PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J A Halperin

Publications and source records attributed to J A Halperin.

51 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

Prostaglandin E1 inhibits acute cell dehydration thirst.

Intraperitoneally injected PGE1 (100 micrograms/Kg) inhibits specifically the drinking induced by both IP and IV 2 M NaCl (6 ml/Kg) and compound 48/80 (100 micrograms/Kg, IP). Probenecid (150 mg/Kg, IP) which is not a dipsogen, has no effect on the PGE1 induced inhibition of acute cell dehydration thirst. It is concluded the PGE1 acts upon the peripheral mast cells, inhibiting their secretion and thus affecting the water intake associated with the activation of these cells either by hypertonicity or specific stimulants of amine release. These results raise the possibility that endogenous prostaglandins might be involved in the modulation of some of the signals which convey to the brain information on the tonicity of the body fluids.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Effects of written drug information on patient knowledge and compliance: a literature review.

The prospect of patient-oriented prescription drug labeling has focused increased attention on the effectiveness of written information for the consumer. Studies which have evaluated the effects of written prescription drug information in a patient population are reviewed. Several studies indicate that written information can be effective in improving patient compliance with regimens for antibiotic therapy. However, for drugs used on a long-term basis, written information as a sole intervention has not been shown to be sufficient for improving patient compliance. Patient knowledge of less commonly known information, such as precautions, side effects, or special directions is frequently improved by written information. Listing a drug's side effects has not been shown to increase the reported experience of side effects; however, one study suggests that patients may be more willing to report side effects to a health professional if they are listed in the written information. The trend for recent studies has been to focus on the "milieu" in which written information is provided or to systematically vary structural features of the information in order to improve the quality of drug communications.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Setting health standards for the 21st century.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the nature, substance, and impact of health standards and to speculate on how they may change during the early years of the 21st century. SUMMARY: The health care system has experienced dramatic changes over the past three decades. Health standards now cover the spectrum from statutes to regulations to guidelines, as well as less compulsory forms, and address every aspect of health, including the availability, quality, and cost of services; the safety, efficacy, and quality of products; the adequacy of processes and analytic methods; and the value and cost-effectiveness of health technologies and services. Standards cover promotion, protection, and gatekeeping functions. They are established in response to specific needs and are driven by social and political agendas; social policy will drive standards development to a greater extent in the 21st than in the 20th century. Technology advances are stimulating new forms of standards, primarily gatekeeping standards. Standards raise the question of compliance. The trend is increasingly toward less compulsory, more discretionary standards, with a greater percentage being established by quasi-official and voluntary bodies. CONCLUSION: 21st century health standards must balance the rights of access with protection from unsafe, ineffective, and poor quality products and services during a period when decisions must be made faster. They must be more flexible, enabling consumers to choose their level of protection. Such standards will pose the same concerns about adequacy, equity, and freedom of choice as health standards pose now. Whether we will use 21st century standards to improve and advance our health as well as systems, products, and services that contribute to health more effectively than we have in the 20th century is a question to ponder.

Forecasting↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Necessary, optional, and undesirable drug products.

The distinction between necessary and optional drugs depends on national policies of drug regulation, economics of the health care system, and traditions of competition and freedom of choice for physicians and patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) calls drugs that are basic to the medical needs of a country "Essential Drugs," but more developed countries go beyond this category and expand the therapeutic armamentarium to include at least some optional drugs. However, financial considerations, including government payment, may keep the spectrum of choice narrow. Generic copies, while not optional therapeutic copies, stimulate free market competition in other countries. Undesirable drugs are easier to categorize. They are unsafe, ineffective, improperly manufactured or packaged, impure, subpotent, or falsely or misleadingly labeled. Once a country determines its policies for necessary and optional drug products, it is essential that criteria to prevent the marketing of undesirable drugs be maintained.

Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions↗