Search Results - (Author, Cooperation:D. English)

2013-01-12

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

0036-8075

1095-9203

Biology

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Computer Science

Medicine

Natural Sciences in General

Physics

1360-0443

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Medicine

Psychology

Aims/Design. Estimates of mortality associated with illicit opiate use provide useful information to those directing and monitoring local, national and international policies and programmes. Most studies investigating the association have, however, been small with imprecise estimates of increased mortality. The current study combines data from a number of international studies in a meta-analysis to estimate more precisely mortality associated with illicit opiate use. Because HIV infection among injecting drug users differs dramatically between countries and localities, we excluded studies where AIDS was a major contributor to mortality. Studies were included only where AIDS-specific mortality accounted for less than 2% of total mortality. Findings. Our results show a mortality rate for people regularly using illicit opiates, which is more than 13 times greater than that observed for the general community. It is estimated that 9.4% of total mortality in Australians aged 15-39 years of age can be attributed to regular use of illicit opiates. Application of this aetiological fraction to Australian mortality data for 1992 indicate that approximately 401 male and 161 female deaths occurred as a result of opiate use. This represents some 15 429 and 6261 person-years of life lost (to age 70) for males and females, respectively. Conclusions. The mortality rate for illicit opiate users is approximately 13 times greater than for the general population. The large number of years of life lost is reflective of the relatively young population (15-39 years of age) in which opiate-related mortality occurs. Relative risk estimates can also be applied to data on the prevalence of illicit opiate use in other countries to produce locally based aetiological fractions and estimates of person-years of life lost.

Electronic Resource

1360-0443

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Medicine

Psychology

Abruptio placentae during pregnancy can result in significant morbidity and mortality to both mother and infant. A comprehensive literature search of publications from 1966 to April 1995 identified 11 studies on the association between maternal cocaine use and abruptio placentae. Their results were combined in a meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio for abruptio placentae and maternal cocaine use was 3.92 (95% confidence interval 2.77-5.46). The strength and consistency of the association, its biological plausibility and the results of experimental studies in animals all suggest that cocaine use during pregnancy causes abruptio placentae.

Electronic Resource

1360-0443

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Medicine

Psychology

Aims. To estimate the effect of maternal cannabis use on birth weight. Design. Meta-analysis of published observational studies adjusted for cigarette smoking. Separate analyses were performed for studies of low birth weight and mean birth weight. We used fixed and random effects models, but in all cases the results were identical. Setting. From the Medline database, we identified 10 studies in which the results were adjusted for cigarette smoking. In seven studies, information on cannabis use was collected prenatally. Five studies reported results for differences in mean birth weight associated with maternal cannabis use. Participants. 32 483 women giving birth to live-bom infants. Measurements. Mean birth weight and odds ratio for low birth weight. Findings. Three analyses of the studies on mean birth weight were conducted to avoid double-counting women from one study. The largest reduction in mean birth weight for any cannabis use during pregnancy was 48 g (95% confidence interval (CI) 83-14 g), with considerable heterogeneity among the five studies. Mean birth weight was increased by 62 g (95% CI 8 g reduction-132 g increase; p heterogeneity 0.59) among infrequent users (〈inlineGraphic alt="geqslant R: gt-or-equal, slanted" extraInfo="nonStandardEntity" href="urn:x-wiley:09652140:ADD1553:ges" location="ges.gif"/〉weekly) whereas cannabis use at least four times per week had a 131 g reduction in mean birth weight (95% CI 52-209 g reduction; p heterogeneity 0.25). From the five studies of low birth weight, the pooled odds ratio for any use was 1.09 (95% CI 0.94-1.27, p heterogeneity 0.19). Conclusions. There is inadequate evidence that cannabis, at the amount typically consumed by pregnant women, causes low birth weight.

Electronic Resource

1360-0443

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Medicine

Psychology

Aim/design. Many epidemiological studies published on the association between maternal cocaine/crack use and birth weight have either lacked precision or failed to control for major confounding, predominantly by tobacco smoking. Meta-analysis enables a single summary measure of effect to be calculated by combining data from any number of individual studies, thus enhancing statistical power. We undertook a number of meta-analyses using only studies that had adjusted for tobacco smoking to estimate more precisely the effect of maternal cocaine use on birth weight. Findings. A meta-analysis of five studies presenting data for ‘any’ prenatal cocaine exposure, adjusted far tobacco smoking but unadjusted for gestational age, produced a pooled relative risk estimate from a fixed effects analysis of 2.15 (95% CI 1.75-2.64). However, there was substantial heterogeneity among studies (p 〈 0.001), and the relative risk from a random effects analysis was smaller (1.65) with a confidence interval that included unity (95% CI 0.94-2.83). Addition of a further study adjusted for gestational age had minimal effect on the pooled estimate: the fixed effects relative risk was 2.14 (1.77-2.60) and the random effects estimate 1.77 (1.15-2.71). When data on more intense prenatal exposure were analysed, the fixed and random effects analysis produced the lame pooled estimate of the relative risk of 4.42 (2.24-8.71), suggesting that more frequent cocaine exposure was associated with a higher relative risk for low birth weight. Data from studies on mean reduction in birth weight produced a pooled estimate of 112 g (95% CI 62-161 g). Conclusions. The current study suggests that maternal cocaine use causes low birth weight, and that the effect is greater with heavier use. However, despite the adjustment for tobacco and the adjustment by some studies for other confounders such as race, maternal age, gravidity and socio-economic status, it could be argued that other life-style factors not controlled for may account for the observed effects. While this argument is not supported by some other types of study, the issue of residual confounding can only be finally addressed by analytical studies which adequately control for important variables.

Electronic Resource

1360-0443

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Medicine

Psychology

Aims/design. Reduction in mean birth weight and increased incidence of low birth weight are both associated with exposure to illicit heroin in pregnancy. Many studies examining neonatal outcomes in pregnant heroin users treated with methadone report improvements in birth weight. As a consequence, methadone treatment has become the ‘gold standard’ for the management of the pregnant heroin user. However, not all studies report significant birth weight increases associated with methadone. We undertook a number of meta-analyses on reduction in mean birth weight, and incidence of low birth weight to estimate more precisely the effect of illicit heroin and methadone. Findings. Results showed mean reductions in birth weight associated with heroin use: 489 g (95% CI 284-693 g), compared with methadone: 279 g (229-328 g). Similarly, the pooled relative risk estimate for low birth weight for maternal heroin use was 4.61 (95% CI 2.78-7,65), compared with 1.36 (0.83-2.22) for methadone. Analysis of data on combined heroin and methadone use produced a pooled mean reduction in birth weight of 557 g (403-710 g), with a pooled relative risk estimate for low birth weight of 3.28 (2.47-4.39). Pooling ‘any’ methadone data, regardless of heroin use, produced an estimated reduction in birth weight of 395 g (311-478 g) and a relative risk estimate for low birth weight of 1.90 (1.29-2.81). Combining all data in an ‘any’ opiate use analysis also produced a mean reduction in birth weight of 483 g (386-583 g) and a relative risk estimate for low birth weight of 3.81 (2,57-5.65). Conclusions. The current findings suggest that heroin use while receiving methadone may counteract the birth weight advantage gained from methadone alone. Whether this is due to fetal exposure to heroin plus methadone, to reduced antenatal care, other behavioural and environmental factors associated with concurrent use of heroin and methadone or a combination of these is unclear. Nevertheless, these results challenge the current belief that the pregnant user is always better off receiving methadone than not, and suggests that methadone may not be the appropriate treatment for the pregnant women who continue to use illicit heroin.

Electronic Resource

1745-4581

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Biology

A study was performed to compare the Millipore Digital Total Count System with a standard membrane filtration procedure in enumerating the number of microorganisms present in several types of water samples (e.g., Hot/Cold Deionized, Tap, and RO/Ultra Filtration). Water samples were collected over a 4 month period. Statistical data analysis demonstrated an overall correlation of greater than 82% between the two test methodologies. The linearity of the microbial counts between both test methods was compared by artificially contaminating sterile water samples with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The linearity of the microbial counts between both methods was found to be greater than 96%. The Millipore Digital Total Count System was found to be comparable to the standard membrane filtration method in determining the number of microorganisms in a water sample. In conclusion, the Millipore Digital Total Count System was able to provide a 24 h enumeration of microorganisms present in a water sample. This rapid enumeration allows for a faster quality evaluation of water samples from an industrial water system that is used in the manufacture of cosmetic/pharmaceutical products.

Electronic Resource

1745-4581

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Biology

Abstract A system utilizing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the BAXTM, was compared and validated against standard selective/enrichment assays to detect the presence of Salmonella spp. in artificially contaminated samples of raw materials and cosmetic/pharmaceutical products. After a 24 h incubation in lactose broth or lactose broth with Tween 20, the inoculated samples were analyzed both by the BAXTM system and by standard enrichment/selective methods. Standard enrichment assays required 5–7 days to confirm the presence and identification of Salmonella typhimurium, while the BAXTM system reduced the detection time to 30 h. The BAXTM system allowed a faster quality control evaluation of those raw materials and cosmetic/pharmaceutical formulations that require Salmonella spp. screening.

Electronic Resource

1360-0443

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Medicine

Psychology

Aims/Design. We undertook a number of meta-analyses to estimate more precisely the relationship between neonatal mortality and use of opiates in three groups of women. First, women who continued to use illicit heroin throughout pregnancy; secondly, women stabilized on methadone at the time of conception or shortly after and thirdly, women who use heroin well into pregnancy with late entry into methadone treatment, or who continued to use illicit heroin during pregnancy while receiving methadone. Findings. The pooled estimates of the relative risks of neonatal mortality for separate heroin and methadone use were both near unity: 1.47 (95% CI 0.88-2.33) and 1.75 (95% CI 0.60-4.59), respectively. The result for heroin may be due to the inclusion in the meta-analysis of a particularly large study, which, unlike the two other smaller studies included, found a relative risk near unity. When this study was excluded from the meta-analysis the pooled estimate of the relative risk of neonatal mortality for heroin use was 3.27 (95% CI 0.95-9.60). In contrast to the results for use of methadone only, the pooled relative risk associated with heroin and methadone use was 6.37 (95% CI 2.57-14.68). Conclusions. The increased relative risk for neonatal mortality associated with women using heroin and methadone during pregnancy, compared to those stabilized on methadone, is probably due to the chaotic and high-risk life-style associated with illicit heroin use and not solely to the use of heroin and methadone per se. It is recommended that women who use heroin well into pregnancy with late entry into methadone treatment, or who continue to use illicit heroin during pregnancy while receiving methadone, receive special attention over and above that provided to women stabilized on methadone.

Electronic Resource

1360-0443

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Medicine

Psychology

Aims/Design. Assessment of the association between the regular use of opiates by women during pregnancy and antepartum haemorrhage has been made difficult by the low prevalence of these conditions observed in clinical settings. As a consequence, most published studies lack statistical power due to the small number of cases. We combined all suitable published data in a meta-analysis to assess the association more accurately. Findings. Meta-analysis produced a pooled estimate of the crude odds ratio for antepartum haemorrhage in relation to maternal opiate use of 2.33 (95%CI 1.32-4.30). Conclusions. This odds ratio estimate is consistent with a moderately strong association. Studies included did not adjust for possible confounders (e.g. prenatal care, cocaine or tobacco), so confounding is likely to account for at least some of the observed effect. The relative consistency of results from studies included in the meta-analysis that were conducted in different countries and at different times adds to the strength of the evidence for an association between opiate use and antepartum haemorrhage. Well designed studies are urgently required to assess the independent effects of different types and patterns of maternal opiate use and confounders such as cigarette smoking, illicit cocaine use and antenatal care on antepartum haemorrhage.

Electronic Resource

1440-1681

Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005

Medicine

1. The haemodynamic and neuroendocrine consequences of stopping smoking for a 6 week period were studied in thirty-three smokers and their matched controls.2. Complete smoking cessation was associated with a significant fall in adrenaline and cortisol levels, consistent with the withdrawal of a nicotine stimulus to adrenomedullary and cortical activity.3. Supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change significantly. However, the response to a cold pressor stimulus was altered with a delay in return of systolic blood pressure to basal values.4. This study has been unable to confirm findings from epidemiological studies of lower blood pressure in smokers. However, the possibility is raised that this phenomenon may be due to modification by smoking of the normal physiological response to stressful stimuli.

Electronic Resource

1476-4687

Nature Archives 1869 - 2009

Biology

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Medicine

Natural Sciences in General

Physics

[Auszug] In biological systems, organic molecules exert a remarkable level of control over the nucleation and mineral phase of inorganic materials such as calcium carbonate and silica, and over the assembly of crystallites and other nanoscale building blocks into complex structures required for ...

Electronic Resource

0898-6568

Phosphoinositide cycle ; pertussis toxin ; phospholipase C ; ras p 21

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Medicine

Electronic Resource

0898-6568

G-proteins ; guanine nucleotides ; inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitors ; signal-transduction

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Medicine

Electronic Resource

0003-2697

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Electronic Resource

0014-4827

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Medicine

Electronic Resource

0020-708X

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering

Physics

Electronic Resource

0020-708X

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering

Physics

Electronic Resource

0022-0965

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Psychology

Electronic Resource

0006-291X

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Physics

Electronic Resource