Treatment of Oral Theophylline Poisoning

Abstract Two patients, 15 and 20 years old, were admitted after an overdose of theophylline in a slow-release preparation. The gradual occurrence of clinical symptoms reflected the slow gastrointestinal absorption of the drug, and therefore active treatment was not started until 10 and 12 hours after intake, respectively. Peak s-concentrations were 275 and 1295 μmol/l, respectively. One patient was treated with hemoperfusion only, whereas the more severely intoxicated patient was treated with combined hemoperfusion and hemodialysis. Only about 0.2 g theophylline was eliminated by hemodialysis in this patient compared to a calculated amount of 6.9 g by hemoperfusion. Severely theophylline-intoxicated patients should be treated with supportive therapy and hemoperfusion.     

Ups and downs for salivary IgA

IgA levels in saliva differed 15-fold between different individuals. The correlation between IgA in repeated stimulated saliva samples was good in both a short and a 2-yr period. The correlation between resting and stimulated samples was low, in particular when output of IgA over time was considered. Physical exercise affected salivary protein concentrations and also percentage of IgA to protein. The elevated IgA levels in saliva at pregnancy were not accompanied by a similar change of IgA activity against specific bacteria.     

The Careers of Occupational Therapists Five Years After Graduation: Modified Plans But Satisfying Lives

The fourth survey in a longitudinal study of occupational therapists' career patterns elicited a 66% response rate (N = 49). The percentage employed in the profession had fallen by 21.5% since 1980. Less than half of the 22.4% who were unemployed planned to return to professional work. Job satisfaction remained high among the employed though work values had changed. Pay, job security, chances for promotion and respect received were considered more important than in 1980. The most stressful aspects of work had altered with work pressure and worries about patients being the most stressful. While 53% regarded themselves as specialists, areas of speciality differed from those planned earlier. Some had been promoted (40%), but few had high status ambitions. Many therapists (63%) had married and 24% had children. Most mothers of young children were unemployed. The number of children desired had decreased. There was little evidence of role conflict and therapists were satisfied with most areas of their lives.     

The effect of chlorhexidine mouthrinse on healing after gingivectomy

abstract – The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of 0.2 % chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse following gingivectomy on plaque under the dressing and on healing. Twenty-eight patients with indications for gingivectomy were selected. Coe-Pak® was used as surgical dressing. In addition to usual home care, the patients rinsed twice daily with chlorhexidine or placebo for 21 d after surgery. The study followed a cross-over, double-blind design. Gingival exudate was assessed and P1 I and G I were registered at 7, 14, and 21 d postsurgically. The study indicated that chlorhexidine did not influence the amount of plaque under the dressing, and it was uncertain whether chlorhexidine had any effect on the healing process when the surgical area was covered by Coe-Pak. However, (1) after the surgical dressing was removed, the chlorhexidine maintained plaque scores at the same low level as under the dressing, (2) healing was promoted when chlorhexidine was used, and (3) the presence of a dressing in one side of the mouth did not prevent the patient from maintaining good oral hygiene.     

Outpatient Orchiopexy and Herniotomy in Children

ABSTRACT. In 497 children with 528 hernia and 190 boys with 241 maldescended testes, outpatient operation was performed in 96.5% and 92.6% of the patients with an immediate surgical complication rate of 1.5% and 0% respectively. No wound infection was observed and the long term result was satisfactory with 3.7% hernia recurrences and 90% of the testes localized in the bottom of scrotum. Orchiopexy at about two years of age and early herniotomy, irrespective of age, is recommended and surgery may safely be carried out on an outpatient basis.     

PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF MENTAL IMAGING TRAINING FOR POLICE TRAINEES

This study investigated the effects of an intervention programme that mentally prepared police trainees for stressful assignments in order to counteract unfavourable, possibly damaging, psychobiological reactions. Seventy-five police trainees participated. One group received mental imaging training. A reference group did not. All trainees were evaluated at the beginning of their final term at the Swedish Police Academy and at the termination of supervised mental training. Subjects completed a questionnaire on both occasions and physiological factors were measured. The baseline evaluation showed no significant differences between the groups. The second assessment showed that mental training affected the intervention group, which experienced their daily situation more positively than the reference group. The intervention group also reported higher well-being–with fewer intestinal and sleep problems. The study to date indicates some positive cognitive and psychological effects of the image programme. Whether the programme over time will also impact on the physiological and somatic health remains to be determined. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigating the utility of mobile phones for collecting data about adolescent alcohol use and related mood,stress and coping behaviours: Lessons and recommendations

Introduction and Aims. The trajectory from alcohol use to alcohol use disorders in adolescence is yet to be understood. Momentary sampling may assist in capturing ‘real‐time’ data on young people's alcohol use and associated motivational factors. This paper aims to review the feasibility and usefulness of a mobile phone momentary sampling program to capture data about alcohol use and related behaviours. Design and Methods. Two studies were conducted: a school‐based study with 18 Year 9 and 11 students and a clinical study with eight high‐risk adolescent drinkers. Participants answered questions about their daily activities, alcohol use, stressors and negative mood four times a day for 1 week using a mobile phone momentary sampling program. Results. In the school‐based study, 61% of participants reported drinking alcohol. On drinking days participants spent less time studying (14% vs. 26%), more time sleeping or resting (35% vs. 12%) and more time hanging out (21% vs. 11%) than on non‐drinking days. In the high‐risk sample, 88% of participants reported drinking alcohol. On drinking days, these participants spent a greater proportion of their waking time with their boyfriend or girlfriend (19.2% vs. 6%) and generally had higher negative mood than on non‐drinking days. Discussion and Conclusions. The current mobiletype program was well suited to capturing data on alcohol use in younger, school‐attending adolescents. However, to capture alcohol use in older adolescents who lead less routine lives, it is necessary to make some amendments including targeting particular behaviours and symptoms. Recommendations for future studies are proposed.[Kauer SD, Reid SC, Sanci L & Patton GC. Investigating the utility of mobile phones for collecting data about adolescent alcohol use and related mood, stress and coping behaviours: Lessons and recommendations. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009;28:25–30]