Markov level shifts and the unit‐root hypothesis

This paper examines the properties of tests for the presence of an autoregressive unit root in time series that are subject to multiple level shifts. The latter are assumed to be governed by a time‐homogeneous finite Markov chain, thus allowing for an arbitrary number of stochastic breaks. It is demonstrated that standard tests of the unit‐root hypothesis against stationary or single‐break alternatives experience serious difficulties in the presence of Markov level shifts.     

某农药污染地区妇女和儿童血中DDT的残留水平

目的研究生产农药的某化工厂周围环境的滴滴涕(DDT)污染对妇女和儿童健康的影响。方法于2005年1至7月选择某化工厂职工附小50对6～10岁学龄儿童及其母亲,采集空腹静脉血,采用气相色谱法检测DDT及4个体内代谢产物(p,p’-DDE,p,p’-DDT,p,p’-DDD,o,p’-DDT)及血液临床生化检验,并作调查问卷及健康体检。结果18%的母亲血脂异常,母亲和儿童静脉血中总DDT平均含量分别为8.42和11.98ng/ml。母亲和儿童静脉血中DDT检出率分别为80%和86%,其中o,p’-DDT和p,p’-DDD未检出;儿童静脉血中p,p’-DDE和总DDT含量分别高于母亲静脉血中含量。结论该地区妇女和儿童血液中已经有一定水平的DDT蓄积。     

Effect of Meridian Massage for Cancer Related Fatigue

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of meridian massage in lessening the fatigue and improving both physical and mental quality of life of cancer patients. Settings and design: This study was conducted at the East-West Cancer Center at Daejeon University; Using a single-arm, waiting list and non-treatment control research design, we compared the results of control group and to that of the experimental group. Materials and methods: From July 2, 2007 to July 28, 2007, eighteen eligible cancer patients were recruited to participate in the experiment. Modified Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and active oxygen level were measured before and after treatment for both control and experimental groups. Lying on their back or stomach inside a room with a temperature of 18-2℃2, the patients received 30 minutes of meridian massages mainly around the trapezius muscles 5 times a week.Statistical analysis used: Data analysis was carried out using independent t-test, paired t-test and One-way ANOVA.Results: Data analysis of modified CFS showed statistically significant results for all groups between before and after treatment. Within CFS, results of physical and psychological analysis showed significant results for all groups except before and after no treatment and secondary treatment. In the analysis of VAS, the experimental group showed a greater decrease in score compared to that of the control group and the average difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). Although the results were not statistically significant (P＞0.05), active oxygen levels for the control group showed little difference before and after no treatment (331.11 and 330.78, respectively) while the experimental group observed a decrease in active oxygen level before and after treatment (327.28 and 314.11, respectively). Conclusion: In conclusion, patients who received meridian massage showed decreased cancer related fatigue scores compared to the control. These results suggest that meridian massage may alleviate cancer-related fatigue and contribute to the improvement in quality of life among cancer patients.     

Automatic electronic laboratory-based reporting of notifiable infectious diseases at a large health system

Electronic laboratory-based reporting, developed by the UPMC Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was evaluated to determine if it could be integrated into the conventional paper-based reporting system. We reviewed reports of 10 infectious diseases from 8 UPMC hospitals that reported to the Allegheny County Health Department in southwestern Pennsylvania during January 1-November 26, 2000. Electronic reports were received a median of 4 days earlier than conventional reports. The completeness of reporting was 74% (95% confidence interval [CI] 66% to 81%) for the electronic laboratory-based reporting and 65% (95% CI 57% to 73%) for the conventional paper-based reporting system (p>0.05). Most reports (88%) missed by electronic laboratory-based reporting were caused by using free text. Automatic reporting was more rapid and as complete as conventional reporting. Using standardized coding and minimizing free text usage will increase the completeness of electronic laboratory-based reporting.     

The search for genes related to a low-level response to alcohol determined by alcohol challenges

BACKGROUND: A low level of response (LR) to alcohol seems to relate to a substantial proportion of the risk for alcoholism and to have significant heritability. METHODS: This report describes the results of a genome-wide segregation analysis for the first 139 pairs of full siblings by using an alcohol challenge protocol as a direct measure of LR. Subjects from 18 to 29 years old were selected if the original screen indicated they had an alcohol-dependent parent, reported a personal history of drinking but had no evidence of alcohol dependence, and had a full sibling with similar characteristics. Body sway and Subjective High Assessment Scale scores were measured at baseline and at regular intervals after the administration of a measured dose of alcohol. Participants and available parents were genotyped for 811 microsatellite markers, and resulting data were analyzed with a variance component method. RESULTS: Nine chromosome regions with logarithm of the odds ratio (LOD) between 2.2 and 3.2 were identified; several had previously been implicated regarding phenotypes relevant to alcoholism and the LR to alcohol. Several regions identified in the previous linkage study by using a retrospective self-report questionnaire were potentially confirmed by this study. The strongest evidence was on chromosomes 10, 11, and 22. CONCLUSIONS: Several chromosomal areas seem to relate to the low LR to alcohol as a risk factor for alcohol dependence.     

2006年苏州市部分农村基层医疗卫生机构应对突发公共卫生事件能力调查

[目的]研究农村基层医疗卫生机构应对突发公共卫生事件能力,进一步完善和加强应对农村突发公共卫生事件体系建设,提高防控水平。[方法]2006年,在江苏省苏州市随机抽取农村各级医疗卫生机构专业人员910人进行调查。[结果]调查910人,相关风险意识(满分为90分)为(36.85±6.78)分,应对突发公共卫生事件知识(满分32分)总体得分为(16.93±4.64)分。调查对象认为本单位在应对突发事件的管理、人力资源、药品储备和检测能力等方面存在较多问题。[结论]农村基层医疗卫生机构应对突发公共卫生事件的能力薄弱。