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Results for “Program Efficiency”

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At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Efficient identification of point mutations by automated DNA sequencing of artificial heterozygote samples.

DNA sequencing templates of individual point mutants of the lacI target gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). By mixing the PCR fragments from two individual mutants in a defined ratio, samples of artificial heterozygous composition were prepared. These samples were then submitted to automated DNA sequencing. The simultaneous, visual comparison of the mixed mutant traces using a graphics program efficiently revealed all heterozygous positions. Based on the individual intensities of the heterozygous base signals the identified point mutations could be assigned to the corresponding mutants. This efficient approach doubles the sample throughput for both the sequencing reactions and the gel electrophoresis using an automated DNA sequencing system.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Worksite influenza immunization. Successful program.

The planning, implementation, and evaluation of worksite health promotion programs can benefit from adapting and using the steps in each phase of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. The model provides a framework to build and sustain support from employers and employees, and a valuable tool to increase program efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability. During the PRECEDE phases of planning, the model provides opportunities for continuous communication and feedback to all levels of management. The evaluation phases in PROCEED provide occupational health nurses with valuable information to share with corporate planners, influence management behavior, and contribute to evidence based decisions for future programming.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Prevention of skin cancer programs: analysis of the impact of randomized trials].

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to ultraviolet sun rays is an important risk factor for the development of skin cancer. Confronted with the increase in the incidence of severe forms (melanoma), primary prevention plays a major part, together with the development of campaigns promoting individual and collective protection against ultraviolet rays. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial was to identify the factors of success or failure of skin cancer prevention programs and to analyze their impact. METHOD: Articles published in the literature from 1982 to 2002 were selected from the Medline databank using the following key words: "skin cancer, melanoma, evaluation, prevention and education, review, program, campaign and randomized controlled trial". For the final analysis, only the randomized trials with control group were retained. RESULTS: All the prevention programs increased short, median or long term knowledge. Conversely, the trials were sometimes contradicting with regard to the change in attitude. No methodologically correct trial clearly reported any change in behavior, the majority of them only collected intent behavior. CONCLUSION: Despite the methodological weaknesses of most of the trials published, this review of the literature underlined certain points. The most efficient programs appear to be those targeting children, the training sessions of which are long and/or repeated, with active individual participation. Programs based on the deleterious consequences of sun exposure on physical appearance appeared to produce better results in terms of any change in attitude and intent behavior.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMed1991

Pathogenesis and recent therapeutic approaches to graft-versus-host disease.

Effective prophylaxis of acute GVHD should bring about improved patient survival by decreasing severe infections during the first 3 months after transplantation and reducing the incidence of chronic GVHD while not compromising the quality of hematopoietic engraftment or increasing the incidence of leukemic relapse by impairing the graft-versus-leukemia effect. None of the current approaches to prevention of GVHD succeed at meeting these expectations, although postgrafting immunosuppressive therapy comes closest to the ideal. The technique of T cell depletion has been very effective in reducing the incidence of GVHD, but conditioning programs must be developed that will be more successful at eliminating host immune and malignant cells. It is doubtful that this will be achieved with systemic chemotherapy and total body irradiation. Innovative approaches such as the use of monoclonal antibodies, either alone or linked to short-lived radioactive isotopes with short linear energy transfer, promise to result in less toxic but more efficient programs, not only providing better eradication of malignant disease but also ameliorating the problem of graft failure. It is conceivable, however, that it will never be possible to kill all leukemic cells with chemoradiotherapy of any form, and the graft-versus-leukemia effect may be essential. Perhaps in the future it will be possible to distinguish lymphocytes causing the graft-versus-leukemia effect from those causing GVHD, isolate them, and use them in attempts at therapy. In the meantime, postgrafting immunosuppressive drugs are used most frequently to prevent and treat GVHD, and steadily improving survival statistics can be expected.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗

PubMed1998

Back to the future: community involvement in the Healthy Start Program.

This article discusses how community involvement is incorporated into Healthy Start, a major initiative to reduce infant mortality in selected communities with disproportionately high levels of infant mortality. Based on site visits to each of the fifteen original Healthy Start project areas, we discovered that two main community involvement strategies were used: a service consortium model and a community empowerment model. In the service consortium model, the community is involved primarily through a consortium of local providers, other professionals, and some governmental representatives who help to plan services. The community empowerment model involves the community by engaging neighborhood-based groups, contracting with community-based organizations, employing community residents as lay workers in the Healthy Start program, and creating other economic development initiatives. Important lessons drawn from this study are that the purpose and commitment to community involvement is not always clear; that it is difficult to involve community residents; that efforts to involve the community are extremely labor intensive; that given monetary incentives, it is easier to involve community providers than residents; that community involvement may conflict with efficient program operations; that increased community involvement may create program goals that differ from the program's original goals; and that community involvement may slow program development.

Community Health Centers↗

PubMed2000

SPSS and SAS programs for determining the number of components using parallel analysis and velicer's MAP test.

Popular statistical software packages do not have the proper procedures for determining the number of components in factor and principal components analyses. Parallel analysis and Velicer's minimum average partial (MAP) test are validated procedures, recommended widely by statisticians. However, many researchers continue to use alternative, simpler, but flawed procedures, such as the eigenvalues-greater-than-one rule. Use of the proper procedures might be increased if these procedures could be conducted within familiar software environments. This paper describes brief and efficient programs for using SPSS and SAS to conduct parallel analyses and the MAP test.

Factor Analysis, Statistical↗

PubMed2005

Requirements at the 3' end of the sindbis virus genome for efficient synthesis of minus-strand RNA.

The 3'-untranslated region of the Sindbis virus genome is 0.3 kb in length with a 19-nucleotide conserved sequence element (3' CSE) immediately preceding the 3'-poly(A) tail. The 3' CSE and poly(A) tail have been assumed to constitute the core promoter for minus-strand RNA synthesis during genome replication; however, their involvement in this process has not been formally demonstrated. Utilizing both in vitro and in vivo analyses, we have examined the role of these elements in the initiation of minus-strand RNA synthesis. The major findings of this study with regard to efficient minus-strand RNA synthesis are the following: (i) the wild-type 3' CSE and the poly(A) tail are required, (ii) the poly(A) tail must be a minimum of 11 to 12 residues in length and immediately follow the 3' CSE, (iii) deletion or substitution of the 3' 13 nucleotides of the 3' CSE severely inhibits minus-strand RNA synthesis, (iv) templates possessing non-wild-type 3' sequences previously demonstrated to support virus replication do not program efficient RNA synthesis, and (v) insertion of uridylate residues between the poly(A) tail and a non-wild-type 3' sequence can restore promoter function to a limited extent. This study shows that the optimal structure of the 3' component of the minus-strand promoter is the wild-type 3' CSE followed a poly(A) tail of at least 11 residues. Our findings also show that insertion of nontemplated bases can restore function to an inactive promoter.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed1983

Effects of a physical training program on physical efficiency, work capacity and classroom-attention of handicapped children.

In the present study the effects of a ten-week physical training program on physical efficiency, work capacity and classroom-attention of 11 motorically handicapped children (between 8 and 14 years old) were examined. A physical training program for the children in the experimental group (n = 6) consisted of an intensification of the activities (assessed by means of heart rate recordings) of the scheduled physical education lessons, while the control group (n = 5) followed the same lessons without the intensity of the activities being changed. During all the lessons, the experimental group was required to achieve a minimum heart rate value of 160 beats X min-1. Physical efficiency and physical work capacity scores were calculated from the obtained relationships of respectively oxygen uptake versus workload and of oxygen uptake versus heart rate, determined during a submaximal bicycle ergometer test. Attention in the classroom was measured by means of a previously developed observation instrument. At the end of the ten-week training program a significant increase in physical efficiency and classroom-attention scores was demonstrated for the children in the experimental group. Such effects could not be demonstrated for the children in the control group. The implication that can be drawn from this finding is that the motorically handicapped children in the experimental group after having received special physical training can perform the same amount of external work with less energy expenditure. Further, their attention behaviour in the classroom situation appears to be facilitated. A follow-up study, carried out some months after the end of the training program, showed for both groups a deterioration in physical efficiency scores, while the experimental group also deteriotated in terms of their attention scores. It is suggested that an intensification of activities during the scheduled physical education lesson can have positive effects both physical and psychological on motorically handicapped children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Efficacy of a 2-year-old sexual assault nurse examiner program in a Canadian hospital.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to describe a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) program at a hospital-based sexual assault care center in Ontario, Canada, and assess its efficacy in comparison with physician examiners. METHODS: Data obtained from the hospital records of 515 women who came to a Toronto sexual assault care center were examined. A number of variables relevant to this assessment of services were examined, including client demographics and presenting history, aspects of the sexual assault, and characteristics of the treatment. RESULTS: Average assessment times were shorter for victims seen by SANEs than for victims seen by physicians (approximately 3(1/4) hours versus 4 hours). Physicians had more interruptions (25.1%) than did SANEs (20.0%). Client characteristics and presentation were similar regardless of who provided care, with some exceptions. DISCUSSION: The results of the study support the utility of the SANE model as an efficient program for the assessment and treatment of victims of sexual assault.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

The Leogane, Haiti demonstration project: decreased microfilaremia and program costs after three years of mass drug administration.

To support the global program to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF), well-monitored demonstration projects are important for defining the relationship between coverage and reductions in microfilaremia. We are using mass treatment with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole in an effort to eliminate LF from Leogane, Haiti. Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaremia prevalence at baseline ranged from 0.8% to 15.9% in four sentinel sites. After three rounds of DEC-albendazole mass drug administration (MDA), both microfilaremia prevalence and intensity decreased dramatically. Mild and moderate adverse reactions after treatment were common, especially after the first MDA, but decreased after subsequent MDAs. Drug coverage for the first year was estimated to be 72%, but concerns about adverse reactions appeared to decrease drug coverage in the second MDA. As a result of community education efforts that focused on providing a greater understanding of adverse reactions, coverage increased dramatically for the third round. Program efficiency increased substantially; the costs per person treated for three rounds of MDA were 2.23 US dollars, 1.96 US dollars, and 1.30 US dollars per person, respectively. The Leogane experience highlights the importance of adapting community education and mobilization campaigns to achieve and maintain good coverage.

Albendazole↗

PubMed2005

A three-stemmed mRNA pseudoknot in the SARS coronavirus frameshift signal.

A wide range of RNA viruses use programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting for the production of viral fusion proteins. Inspection of the overlap regions between ORF1a and ORF1b of the SARS-CoV genome revealed that, similar to all coronaviruses, a programmed -1 ribosomal frameshift could be used by the virus to produce a fusion protein. Computational analyses of the frameshift signal predicted the presence of an mRNA pseudoknot containing three double-stranded RNA stem structures rather than two. Phylogenetic analyses showed the conservation of potential three-stemmed pseudoknots in the frameshift signals of all other coronaviruses in the GenBank database. Though the presence of the three-stemmed structure is supported by nuclease mapping and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance studies, our findings suggest that interactions between the stem structures may result in local distortions in the A-form RNA. These distortions are particularly evident in the vicinity of predicted A-bulges in stems 2 and 3. In vitro and in vivo frameshifting assays showed that the SARS-CoV frameshift signal is functionally similar to other viral frameshift signals: it promotes efficient frameshifting in all of the standard assay systems, and it is sensitive to a drug and a genetic mutation that are known to affect frameshifting efficiency of a yeast virus. Mutagenesis studies reveal that both the specific sequences and structures of stems 2 and 3 are important for efficient frameshifting. We have identified a new RNA structural motif that is capable of promoting efficient programmed ribosomal frameshifting. The high degree of conservation of three-stemmed mRNA pseudoknot structures among the coronaviruses suggests that this presents a novel target for antiviral therapeutics.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Medicare program; Medicare integrity program, intermediary and carrier functions, and conflict of interest requirements--HCFA. Proposed rule.

This proposed rule would implement section 1893 of the Social Security Act (the Act) by establishing the Medicare integrity program (MIP) to carry out Medicare program integrity activities that are funded from the Medicare Trust Funds. Section 1893 expands our contracting authority to allow us to contract with "eligible entities" to perform Medicare program integrity activities. These activities include review of provider and supplier activities, including medical, fraud, and utilization review: cost report audits; Medicare secondary payer determinations; education of providers, suppliers, beneficiaries, and other persons regarding payment integrity and benefit quality assurance issues; and developing and updating a list of durable medical equipment items that are subject to prior authorization. This proposed rule would set forth the definition of eligible entities, services to be procured, competitive requirements based on Federal acquisition regulations and exceptions (guidelines for automatic renewal), procedures for identification, evaluation, and resolution of conflicts of interest, and limitations on contractor liability. In addition, this proposed rule would bring certain sections of the Medicare regulations concerning fiscal intermediaries and carriers into conformity with the Act. The rule would distinguish between those functions that the statute requires be included in agreements with intermediaries and those that may be included in the agreements. It would also provide that some or all of the listed functions may be included in carrier contracts. Currently all these functions are mandatory for carrier contracts. These changes would give us the flexibility to transfer functions from one intermediary or carrier to another or to otherwise limit the functions an intermediary or carrier performs if we determine that to do so would result in more effective and efficient program administration.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.↗

PubMed1984

Development and validation of an automatic treatment referral system.

The alcoholism literature abounds with reports of the alcoholic personality and alcoholic subtypes. However, very minimal research on the relationship between the subtypes and treatment procedures is available. With the power of computer technology now accessible so readily, it is possible to apply sophisticated statistical methods to determine the extent of the association. The present paper describes the development of an automatic referral system (Autorf) on an inpatient alcohol and day unit (N = 150). More importantly, preliminary results with regard to the validity of the Autorf system are reported. Implications for treatment of alcoholics and program efficiency are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

PROFASI: A Monte Carlo simulation package for protein folding and aggregation.

We present a flexible and efficient program package written in C++, PROFASI, for simulating protein folding and aggregation. The systems are modeled using an all-atom description of the protein chains with only torsional degrees of freedom, and implicit water. The program package has a modular structure that makes the interaction potential easy to modify. The currently implemented potential is able to fold several peptides with about 20 residues, and has also been used to study aggregation and force-induced unfolding. The simulation methods implemented in PROFASI are Monte Carlo-based and include a semilocal move and simulated tempering. Adding new updates is easy. The code runs fast in both single- and multi-chain applications, as is illustrated by several examples.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2000

Dual renin gene targeting by Cre-mediated interchromosomal recombination.

This study describes a new approach to targeting clustered genes. Our study began with the establishment of two lines of mice carrying different mutations in either Ren1 or Ren2. These two genes, both encoding renin, span over 40 kb in tandem on chromosome 1. Each gene was mutated by gene targeting to contain loxP sites. These two mutants and Cre transgenic mice were mated to produce offspring carrying the mutant Ren1 and Ren2 genes, as well as the Cre transgene concurrently. Initially, two mutant Ren genes were located on separate chromosomes. Southern analysis of mice from the second generation revealed that the mutant Ren1 and Ren2 were interchromosomally recombined at the loxP sites to produce a new dually mutated allele on the chromosome at the rate of 9.6% (7/73). Thus, interchromosomal recombination can be efficiently programmed by mating as designed using the Cre-loxP system.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Reconciling science and policy in setting federal drinking water standards--four states' perspectives.

After almost 20 years of experience with implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act and eight with Amendments to the Act, the individual states within the United States have gained valuable experience while trying to reconcile the legal mandates provided by the statutes with the science underlying them. This paper presents four different topics illustrating the problems of reconciling these two issues in the regulation of toxic chemicals in drinking waters. It presents these from the perspectives of the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey and offers suggestions for improved program efficiency based on considerations of comparative human health risks. The approach and schedule for controlling toxic chemicals used through 1994 are first examined and a recommendation is made for more flexibility in the rate at which chemicals are regulated. Recent U.S. EPA proposals to more stringently control radon in drinking waters are presented in the context of all sources of radon exposures, illustrating the intersection of science, laws, and economic consequences of regulatory initiatives. Inhalation and dermal exposures as a result of using chemically contaminated drinking waters are then discussed with the suggestion of the possible underprotectiveness of some present standards. Finally, the difficulty faced by the states and federal government in the control of naturally occurring arsenic exposures through drinking water is also presented and an argument is made for more local flexibility in the application of health-based standards.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

PubMed1978

Chilean experience with fortified children's formulas.

In this paper we have described all the steps needed to develop an efficient program for distributing children's fortified formulas. The easiest steps are to develop the formulas on an experimental and laboratory basis. The real obstacles lie in implementation at the national level. All that has been described applies to experience in Chile, which we consider very successful because of the acceptance of the program as well as spectacular advances in preventing malnutrition. The figures for 1977 show that combining all degrees of malnutrition in the under six age group, the prevalence is now 12.2% compared to nearly 60% found 10 years ago. This progress is due, not only to the specific program, but also to the many others that constitute the national food and nutrition policy (CONPAN, 1976). This success is due to the persistent, skilled effort of many professional and technical staff members. It is impractical to acknowledge all individual contributions here. The National Food and Nutrition Council, the National Health Service, Universities, Research Bodies, and private enterprizes have all contributed to this joint effort. The purpose of this presentation is that this experience may benefit other countries with similar problems.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

[The distribution of selected cardiac risk factors in employed and studying youths in the rural region of Steiermark (Austria)].

Demographic data, components of lifestyles such as risk behavior, health complaints, illnesses and utilization of preventive and curative services were surveyed through a health survey conducted in 79 selected rural communities of Styria between 1989 and 1933. Our research focussed on the stratification of cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, unhealthy nutrition, low physical activity and obesity in adolescents employed or attending school. The sample comprises 1239 adolescents divided into two groups: 651 were employed and 588 were in school. We could show that even at such a young age significant differences occur in the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors between these two groups. The employed adolescents were far more stressed than those of their age group attending school. Generally, the females are less strained than the males. Our results suggest that efficient programs to prevent cardiovascular disease need to specifically focus on the various life contexts of young people. Such programs should start at an early date.

Adolescent↗