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Biomedical subjects

E C Dunn

Publications and source records attributed to E C Dunn.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Do sport-specific stressors predict athletic injury?

Previous research concerning the relation between life stress and athletic injury has not assessed the separate predictive contribution of sport-related stress and stressors in other life domains. We propose that stressful life events that occur within the same environmental context as the outcome may have an impact that goes beyond general life stress. The present study eliminates the potential confounding of the two classes of life events, as well as potential masking effects of social desirability. In a prospective study involxing 425 high school athletes (236 males and 189 females) in four sports, preseason measures of both sport-specific and non-sport stressful life events were administered. Injury time loss was tracked during the subsequent season. The results indicated that sport-specific stressful events accounted for statistically significant injury time loss variance beyond that accounted for by general negative life stress only for female athletes. Implications of the findings for interpreting previous research and for designing future studies are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Results of a community pharmacy-based breast cancer risk-assessment and education program.

We tested the hypothesis that an education program addressing breast cancer screening schedules and modalities coupled with a breast cancer risk assessment provided by community pharmacists can increase women's confidence in performing screening practices endorsed by the American Cancer Society (ACS). This randomized, paired, pre-post study was conducted in six community pharmacies and two health-screening fairs; subjects were 140 women over 18 years of age. The pharmacist-administered program used the Breast Cancer Risk-Assessment Tool (Gail model) software provided by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health. In addition, pharmacists provided education and training on breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography. Adherence to ACS guidelines for monthly BSE increased from 31% to 56% (p<0.001) for all women 6 months after the program. Performance of monthly BSE by women considered at high risk for developing breast cancer increased from 20% to 60% (p<0.005). The mean number of BSEs performed over 6 months increased from 2.69 to 4.09 (p<0.001). Women's confidence performing correct BSE improved from 6.41 to 7.04 (p<0.001) on a scale of 0-10. Adherence to ACS guidelines for CBE and mammography did not reveal statistically significant improvements except for better adherence to CBE in women aged 40-49 years (81% to 97%, p<0.025). The strength of the pharmacists' intervention may not appear as manipulation of high-risk patients' behavior but as improvement of self-directed behaviors, such as BSE, across all age groups.

Adolescent↗

Economics of antihypertensive therapy in the elderly.

Because of the high incidence of morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension in the elderly, the treatment of hypertension in this patient group must involve consideration of clinical, humanistic and economic outcomes. The most frequently used method of pharmacoeconomic analysis for antihypertensive therapy involves cost-effectiveness analysis, although several other methods are available. Current evidence reveals a trend toward cost effectiveness of antihypertensive treatment in elderly patients. However, these formal analyses are limited by the need for extrapolation of data regarding efficacy and level of risk from epidemiological and randomised trials, information which is often lacking. To incorporate economic factors into clinical decision making, other measures of economic impact should be explored. The economic impact of antihypertensive therapy is affected by the level of risk for the patient and the efficacy of the treatment. Data indicate that the risk of morbidity and mortality related to hypertension increases with age and that current antihypertensive drugs reduce this risk. When choosing an antihypertensive agent, the following parameters should be considered: acquisition cost, likelihood of adverse effects and other determinants of treatment adherence, and individual predictors of response. The economic outcomes will be maximised if prudent drug selection is supplemented by appropriate diagnostic and classification procedures and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors other than hypertension. The accumulation of data addressing the risks and benefits of therapy for the very old and the comparative efficacy of newer antihypertensive therapies will further clarify the decision-making process.

Aged↗

Giant cell tumor of the intermediate cuneiform. A case report.

Although it has yet to be determined which surgical procedure provides the least chance for recurrence, surgical treatment remains the preferred therapy for giant cell tumors of bone. Few cases of giant cell tumor of the tarsus have been reported in the literature, with less than 10 of these cases occurring in the cuneiforms. When the extent of the tumor is questionable, definitive radiologic techniques should be used to aid in the selection of the most appropriate surgical procedure. Follow-up radiographic examination is critical to ensure that the patient remains tumor free. Yearly chest x-rays are recommended to rule out pulmonary metastasis. Although giant cell tumors represent only 5% to 8% of all benign primary osseous neoplasms of the foot, they have the potential to undergo malignant transformation, increasing the morbidity and mortality to the patient. Giant cell tumors of bone are locally aggressive, often occurring adjacent to articular surfaces, and usually are large when diagnosed. It is essential for the surgeon to plan a treatment that not only minimizes the chance of recurrence, but also attempts to preserve function of the involved part.

Bone Neoplasms↗

Systemic lupus erythematosus and right recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.

A 52-year-old woman presenting with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a right recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is described. The symptoms and signs resolved within days of initiating steroid therapy. This is the first reported case of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy associated with SLE in the absence of pulmonary hypertension or laryngeal lupus.

Cranial Nerve Diseases↗

Operative treatment of Brodie's abscess.

This manuscript deals with a unique operative management of unilateral Brodie's abscess in a 16-year-old male. Brodie's abscess is a common finding in childhood osteomyelitis. A review of the radiographic appearance, clinical presentation, and surgical management is presented.

Abscess↗