Biomedical subjects

M P Jaffe

Publications and source records attributed to M P Jaffe.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

The unveiling of traumatic brain injury in an HIV/AIDS population.

This study examines the frequency of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in an HIV/AIDS population and its associated symptomatology. A panel of 173 individuals with HIV were split into two groups--those who have experienced a blow to the head within their lifetime (n = 128) and those who have not (n = 45). Self-reported symptoms from the TIRR Symptom Checklist were compared across both HIV panels, individuals who identified as traumatically brain injured (n = 416), and individuals with no disability (n = 282). Six clusters of symptoms (total, cognitive, physical, affective/behavioural, five symptoms sensitive and specific to TBI in general and 25 symptoms sensitive and specific to mild TBI) were analysed in a MANOVA, controlling for the demographic variables that were correlated with total symptoms, including panel membership, education, annual household income and substance use history. Significant main effects were found for panel membership. Individuals with HIV and a history of blow to the head reported a higher number of total symptoms and the 25 symptoms specific to mild TBI. The significance of these findings acknowledges the need to recognize the frequency of TBI in an HIV population and the subsequent need to provide the appropriate interventions that will lead to an enhanced overall quality of life.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1998

Off-label dermatologic therapies. Usage, risks, and mechanisms.

Off-label refers to the prescribing of Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for a use not indicated on the package insert. The prescribing of off-label drugs may benefit patients with many dermatologic diseases including angiogenesis-related conditions. We surveyed 55 dermatologists from a single large academic program to assess their use of particular drugs for specific skin conditions, their perception of such use as being for Food and Drug Administration-approved or for off-label indications, and their attitudes towards off-label therapies. The practice of prescribing off-label drugs was common among the respondents, many of whom had misperceptions about which conditions are Food and Drug Administration-approved indications and about the legal ramifications of off-label therapies. We suggest that understanding the principles of off-label prescribing in conjunction with the mechanisms of drug action in diseases may help clinicians exercise their judgment in finding innovative therapies for their patients.

Dermatologic Agents↗

PubMed1996

Sleep quality and physical and social well-being in North American petrochemical shift workers.

We modified a European questionnaire, the Standard Shiftwork Index, in syntax and length for application to workers of an American continuous operations petrochemical company in southeast Texas. Three groups of male employees--147 day workers, 107 8-hour backward rotating shift workers, and 107 12-hour shift workers--were surveyed for sleep quality, physical well-being, and time for family and personal pursuits. The groups were comparable in terms of travel time to work, marital status, age, number of children at home under the age of 18 years, history (years) of shift work, and proportion of partners working outside the home. Statistically significant group differences were detected in the mean responses between the 8-hour backward and the other groups for the indices of sleep quality, physical well-being (gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complaints), and time for family and personal pursuits. In all cases, the 8-hour backward shift work group fared worst. The differences between the groups are believed to reflect the stress of the respective work shift schedules.

Adult↗