PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Martin

Publications and source records attributed to M Martin.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with joint prostheses - still a dilemma for dental practitioners.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a critical review of the current evidence that implicates dental-induced bacteraemia as a risk for joint infections in patients fitted with joint prostheses and appraise the need for antibiotic prophylaxis. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Mainly hospital-based patients or subjects. OUTCOME MEASURES: The relationship between joint infections and dental treatment is equivocal at the best and there is no evidence that antibiotic prophylaxis provides such patients with any protection. RESULTS: Microbiological evidence linking dental treatment-induced bacteraemia to joint infections is weak and if an oral commensal is implicated, it is more likely to have arisen either from a spontaneous bacteraemia or from a dental infection. As a consequence of the latter, we recommended the institution of good dental health prior to joint replacement. There may be a case for providing prophylaxis to the immuno-compromised patient, but only if the immuno-suppression is associated with a neutropenia. In such circumstances, only emergency treatment should be considered until the neutropenia is resolved. Antibiotic regimens that are recommended by orthopaedic surgeons have not been evaluated in a randomised placebo-controlled study and many of the drugs are not licensed for this purpose. The evidence on cost-risk benefit seems to demonstrate that antibiotic prophylaxis with either amoxicillin or penicillin is not cost effective when compared with no prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: The case for providing antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental treatment in patients fitted with a joint prosthesis is weak or virtually non-existent. Furthermore, the risk from providing prophylaxis is greater than the risk of a joint infection.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis↗
PubMed2003

Viscosity of rice flour: a rheological and biological study.

Rice breeders frequently use rapid visco analysis (RVA) as in index of rice quality. Potentially, viscosity curves could also be used to predict the sensory properties of a sample of rice or the processing properties of rice when used as an ingredient. The aim of this study is to determine the contribution of the main components of rice flour-starch and protein polymers and lipids-to the viscosity curve, accounting for biological and rheological contributions, and interactions with water. By deconstructing the rice flour, resistance to shear is generally the primary factor that affects rheological processes in the RVA, often masking the physical processes of cooking. Thus, higher concentrations of water reveal more about the true biological and physical processes of the transition from a powder to paste. Proteins contribute to peak height, offset thixotropy, and contribute to the final viscosity. Starch-lipid complexes can mask differences in the molecular structures of amylose and amylopectin, and removing lipids alters the structure of the paste significantly, which consequently alters viscosity curves.

Amylose↗
PubMed2003

[Case management and functional outcome in persons aged 65 years and over with hip fracture].

The goal of the investigation was to study case management and functional outcome in older patients with hip fracture. A prospective observational survey was performed, including all patients aged 65 years and over presenting with hip fracture in Heidelberg, from 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2000. All patients were reassessed by telephone calls 6 months post-fracture. A total of 331 patients were included (mean age 81.5 years, 81% female,23.8% nursing home residents). Hip fracture incidence per 1,000 was 7.8/year, and nursing home residents had a six times higher incidence rate than those living at home. Prior to the fracture, half of the patients were dependent in ambulation and a third needed support in basic activities. With substantial comorbidity (42% cognitive impairment), complications were common. Geriatric care was needed for 82% of the survivors. In-hospital treatment costs were about 10,000 Euro per fracture. Mortality at 6 months was 19.9%. The majority of survivors showed loss of competence and mobility. Functional outcome in older patients with hip fracture is disappointing. As the majority of the patients are frail, clinical treatment is complicated by "geriatric" problems. Thus, improved interdisciplinary care, with close cooperation between geriatricians and surgeons might result in a better functional outcome.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

[Executive functions and prospective memory performance in old age: an analysis of event-based and time-based prospective memory].

The goal of the present study was to examine the role of executive functions in age-related differences in prospective memory. Therefore, in a sample of 40 young ( M=24.8; SD=2.0) and 40 old adults ( M=69.3; SD=5.6), event- and time-based prospective memory as well as five executive functions were assessed. Results show that age differences in prospective memory performance depend largely on age-related individual differences in executive functions. Furthermore, the results indicate several executive functions to differentially predict prospective memory performance. The event-based prospective memory task requires inhibition to avoid distraction from irrelevant items. The time-based prospective memory task requires the flexible shifting of cognitive sets. Overall, the data support the assumption that age differences in prospective memory performance are closely related to executive functioning. In addition, time- and event-based prospective memory seem to rely on different executive processes.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Age as a predictor of everyday environmental demands in old age].

Across the lifespan, different environmental contexts may, in the long term, affect health and well-being. Exactly which contextual demands translate into different aspects of self-reported everyday demands has hardly been examined. In this telephone-based study with 365 adults between 51 and 80 years, we assessed (a) age differences in the existing everyday demands, (b) relations between different measures of everyday demands, and (c) the correlational patterns between measures of everyday contexts and everyday demands. Results demonstrate age effects in all measures of everyday demands, and differences between measures. The findings suggest age-related differences in the correlational patterns between specific everyday contexts and the levels of everyday demands.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2003

[Similarities and differences between self-rated and proxy-rated health in extreme old age].

Especially in old age, the global well-being of persons is strongly influenced by their health situation. Due to functional limitations, research on the development of persons in extreme old age often uses proxy ratings of health instead of self-ratings common in younger age groups. However, it is not known whether self- and proxy-ratings provide comparable information about the health status of extremely old persons. The current study with 53 centenarians and 53 proxies examines similarities and differences between self and proxy-ratings of health. The results indicate a high degree of similarity in some health ratings, an overestimation of ADL capacities by the centenarians, and that self-ratings to a large degree reflect the current mood levels of individuals. Findings are discussed with respect to the differences in the kind of information used for general health ratings.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2003

[Learning in old age: The importance of self-initiated structuring].

The purpose of the present study was to assess the role of memory, inhibition efficiency and self-initiated structuring of learning material in predicting age-related effects in learning performance. 47 young ( M = 23.3; SD = 3.8) and 52 old adults ( M = 64.5; SD = 5.2) took part in the current study. Tests assessing memory span, inhibition efficiency and a recall test requiring the participants to structure their learning material were administered. The results reveal that most of the age-related variance in learning performance can be explained by inhibition efficiency, memory span and-particularly-by the quality of structuring learning material. Furthermore, the results indicate that in order to recall the content of categories it is important to remember the categories formed during the learning period. The study emphasizes the importance of teaching strategies for organizing learning material in the context of cognitive trainings for the elderly.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Quality of life at the end of live: experiences, models and perspectives].

The present paper gives an overview of theoretical concepts and empirical research on the issue of quality of life at the end of life with a focus on psychological concepts of lifelong development. Faced with severe illness, it seems that in old age the quality of life strongly depends on the individuals' potentials for developmental change. In addition, particular qualities of the spatial, social, and care context, taking the psychosocial, spiritual and practical competences and needs of the patients and their relatives into account, seem to lead to a higher degree of self determination and well-being. Empirical findings on the predictors of quality of life and of a "good death" are reported. Implications for an adequate care context at the end of life and research needs are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2003

Spectrum of binge eating symptomatology in patients treated with clozapine and olanzapine.

The authors explored the binge eating symptomatology in 74 patients receiving clozapine (N = 57) or olanzapine (N = 17), and compared body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)) and weight gain in patients with and without binge eating symptomatology. Subjects who screened positively for binge eating were interviewed using a modified version of the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns (QEWP). Current BMIs were assessed cross-sectionally, BMIs at initiation of clozapine/olanzapine treatment retrospectively. Thirty-seven subjects (50%) screened positively. Taking clozapine and olanzapine together, 6/27 (22.2%) females and 3/47 (6.4%) males fulfilled criteria for binge eating disorder, 3/27 (11.1%) females and 2/47 (4.3%) males for bulimia nervosa. Patients who screened positively showed higher current BMIs (26.8 +/- 3.9 vs. 24.7 +/- 3.7 kg/m(2)) and higher BMI increments during clozapine/olanzapine treatment (3.9 +/- 3.1 vs. 2.6 +/- 3.4 kg/m(2)) than patients who screened negatively. We conclude that clozapine/olanzapine may induce binge eating and full blown eating disorders which may have predictive value for weight gain. For future research in this field we suggest a novel DSM-IV research classification "Medication-induced eating disorders".

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Association between clinically depressed subgroups, type of treatment and patient retention in the LIDO study.

BACKGROUND: Few data are available with which to evaluate the association between depressed subgroups, type of treatment and patient retention during episodes of major depression. METHOD: This observational study followed 1117 depressed patients over a 12-month period in the primary care setting of six different international sites. The patients were divided into three severity-linked subgroups: moderate to severe depression; moderate depression co-morbid with serious medical conditions; and mild depression. RESULTS: In general, a low dropout rate was found, with significant differences in the rates across the six sites. However, while there was no statistical significance in the association between the three subgroups of depression and overall dropout rates, we did find that older patients were less likely to drop out, more depressed patients were more likely to drop out, and if patients were on antidepressants they were less likely to drop out. Among the three subgroups of depression, patients with moderate depression co-morbid with serious medical conditions received the lowest amount of antidepressants and had the lowest quality of life. CONCLUSION: Although the overall dropout rate in this study was found very low and did differ between the six sites, an association between the use of antidepressants and patient retention was seen. The group of patients with serious co-morbid medical conditions received fewer antidepressants even when the level of their depressive states was taken into consideration. This group was the least satisfied with treatment and had the lowest self-reported quality of life.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Respiratory syncytial virus augments production of fibroblast growth factor basic in vitro: implications for a possible mechanism of prolonged wheezing after infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been linked to the development of clinical asthma. Cellular mechanisms of this observation are not yet clearly elucidated. In chronic asthma, production of growth factors and remodeling are associated with prolonged wheezing. It was hypothesized that cells infected with RSV may produce excessive levels of fibroblast growth factor basic (FGFb), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Airway epithelial cells were incubated with either: (i) virus, (ii) inactivated virus, or (iii) media only. The levels of FGFb and EGF were measured in the cellular supernatant fluid. The study demonstrated that by 24 h after RSV inoculation, or exposure to RSV-killed virus, cells are stimulated to produce significantly more FGFb, compared with non-infected/non-exposed control cells. FGFb is an important factor in remodeling and fibroblast activation in the airway. Using treatment with actinomycin D and cylcohexamide the effect of inhibiting translation or transcription in the infected cells, on FGFb production was demonstrated. There were no alterations in EGF production detectable. Based on the findings, the mechanism of FGFb secretion after RSV inoculation, appears to be regulated at the levels of both transcription and translation. The increased FGFb release potentially could contribute to fibroblast activation and remodeling in the airway, and thus provide another possible mechanism for prolonged wheezing after infection.

Bronchi↗
PubMed2003

Doxorubicin in combination with fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide (i.v. FAC regimen, day 1, 21) versus methotrexate in combination with fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide (i.v. CMF regimen, day 1, 21) as adjuvant chemotherapy for operable breast cancer: a study by the GEICAM group.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the relative efficacy of doxorubicin versus methotrexate in combination with intravenous cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil (FAC versus CMF) as adjuvant chemotherapy for operable breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 4-year period, 985 women undergoing curative surgery for breast cancer (T1-3 N0-2 M0, stage I-IIIA, UICC) from nine hospitals were stratified with respect to axillary node involvement (node positive versus node negative) and randomized to receive either FAC (500/50/500/m(2)) every 3 weeks for six cycles or CMF (600/60/600/m(2)) every 3 weeks for six cycles. RESULTS: The relative dose intensities of FAC and CMF were 87% and 85% of planned doses, respectively. Unadjusted data indicated a non-significant trend towards better results with FAC. In the prospectively formed subset of node-negative patients, disease-free survival and overall survival were statistically superior in the FAC treatment arm (P = 0.041 and 0.034, respectively), but this advantage was not seen in the subset of node-positive patients, probably because of a difference in the percentage of patients with four or more positive nodes. Adjusting data for size of treatment effect and potential interactions (number of positive nodes, tumor size, treatment center), the overall relative risk (RR) of disease recurrence and death were significantly lower with FAC treatment (RR 1.2, P = 0.03, and RR 1.3, P = 0.05, respectively). This result was mainly due to the difference observed in the node-negative patient population. Toxicity was mild: FAC induced more alopecia, emesis, mucositis and cardiotoxicity; this last was of clinical concern, but was infrequent and manageable. CMF induced more conjunctivitis and weight gain. There were no toxic deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Doxorubicin in combination with day 1 i.v. cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil is superior to methotrexate in combination with day 1 i.v. cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil as adjuvant chemotherapy for operable breast cancer. A treatment effect is particularly evident in the node-negative patients. Although the clinical toxicity of FAC is greater than that of CMF, the levels were manageable and clinically acceptable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Phase II study of pemetrexed in breast cancer patients pretreated with anthracyclines.

BACKGROUND: To assess antitumor activity and toxicity of pemetrexed in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients previously treated with anthracyclines. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven MBC patients from 12 European institutions were entered into the study. Seventy-two patients were considered evaluable for response and toxicity. Forty-two patients were classified as anthracycline-failure (relapse >30 days after completion of a prior anthracycline regimen) and 30 as anthracycline-refractory (progression within 30 days after anthracycline therapy). Pemetrexed 600 mg/m(2) was administered intravenously every 3 weeks until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. RESULTS: There were three complete and 12 partial responders [response rate 21% (95% confidence interval 12%)]. Response rates in the anthracycline-failure and anthracycline-refractory groups were 24% and 17%, respectively. A subset of 31 patients pretreated with anthracyclines and taxanes had a response rate of 26%. Median duration of response and median survival were 5.5 and 10.7 months, respectively (13 months in the failure group and 5.7 months for refractory). Grade 3/4 toxicities included neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in 56% and 19% of patients, respectively. Nine patients (12%) experienced neutropenic fever. Grade 3/4 non-hematological toxicities included skin rash (10%), nausea (12%), fatigue (10%) and stomatitis (5%). CONCLUSION: Our trial demonstrates pemetrexed to be active in breast cancer, with manageable toxicity. Activity of pemetrexed did not appear to be adversely affected by prior taxane, 5-fluorouracil or endocrine treatments.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Investigation of the role of CD8+ T cells in bovine tuberculosis in vivo.

Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (TB), and it has the potential to induce disease in humans. CD8(+) T cells (CD8 cells) have been shown to respond to mycobacterial antigens in humans, cattle, and mice. In mice, CD8 cells have been shown to play a role in protection against mycobacterial infection. To determine the role of CD8 cells in bovine TB in vivo, two groups of calves were infected with the virulent M. bovis strain AF2122/97. After infection, one group was injected with a CD8 cell-depleting monoclonal antibody (MAb), and the other group was injected with an isotype control MAb. Immune responses to mycobacterial antigens were measured weekly in vitro. After 8 weeks, the animals were killed, and postmortem examinations were carried out. In vitro proliferation responses were similar in both calf groups, but in vitro gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production in 24-h whole-blood cultures was significantly higher in control cattle than in CD8 cell-depleted calves. Postmortem examination showed that calves in both groups had developed comparable TB lesions in the lower respiratory tract and associated lymph nodes. Head lymph node lesion scores, on the other hand, were higher in control calves than in CD8 cell-depleted calves. Furthermore, there was significant correlation between the level of IFN-gamma and the head lymph node lesion score. These experiments indicate that CD8 cells play a role in the immune response to M. bovis in cattle by contributing to the IFN-gamma response. However, CD8 cells may also play a deleterious role by contributing to the immunopathology of bovine TB.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Demographic and geographic variations of oral health among African Americans based on NHANES III.

UNLABELLED: As efforts continue to improve the health of all US citizens, oral health must not be overlooked. Oral health is an integral part of overall health status and oral diseases are among the most prevalent of all health problems. OBJECTIVES: To describe the oral health status and oral health behaviors of African Americans. METHODS: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) data set was used to examine a range of oral health indicators of African Americans with specific attention to demographic and geographic factors. The original data set consisted of 20,050 subjects, gathered through the use of complex, multi-stage, stratified and clustered sampling techniques. Only African Americans were included in this study which resulted in a sample of 5,616. Statistical analysis was conducted to allow the proper modeling of the complex, stratified, multistage survey design and sample weights of NHANES III. RESULTS: Sixty-two percent of respondents indicated that they only visit the dentist when needed and had no regular visitation schedule. Dental health was worse for those individuals who were poor, unemployed, and uninsured. Regional differences in dental care appeared with individuals living in the south reporting poorer dental health. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study are useful for identifying sociodemographic and geographic factors related to oral health status. The insights gained from this study illustrate the need for tailoring oral health promotion programmes and services to specific groups within the African American community because service utilisation and response patterns and perceptions may be different.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Weekly paclitaxel.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗
PubMed2002

Immobilized native bacteria as a tool for bioremediation of soils and waters: implementation and modeling.

Based on 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate (3,4-DHPA) dioxygenase amino acid sequence and DNA sequence data for homologous genes, two different oligonucleotides were designed. These were assayed to detect 3,4-DHPA related aromatic compound-degrading bacteria in soil samples by using the FISH method. Also, amplification by PCR using a set of ERIC primers was assayed for the detection of Pseudomonas GCH1 strain, which used in the soil bioremediation process. A model was developed to understand and predict the behavior of bacteria and pollutants in a bioremediation system, taking into account fluid dynamics, molecular/cellular scale processes, and biofilm formation.

Alginates↗