16, 1A, and 3, previously have been examined. Three chemically similar compounds, closely related to a drug that is undergoing phase III clinical trials, were chosen to determine the structural impact of the heteroatoms in one of the three rings. The compounds were found to have binding modes that depend on their electronic distribution. In the compound with the lowest efficacy, the terminal ring is displaced by 1 A and rotated by 180 degrees relative to the structure of the other two. The greater polarity of the terminal ring in one of the three compounds leads to a small displacement of its position relative to the other compounds in the hydrophobic end of the antiviral compound binding pocket to a site where it makes fewer interactions. Its lower efficacy is likely to be the result of the reduced number of interactions. A region of conserved residues has been identified near the entrance to the binding pocket where there is a corresponding conservation of the mode of binding of these compounds to different serotypes. Thus, variations in residues lining the more hydrophobic end of the pocket are primarily responsible for the differences in drug efficacies.

Antiviral Agents↗

Topical glucocorticosteroids in rhinitis: clinical aspects.

The introduction of nasal glucocorticosteroids, 30 years ago, has been the most important therapeutic progress in rhinitis management since the introduction of the first generation of antihistamines. Our knowledge of the mode of action of glucocorticosteroids in the nose has improved as the airway mucous membrane of the nose is easily accessible for investigation. However, the exact mechanism behind the marked clinical effect remains unclear. Topical glucocorticosteroids are highly effective in diseases characterized by eosinophil-dominated inflammation (allergic rhinitis, nasal polyposis), but not in diseases characterized by neutrophil-dominated inflammation (common cold, infectious rhinosinusitis). Experience for 30 years and a long series of controlled studies have shown that the treatment is highly effective and that the side effects are few and benign. Intranasal glucocorticosteroids can therefore be considered as first-line treatment for allergic and non-allergic, non-infectious rhinitis and nasal polyps.

Administration, Topical↗

Respiratory infections in children. What helps and what doesn't?

Respiratory disorders are common in children. Upper respiratory infection is particularly common in children who receive day care or group care. Frequently used methods of treating the common cold (eg, heated vapor, over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants) have not been proven objectively to be beneficial in young children. Sinusitis is usually diagnosed through history taking (eg, complaints of more than 9 days of non-improving nasal congestion and/or cough), but radiographs may be necessary. Antibiotics effective against specific causative agents are the treatment of choice. Data do not support routine use of myringotomy to treat acute otitis media, but combined with tube placement, this method is useful for recurrent infection. Antibiotic prophylaxis may help prevent recurrent episodes of acute otitis media. Before tonsillectomy is considered for pharyngitis, a history of recurrent episodes must be documented. Epiglottitis, although increasingly rare, should still be considered when certain specific clinical signs are present.

Child↗

Excessive use of rapid tests in respiratory tract infections in Swedish primary health care.

A 1-y retrospective study of problem oriented electronic patient records, for encounters concerning respiratory tract infection, was performed. The aim was to analyse the management of respiratory tract infections in primary health care in terms of diagnostic coding, tests and antibiotic treatment using data from electronic patient records. 12 primary health care centres with a registered population of 102,050 residents in 3 counties in southeast Sweden participated. Data were retrieved electronically from records of patient encounters concerning respiratory tract infections. The data were: patient age and gender, date of contact, diagnostic code, CRP and GABHS tests and results, as well as antibiotic prescriptions. In a total of 19,965 encounters, the most frequent diagnoses were common cold (40%), acute tonsillitis (18%), and acute bronchitis (15%). A total of 4445 GABHS tests (in 22% of encounters) and 6141 CRP tests (31%) were performed, and both tests were done in 1910 encounters (10%). A total of 7934 antibiotic prescriptions were registered. The proportion of patients tested and prescribed an antibiotic varied greatly between centres. We found an excessive, and much varying, use of rapid tests in encounters for respiratory tract infections. Data retrieval from electronic patient record systems was a feasible method to study the use of laboratory tests in relation to pharmacological treatment.

Adolescent↗

Data from electronic patient records are suitable for surveillance of antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory tract infections in primary health care.

Diagnoses and antibiotic treatments were analysed in relation to respiratory tract infections (RTI). A 1-y retrospective study was made of electronic patient records (EPR) for encounters concerning RTIs in primary health care in Sweden. The study covered a registered population of 102,050 individuals at 12 primary health care centres in 3 counties. Data were recorded on number of episodes, encounters, diagnostic codes and antibiotic prescriptions. The yearly number of episodes of RTIs was 16,964 or 166 per 1000 inhabitants per y. The total number of encounters was 19,965. The most frequent diagnoses were common cold (40%), acute tonsillitis (18%), and acute bronchitis (15%). The yearly number of antibiotic prescriptions was 7961, accounting for 47% of the episodes or 78 per 1000 inhabitants per y. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were phenoxymethylpenicillin (61%), tetracyclines (18%) and macrolides 8%). Standard EPRs provide a feasible source of clinical information which, taking limitations into consideration, could be used for the follow-up of trends in antibiotic prescribing and of adherence to guidelines with regard to RTIs.

Adolescent↗

The management of infections in children in general practice in Sweden: a repeated 1-week diagnosis-prescribing study in 5 counties in 2000 and 2002.

A diagnosis-prescribing study was performed in 5 Swedish counties during 1 week in November in 2000 and repeated in 2002. The aim of the present study was to analyse data for children 0-15y of age who consulted a general practitioner with symptoms of an infection. During the 2 weeks studied, 4049 children were consulted. Respiratory tract infections (RTI) were the predominant diagnoses, above all among the youngest children, while the proportion of urinary tract infections and skin infections increased with increasing age. Between the y 2000 and 2002, the proportion of children allocated the diagnosis streptococcal tonsillitis and pneumonia decreased (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively) while the proportion of common cold increased (p<0.001). Antibiotic prescribing decreased from 55% to 48% (p<0.001) for respiratory infections between the years studied. The only significant changes in type of antibiotics prescribed were the increase of isoxazolylpenicillins (p<0.001) used for skin infection and the decrease of macrolides (p=0.001). A diagnostic test was used in more than half of the consultations. Of children allocated a RTI diagnosis, 36% were prescribed antibiotics when a C-reactive protein test was performed compared to 58% in those not tested. Further studies are needed in general practice to determine the optimal use of near-patient tests in children with RTI.

Adolescent↗