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Biomedical subjects

S Rosenthal

Publications and source records attributed to S Rosenthal.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Adolescents anticipated experience of screening for genital herpes.

Screening asymptomatic adolescents for genital herpes will require sensitivity to adolescents' developmental needs. Twenty-four adolescents (age range 1619 years) were interviewed to explore their perceptions of screening. In general, adolescents thought screening for genital herpes would be viewed as taking care of themselves, although there were concerns that their peers might view getting screened as implying that the adolescent was infected or sexually promiscuous. Most adolescents expected their parents to respond positively, but typically thought that younger adolescents should obtain parental consent for screening, and that adolescents should inform their parents of positive test results. Adolescents wanted to be screened in settings that provided confidentiality and by non-judgemental care providers, but they differed on the setting which they believed would accomplish this. Some recommended mass screening (for example, screening all of those in a certain year at school), presumably as a way to reduce embarrassment and/or stigma. Screening programmes that are adolescent-friendly and accessible, and address adolescents' specific concerns regarding managing the information, can be created.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Low-dose radiotherapy (LD-RT) and the modulation of iNOS expression in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.

PURPOSE: Low-dose radiotherapy (LD-RT) of arthritic joints applied during the peak of the acute inflammatory response improves the clinical and histomorphological development of adjuvant arthritis. The study was undertaken to investigate the cellular composition of the inflammatory infiltrate and the expression of the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory enzymes, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) and haem-oxygenase 1 (HO-1), in response to LD-RT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adjuvant arthritis in female Lewis rats was induced by intradermal injection of heat-inactivated mycobacterium tuberculosis on day 0. Both arthritic hind paws were sham irradiated (group 1) or X-irradiated with either 5 x 1.0 Gy (group 2) or 5 x 0.5 Gy (group 3) from days 15 to 19 after induction (15 animals/group). On days 21 (n=12 joints/group) and 30 (n=18 joints/group), cryostat sections were analysed histologically and immunohistologically after specific staining for macrophages, iNOS, COX-2 and HO-1. RESULTS: A total of 5 x 1.0 Gy or 5 x 0.5 Gy led to a significant reduction of clinical symptoms from days 21 to 29, and a highly significant reduction of cartilage and bone destruction on day 30. Macrophage-positive areas could be detected continuously throughout the periarticular infiltrate, and were slightly reduced after LD-RT on days 21 and 30. This reduction was more pronounced after 5 x 1.0 Gy. Following LD-RT, the iNOS score was reduced by about 45-50% on days 21 (p<0.05) and 30 (p<0.001). In contrast, the HO-1 score was increased by about 50% on days 21 (p=0.08) and 30 (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The clinically and histologically observed prevention of the progression of adjuvant arthritis after LD-RT given during the peak of the acute inflammatory response and the reduction of cartilage and bone destruction in the chronic phase appears to be related to the modulation of iNOS activity by low X-ray doses.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

A simulated reality scenario compared with the computerized Wisconsin card sorting test: an analysis of preliminary results.

Neuropsychologists and other clinicians often comment on the minimal relationship that frequently exists between formal assessments of executive functions, analysis of findings, recommendations, and the person's real-life functioning. The authors' believe that current assessments of executive functions do not transfer easily to real-world behavior. There are limitations in the current examinations and in the settings in which they are given. The tests are artificial and the test settings lack the usual stresses, distractions, and multiple demands common to real life. The interactions are unlike what they experience in everyday life. The examiner often, but unintentionally orients the participant to relevant information that in turn can help the person compensate for the difficulties with executive control processes and bias the findings. We believe that virtual reality (VR) more closely approximates real life settings, the distractions, and the common interchanges (VR) provides a "life-like," three-dimensional (3-D) highly interactive environment, and safety from potential dangers that could arise in actual situations. VR can increase motivation because of its gaming, interactive, and immersive qualities and features are easily modified and allow for multiple applications. Our goal is to develop VR assessments that can be administered under controlled and safe conditions, but which are more sensitive to difficulties with executive control processes critical to safe, independent living. This initial study compares several functions assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) with our three-dimensional, stereographic scenario, Look for a Match (LFAM) Study participants completed questionnaires, alternately began with either the WCST or LFAM, and then took the second test. All participants completed motion sickness and follow-up questionnaires. The results demonstrated that the study participants found LFAM to be more enjoyable and interesting, but found the WCST to be easier. While there is an effect of order with participants doing relatively better on the assessment tool administered second, overall the LFAM performance was inferior to that on the WCST. However, even considering the order effect, LFAM seemed to be more difficult than the WCST.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

To make a difference: the founding of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.

In 1965, with the help of Dr. Henry D. Janowitz, Irwin M. Rosenthal established the Foundation for Research in Ileitis, Inc., now known as the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. He was joined shortly thereafter by William D. Modell. At that time, the entire annual NIH budget for research on inflammatory bowel disease was only $25,000. Successful fund raising made it possible to recruit a research fellow at The Mount Sinai Hospital in the Division of Gastroenterology to study ileitis. Thereafter, the efforts of the foundation expanded nationwide. It supported a nationally coordinated research program and sponsored education for physicians, patients and the public. In addition, it established support groups to help patients and their families cope with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. With the energy and philanthropy of the foundation's many lay leaders, tens of millions of dollars have been raised for research and education in inflammatory bowel disease.

Colitis↗
PubMed2000

Longitudinal risk of std acquisition in adolescent girls using a generalized estimating equations model

Background: To date, few studies have used a longitudinal approach in examining risk factors for STD acquisition in teenage girls. In the present study, we examined risk of STD acquisition in adolescent girls over a three-year period using longitudinal analyses.Methods: One hundred and seventy-four girls between the ages of 12 and 16 (mean age = 14.5) participated in a longitudinal study of adolescent romantic relationships. The racial composition of the subject pool was 80% African-American and 20% Caucasian. These girls were followed for three years at six-month intervals. By the end of the study, 127 of the girls were sexually experienced, and thus, were included in the analyses regarding risk for STDs. The risk for history of STD was evaluated using a generalized estimating equations (GEE) model, which allows for the inclusion of data from subjects with missing visits. The following independent variables were entered into the model: age, race, screening IQ score, qualitative cognitive functioning, perceptions of STD prevalence among female friends, and whether a condom was used at last intercourse. Additional independent variables included number of lifetime partners (4 or more lifetime partners, 2 to 3 lifetime partners, only one partner) and age of sexual debut (less than 14 years, 14-16 years, and 17 years and older), five factors from the Family Environment Scale, and three types of parental monitoring (direct, direct when with peers, and indirect).Results: The results of the longitudinal (GEE) model indicated that having a history of an STD was significantly related to a younger age of sexual debut (p <.01), having more partners (p <.0001), being African-American (p =. 01), and having a lower screening IQ score (p <.01).Conclusions: These results suggest that risk of STD is associated with both modifiable and non-modifiable variables. Race and intellectual functioning independently contributed to STD risk, stressing the importance of utilizing prevention programs that are culturally and developmentally specific. For example, less intelligent girls may need to have information presented in a more concrete manner, with a focus on the present rather than the future. The targets of these prevention programs should continue to emphasize delaying initiation, as well as partner selection. Finally, the fact that variables for STD acquisition in this longitudinal model are comparable to previous cross-sectional studies of STD acquisition suggests that these are potent predictors of risk.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Parents' knowledge of adolescent girls' boyfriends

Background: Previous research has demonstrated that parents play an important role in adolescents' reduction of risk of STD and unintended pregnancy through knowledge of their daughters whereabouts and by knowing their friends. Little is known, however, about parents; relationships with their daughters' boyfriends. Therefore, we sought to describe the daughters' perceptions of their parents' knowledge of their boyfriends.Methods: Questions regarding relationships with boyfriends and parents were assessed in the last wave of a longitudinal study of adolescent girls' romantic relationships. Of the 137 girls interviewed, 109 had had a boyfriend in the past 6 months, 78 had a current boyfriend. The results of this study were based on this subsample of 109.Results: The 109 adolescent girls had a mean age of 17.6 (range 14.9 to 19.3 years), and 80% were African-American and 20% Caucasian. Of those girls, 92 were sexually experienced (which 88% of their parents knew about), and 80 had engaged in sexual intercourse with this identified boyfriend. Nine of the girls reported that their parents had had no contact with their boyfriend in person or on the phone, and ten reported that they had neither met or talked on the phone to their boyfriend's parents. Three girls reported that neither they nor their boyfriends had had contact with the others' parents. Thirteen girls reported that their parents did not know their boyfriends at all well, 40 reported that their parents knew their boyfriends somewhat, and 56 reported that their parents knew their boyfriends well. Girls who had been involved in the relationship for a longer amount of time (F(2, 105) = 7.90, p <.001) and girls who perceived that their relationship would last a year or longer were more likely to think their parents knew their boyfriends well (chi sq = 14.1, p <.001). The results of the analysis between satisfaction with their romantic relationship and how well their parents knew their boyfriends approached significance (chi square = 5.5, p =.06). Of the six girls with a current boyfriend whose parents did not know their boyfriends, none were "very satisfied" with their relationship. Neither age nor race were related to how well the parents knew the boyfriend.Conclusions: These results indicate that most adolescent girls' parents have some contact with their boyfriends. Contact appeared to be related to length of relationship. Health care professionals should be sensitized to the needs of girls who are beginning new relationships, or are not satisfied with their relationship and who do not have access to parental support. Future research should examine familial/parental factors related to knowledge of the boyfriend and whether the lack of a developmental trend is the result of a restricted age range or of other family issues.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

The use of oral contraceptive pharmaceutical sample packs by adolescent health care providers.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to understand how health care providers use and distribute oral contraceptive pill (OCP) sample packs to adolescents. DESIGN: Qualitative study involving face-to-face structured interviews. SETTING: Interviews lasted approximately 20-30 minutes and were done in the health care provider's office setting. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of fourteen health care providers (pediatricians, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, and midwives) who have practices that include adolescents were interviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Two independent reviewers read the transcripts for themes. Transcripts were then coded and frequency counts were done. CONCLUSIONS: OCP sample packs are an important tool for education and compliance. The pharmaceutical OCP sample supply may influence the health care provider's OCP choice for a teen.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Stigmatization and the development of friendship and romantic relationships in adolescent victims of sexual abuse.

This study examines same- and other-sex friendship networks and perceptions of peer competence as functions of stigmatization, defined as shame and a self-blame attributional style. Fifty-six sexually abused adolescents were seen at the time of abuse discovery and 1 year later. Higher self-blame attributional style for the abuse was related to more satisfaction with other-sex friends and less satisfaction with same-sex friends. More shame was related to less satisfaction with same-sex friends and to having a larger number of other-sex friends. Higher self-blame attributional style was related to perceptions of poorer peer acceptance and close friendship and to perceptions of poorer romantic appeal. More shame was related to lower perceptions of peer acceptance and close friendship. The results support the idea that abuse victims who experience higher levels of shame and self-blame attributional style feel less capable of forming satisfying relationships with peers, friends, and potential romantic partners.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Estimating the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome among nurses.

The present study assessed the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in a sample of nurses. There is a paucity of studies on the prevalence of CFS in healthcare professionals. Two samples of nurses were recruited through mailed questionnaires. Data were collected on demographic characteristics and symptoms. In addition from the sample, those nurses with CFS-like symptoms were more comprehensively evaluated using a structured clinical interview and reviewing their medical records. A physician review team estimated the prevalence of CFS to be 1,088 per 100,000. These findings suggest that nurses might represent a high-risk group for this illness, possibly due to occupational stressors such as exposure to viruses in the work setting, stressful shift work that is disruptive to biologic rhythms, or to other possible stressors in the work settings (e.g., accidents).

Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic↗
PubMed1996

The safety of acellular pertussis vaccine vs whole-cell pertussis vaccine. A postmarketing assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of the introduction of acellular pertussis vaccine for the fourth and fifth doses of the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine series in children on rates of reported vaccine-associated adverse events in the United States. DESIGN: Analysis of postmarketing vaccine adverse event data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System during the years 1991 to 1993. POPULATION STUDIED: Approximately 27 million doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine and 5 million doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine were distributed from 1991 to 1993 to children 15 months to 7 years of age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of reported fever, seizures, and hospitalizations after pertussis vaccination. RESULTS: Rates of reported adverse events per 100,000 vaccinations were significantly lower after administration of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine than diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine for the following outcomes: all reports, 2.9 vs 9.8; fever, 1.9 vs 7.5; seizures, 0.5 vs 1.7; and hospitalizations, 0.2 vs 0.9. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that minor adverse events are less frequent after administration of the acellular pertussis vaccine. In addition, these data suggested that seizures and hospitalizations associated with pertussis vaccination are less frequent after administration of the acellular pertussis vaccine in age groups for which it is now recommended.

Child↗
PubMed1996

Management of dyspnea and cough in patients with cancer.

The understanding and treatment of dyspnea in the cancer patient are where the science of pain management was 15 or 20 years ago. Very few studies have examined the pathophysiologic mechanisms that cause dyspnea in cancer patients, and few investigators have evaluated therapeutic strategies to control dyspnea in this patient group. The optimal therapy for dyspnea is treatment of the underlying cause. When this is not possible, opioids and phenothiazines provide effective symptomatic relief in most cases, but many unanswered questions remain. Are these the optimal drugs, and what are their optimal doses? What are the effects of chronic dosing? Which is the best route of administration? How serious are the risks of respiratory depression? A clear consensus supports the aggressive treatment of pain in terminally ill cancer patients, even if death is hastened as an unintended consequence. No such position has yet been reached in the management of dyspnea in the same population. As a result, dyspnea is addressed only very late in the course of the disease, perhaps reducing the patient's quality of life and function at earlier stages and resulting in a very small "therapeutic window" in the terminal phase. Clearly, a need exists for more research to determine the most effective management of this common and very distressing symptom.

Cough↗
PubMed1996

A pencil beam algorithm for proton dose calculations.

The sharp lateral penumbra and the rapid fall-off of dose at the end of range of a proton beam are among the major advantages of proton radiation therapy. These beam characteristics depend on the position and characteristics of upstream beam-modifying devices such as apertures and compensating boluses. The extent of separation, if any, between these beam-modifying devices and the patient is particularly critical in this respect. We have developed a pencil beam algorithm for proton dose calculations which takes accurate account of the effects of materials upstream of the patient and of the air gap between them and the patient. The model includes a new approach to picking the locations of the pencil beams so as to more accurately model the penumbra and to more effectively account for the multiple-scattering effects of the media around the point of interest. We also present a faster broad-beam version of the algorithm which gives a reasonably accurate penumbra. Predictions of the algorithm and results from experiments performed in a large-field proton beam are presented. In general the algorithm agrees well with the measurements.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1995

Adjuvant chemotherapy does not affect employment in patients with early-stage breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy for the management of breast cancer on subsequent patient employment. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University-affiliated community hospital cancer center. PATIENTS: Patients who were 18 to 65 years old and were diagnosed as having breast cancer stages 0, I, II, and IIIa between January 1986 and January 1991 were contacted and asked whether they had been employed at the time of the diagnosis. The 145 patients who had breast cancer and who had been working at the time of diagnosis completed a questionnaire, which included questions regarding demographic characteristics, employment history, and the reasons for any period of unemployment. The 76 patients who had received adjuvant chemotherapy were compared with the 69 who had not. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The main endpoint was return to work by one, three, six, and 12 months after surgery. Of the 76 patients who had received chemotherapy, 70 (92%) had resumed work by 12 months after treatment began. Of the 69 who had not been treated with chemotherapy, 65 (94%) had resumed work in 12 months. The proportions of patients who had returned to work by one, three, and six months were similar in the two groups. Regression analyses demonstrated no significant confounding or interaction of adjuvant treatment with age, menopausal status, marital status, years of education, or type of job in regard to return to work. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant chemotherapy does not delay or prevent return to work in women treated for early-stage breast cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Pertussis infection among adults during the 1993 outbreak in Chicago.

To evaluate the role of adults in the transmission of pertussis during an epidemic, persons presenting with unexplained cough to ambulatory care clinics were evaluated for evidence of pertussis infection. Nasopharyngeal specimens for culture and serum samples for IgG and IgA antibodies to filamentous hemagglutinin and pertussis toxin antigens of Bordetella pertussis were obtained. Thirty-eight adults were enrolled in the study; 10 (26%) had serologic evidence of B. pertussis infection. Clinical findings were not significantly different among persons with and without evidence of pertussis infection. Pertussis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent cough in all age groups. Future use of new acellular pertussis vaccines in adults may substantially impact the control of the infection.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

The reporting sensitivities of two passive surveillance systems for vaccine adverse events.

To evaluate reporting sensitivities for vaccine adverse events, reporting rates were estimated by dividing the number of events reported to the Monitoring System for Adverse Events Following Immunization and the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System in a given period by the number of doses administered or distributed during the same period. Reporting sensitivity was calculated as the ratio of the rates at which events were reported to each passive surveillance system (numerator) and occurred in controlled studies (denominator). Reporting sensitivities were generally better in the public sector than in the private sector. The significant underreporting of known outcomes, together with the nonspecific nature of most adverse event reports, highlights the limitations of passive surveillance systems in assessing the incidence of vaccine adverse events.

Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems↗
PubMed1995

Effects of electrocardiograph frequency filters on P-QRS-T amplitudes of the feline electrocardiogram.

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether standard manual frequency filters in the ON and OFF settings affected P-QRS-T voltages, discover whether recorded P-QRS-T voltages vary between commercial electrocardiographs, assess effects of frequency filters on base-line artifact, and evaluate ECG frequency content by high-fidelity recordings subjected to digital filters with variable frequencies. DESIGN--Sequential 10-lead ECG were recorded in 30 cats, using 3 commercial electrocardiographs to assess effects of manual frequency filters on the P-QRS-T wave forms. Three clinically normal cats were evaluated for ECG frequency content. ANIMALS--Thirty cats (13 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; 4 with restrictive cardiomyopathy; 3 hyperthyroid; 1 with ventricular septal defect; 1 with aortic stenosis; and 8 with no detectable cardiovascular disease). Three additional clinically normal cats were studied for effects of frequency filters on the ECG frequency content. PROCEDURES--Ten-lead ECG were recorded on each cat by use of 3 commercial electrocardiographs sequentially. For each machine, a recording was made with manual filters ON, immediately followed by a recording with manual filters OFF. High-fidelity lead-II ECG recordings were made with filters set with their rolloff frequency at 0.1 Hz and 3.0 kHz; output voltage (0.2 mV/V) was fed to an analog-to-digital converter, then to attendant software, which sampled the signal at 6 kHz with a 12-bit sampler, and were digitally filtered at various corner frequencies. RESULTS--Voltages recorded by all 3 electrocardiographs were greatest when filters were OFF (most prominent on R- and S-wave voltages). In all recorded leads, R-wave voltage was significantly greater when filters were OFF than ON. Comparison of voltages indicated significant (P < 0.05) differences between R-wave voltages recorded in all leads with manual filters ON, but not with filters OFF. With filters ON, each electrocardiograph produced a smaller percentage of recordings with moderate to severe baseline artifact than with filters OFF. R-Wave amplitudes of high-fidelity lead-II ECG were significantly decreased with digital filters set at corner frequencies < 150 Hz. CONCLUSIONS--Significant (P < 0.05) voltage attenuation was recorded by each of the 3 commercial electrocardiographs when frequency filters were ON, compared with OFF. Comparison of waveform voltages among electrocardiographs with filters ON indicated significant variation in R-wave amplitudes in all leads. With manual filters ON, each electrocardiograph recorded a smaller percentage of recordings with baseline artifact than with filters OFF. Substantial frequency components > or = 150 Hz are present in the feline ECG waveform. Thus, filters with frequencies < 150 Hz markedly attenuate the feline R wave. CLINICAL RELEVANCE--Attenuation of feline ECG signals occurs with use of commercial electrocardiographs and varies greatly between manufacturers. This is attributable largely to internal manual frequency filters. These consequences may be important when applying standard feline reference values or when equivocal voltage measurements are recorded.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Progress report on multicenter study of laser-assisted liposuction.

Fifty-one patients underwent an FDA-approved study of laser-assisted liposuction in five plastic surgery centers. The YAG laser fiber is contained within the cannula and shears off the fat cleanly and coagulates blood vessels as the fat is drawn into the cannula. The drop in hemoglobin was relatively modest after surgery. Patients were able to return to work at six days and to light exercise at seven days. Contralateral studies showed a slight benefit for the laser side at both one and eight weeks for ecchymosis, pain/discomfort, and edema. Lipocrit studies were inconsistent.

Adult↗