No abstract available.
Anemia, Aplastic*

Whenever an unexpected neuropsychiatric disorder arises suddenly in a person of good previous mental health after a new drug of any kind has been taken it is reasonable to suspect a drug-induced reaction. The suspected medication should then be stopped. Adverse reactions to drugs are known to account for a considerable amount of neuro-psychiatric disorder, which is likely to increase as new and more potent drugs are introduced into clinical practice.
Mental disorders ; overview ; Drug-induced ; seconds ; Adverse reactions

Whenever an unexpected neuropsychiatric disorder arises suddenly in a person of good previous mental health after a new drug of any kind has been taken it is reasonable to suspect a drug-induced reaction. The suspected medication should then be stopped. Adverse reactions to drugs are known to account for a considerable amount of neuro-psychiatric disorder, which is likely to increase as new and more potent drugs are introduced into clinical practice.
Humans ; Psychoses, Substance-Induced ; classification

Objective: The objective of this study was to document the acute psychiatric service offered by the Ward Six Psychiatric Unit at the Port Moresby General Hospital by means of admission statistics. Methods: The study was designed to cover the period 1980 to 1989, for which reliable medical records were available. Data were collected on the total number of psychiatric admissions per year, diagnostic classification, occupation, province of origin of the patients, age and sex. A brief history of Psychiatric Ward Six is added. Results: The results showed that the total number of admissions to Ward Six from 1980 to 1989 was 725. There were 462 (64%) male and 263 (36%) female patients. The ratio of male to female patients was 1.8 to 1.0. Diagnostic classification of the patients was done by the International Classification of Diseases (Ninth Edition). The most common diagnosis was schizophrenia with 358 patients (49%). The majority (63%) of the patients were unemployed. A large number of the patients, 295 (41%), were from Central Province. The young age group 21-30 years accounted for 267 (37%) of the patients. The mean annual incidence for the ten-year period of the study was 5.4 patients per 10,000 population. There was an increase in the annual incidence from 3.6 per 10,000 population in 1983 to 7.9 per 10,000 population in 1989. Conclusion: In developing countries, including Papua New Guinea, hospital utilization studies and statistics provide an initial source of information. These may be followed later with community surveys and field surveys when more resources including funding become available.
Female ; Hospitalization - statistics & ; numerical data ; Hospitals, General - statistics & ; numerical data ; Mental Disorders - epidemiology ; Papua New Guinea - epidemiology ; Psychiatric Department, Hospital - statistics & ; numerical data

A prospective study of 40 children with epilepsy was carried out between June 1990 and August 1991 at Port Moresby General Hospital. Half of the children had yet to start school. Significant features in their past medical histories were acute meningitis (38%), tuberculous meningitis (10%), febrile convulsions (10%) and head trauma (5%). Most cases had grand mal epilepsy (80%). The majority of the children with epilepsy (90%) were treated with a single drug, which was usually phenobarbitone. 22% had received more than one drug, but not simultaneously. Significant side-effects requiring change of treatment occurred in 10%. Disturbed behaviour was reported in 55% and 22% had a poor social outcome. 45% had complete control of fits clinically. This study showed that in Port Moresby acute meningitis is a significant cause of epilepsy in young children, the majority of whom present with grand mal epilepsy, which is usually controlled by phenobarbitone, a readily available and cheap drug and still a useful anticonvulsant in the developing world.
Adolescent ; Child ; Epilepsy - drug therapy

OBJECTIVE: to map a mouse deafness gene, identify the underlying mutation and develop a mouse model for human deafness. METHODS: genetic linkage cross and genome scan were used to map a novel mutation named hypoplasia of the membranous labyrinth (hml), which causes hearing loss in mutant mice. RESULTS: 1. hml was mapped on mouse Chr 10 (~43 cM from the centromere) suggests that the homologous human gene is on 12q22-q24, which was defined on the basis of known mouse-human homologies (OMIM, 2004). 2. This study has generated 25 polymorphic microsatellite markers, placed 3 known human genes in the correct order in a high-resolution mouse map and narrowed the hml candidate gene region to a 500kb area.

BACKGROUND: Emerging reports suggest the potential for adverse health effects from exposure to emissions from some additive manufacturing (AM) processes. There is a paucity of real-world data on emissions from AM machines in industrial workplaces and personal exposures among AM operators. METHODS: Airborne particle and organic chemical emissions and personal exposures were characterized using real-time and time-integrated sampling techniques in four manufacturing facilities using industrial-scale material extrusion and material jetting AM processes. RESULTS: Using a condensation nuclei counter, number-based particle emission rates (ERs) (number/min) from material extrusion AM machines ranged from 4.1×1010 (Ultem filament) to 2.2×1011 [acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate filaments). For these same machines, total volatile organic compound ERs (mg/min) ranged from 1.9×104 (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate) to 9.4×104 (Ultem). For the material jetting machines, the number-based particle ER was higher when the lid was open (2.3×1010 number/min) than when the lid was closed (1.5–5.5×109 number/min); total volatile organic compound ERs were similar regardless of the lid position. Low levels of acetone, benzene, toluene, and m,p-xylene were common to both AM processes. Carbonyl compounds were detected; however, none were specifically attributed to the AM processes. Personal exposures to metals (aluminum and iron) and eight volatile organic compounds were all below National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-recommended exposure levels. CONCLUSION: Industrial-scale AM machines using thermoplastics and resins released particles and organic vapors into workplace air. More research is needed to understand factors influencing real-world industrial-scale AM process emissions and exposures.
Acetone ; Benzene ; Humans ; Metals ; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (U.S.) ; Styrene ; Toluene ; Volatile Organic Compounds

Background/Aims: Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been increasingly used for achalasia in Latin America, where Chagas disease is prevalent, and this makes POEM more challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the learning curve for POEM in Latin America. Methods: Patients undergoing POEM in Latin America with a single operator were included from a prospective registry over 4 years. Non-linear regression and cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) analyses were conducted for the learning curve. Results: A total of 125 patients were included (52% male; mean age, 59 years), of which 80 had type II achalasia (64%), and 38 had Chagas disease (30%). The average pre-procedure and post-procedure Eckardt scores were 6.79 and 1.87, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 93.5% of patients, and clinical success was achieved in 88.8%. Adverse events occurred in 27 patients (22%) and included bleeding (4 patients), pneumothorax (4 patients), mucosal perforation (13 patients), mediastinitis (2 patients), and leakage (4 patients).
The CUSUM chart showed a median procedure time of 97 min (range, 45-196 min), which was achieved at the 61st procedure. Procedure duration progressively decreased, with the last 10 procedures under 50 min approaching a plateau (p-value <0.01). Conclusions Mastering POEM in Latin America requires approximately 61 procedures for both POEM efficiency and to accomplish the procedure within 97 minutes.

Background/Aims: Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been increasingly used for achalasia in Latin America, where Chagas disease is prevalent, and this makes POEM more challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the learning curve for POEM in Latin America. Methods: Patients undergoing POEM in Latin America with a single operator were included from a prospective registry over 4 years. Non-linear regression and cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) analyses were conducted for the learning curve. Results: A total of 125 patients were included (52% male; mean age, 59 years), of which 80 had type II achalasia (64%), and 38 had Chagas disease (30%). The average pre-procedure and post-procedure Eckardt scores were 6.79 and 1.87, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 93.5% of patients, and clinical success was achieved in 88.8%. Adverse events occurred in 27 patients (22%) and included bleeding (4 patients), pneumothorax (4 patients), mucosal perforation (13 patients), mediastinitis (2 patients), and leakage (4 patients).
The CUSUM chart showed a median procedure time of 97 min (range, 45-196 min), which was achieved at the 61st procedure. Procedure duration progressively decreased, with the last 10 procedures under 50 min approaching a plateau (p-value <0.01). Conclusions Mastering POEM in Latin America requires approximately 61 procedures for both POEM efficiency and to accomplish the procedure within 97 minutes.

Background and Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the third highest incidence in the Philippines. Currently, there is a paucity in literature that is focused on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Filipinos regarding CRC screening. This is the first study in the Philippines that describes this. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that validated a 52-item Filipino questionnaire on the knowledge on colorectal cancer, willingness to undergo CRC screening, and perceived benefits and barriers to fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy. The study enrolled household heads more than 20 years of age residing in both urban and rural communities in the Philippines. Results: The UP-PGH CRC KAP (University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital Colorectal Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices) and Rawl Questionnaire’s validity and internal consistency were established in a pilot study of 30 respondents. A total of 288 respondents were then enrolled to the main study group with a median age of 54.0. Knowledge scores for prognosis and utility of CRC screening were modest (6.3/12 and 8.4/20, respectively). Perceived benefit scores to FOBT and colonoscopy were high (9.9/12 and 13.9/16, respectively).Median scores to barriers to FOBT and colonoscopy were intermediate (22.5/36 and 35.8/60, respectively). Notably, a vast majority (86.1%) were willing to participate in CRC screening programs initiated by the government, and 46.9% agreed to undergo screening tests even as out-of-pocket expense. Conclusion The UP-PGH CRC KAP Questionnaire as well as the Filipino translation of the Rawl Questionnaire are reliable and valid tools in extensively assessing the knowledge of Filipinos on CRC and willingness to undergo screening, as well as the benefits of and barriers to FOBT and colonoscopy. Knowledge scores were modest suggesting that directed educational campaigns and awareness programs can aid in increasing awareness about CRC and its screening. Household income and highest educational attainment were significantly positively correlated with knowledge scores, and perceived benefits of and barriers to CRC screening. Scores were generally comparable between urban and rural communities.
Knowledge ; Attitudes