A randomized controlled trial of the web-based drinking diary program for problem drinking in multi workplace settings.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of a web-based brief intervention (BI) program to record daily drinking among people with problem drinking in workplace settings. METHODS: A two-armed, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial were conducted at six workplaces in Japan. After obtaining written consent to participate in the study, workers with an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score of 8 or higher were randomly assigned into two groups. The participants allocated to the intervention group recorded their daily alcohol consumption for 4 weeks using the program, while those allocated to the control group received no intervention. Outcome measures included the amount of alcohol consumption in past 7 days using the Timeline Follow-Back method in the program at baseline, 8th week, and 12th week and written AUDIT score at baseline and 12th week. RESULTS: Hundred participants were assigned to either the intervention group (n = 50) or control group (n = 50). The results of two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a statistically significant interaction between the group and the week factors in the two primary outcomes (number of alcohol-free days, total drinks) and secondary outcomes (AUDIT score) (p = .04, .02, and .03, respectively). The between-group effect sizes (Hedges' g; 95% CI) of the outcomes at 12th week were 0.53; 0.13-0.93 (total drinks), 0.44; 0.04-0.84 (AUDIT score), 0.43; 0.03-0.83 (number of alcohol-free days). CONCLUSIONS: The web-based BI program for problem drinking was considered to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption and the AUDIT score in workplace settings.

A clinical risk analysis of early post-operative delirium after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery in elderly patients: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Early post-operative delirium (EPOD) is a frequent complication following colorectal surgery. The present study investigated the risk factors for EPOD after laparoscopic colorectal surgery in elderly patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted among 208 patients ≥70 years old who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the clinicopathological factors associated with the EPOD. RESULTS: The overall incidence of EPOD was 10.1% (21/208). The univariate analysis showed that an older age (≥80 years old; P=0.002), sleeping pill medication before surgery (P=0.037), a history of dementia (P=0.030) and cerebrovascular disease (P=0.017), elevated levels of D-dimer (P=0.016), maximum intraoperative temperature ≥37 °C (P=0.036), and non-continuous usage of droperidol with analgesia (P=0.005) were associated with EPOD. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed an older age (≥80 years old; odds ratio [OR]: 6.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94-20.15, P=0.002), sleeping pill medication before surgery (OR: 5.39, 95% CI: 1.36-21.28, P=0.016), history of cerebrovascular disease (OR: 3.91, 95% CI: 1.12-13.66, P=0.033), and maximum intraoperative temperature ≥37 °C (OR: 5.10, 95% CI: 1.53-16.92, P=0.008) to be independent risk factors. When the patients were divided into groups according to the number of positive risk factors, the prevalence rate was 6.5%, 16.0%, and 63.6% for patients with 1, 2, and 3 positive risk factors, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that an older age, sleeping pill medication before surgery, history of cerebrovascular disease, and maximum intraoperative temperature ≥37 °C are independent risk factors of EPOD after laparoscopic colorectal surgery in elderly patients.

Association of saliva 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol levels and a later depressive state in older subjects living in a rural community: 3-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the association of saliva levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (sMHPG) with a later depressive state in older people living in a rural community. METHODS: Baseline sMHPG levels were measured in 214 older subjects followed by completion of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) from 2004 to 2006 (time A). The same cohort underwent BDI again from 2007 to 2009 (time B). RESULTS: One hundred forty-four subjects (44 men, 100 women) were reassessed by the BDI. Baseline sMHPG levels in men with a BDI score of ≤9 at time A and a BDI score of ≥10 at time B were significantly higher than those in men with a BDI score of ≤9 at times A and B. In men, there was a significant correlation between baseline sMHPG levels and BDI score at time B (r = 0.40, p = 0.007) but not at time A (r = 0.29, p = 0.06). This association was not significant in women. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that high sMHPG levels at time A could be associated with a later depressive state in older men living in a community.

Baseline saliva level of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycole (MHPG) associates with a consequent cognitive decline in non-demented elderly subjects: three-years follow-up study.

The aim of the study was to explore the relation between saliva level of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol (MHPG) and a later cognitive decline in non-demented elderly subjects. We have reported that sMHPG in 214 elderly subjects living in the community (age 74.5±5.9years) was associated with scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) in 2004 to 2006 (Time A). The same cohort underwent these cognitive tests again from 2007 to 2009 (Time B). The cognitive function of the 147 of 214 subjects could be reassessed by the same cognitive tests. The score on the FAB, but not the MMSE, was significantly reduced at Time B (14.6±2.6) compared with that of Time A (15.2±1.9). There was a significant negative correlation between the baseline sMHPG and the changes in the FAB score subtracted from Time B to Time A or the scores on the FAB at Time B in men, but not at Time A. These correlations were not found in women. These data indicate that high sMHPG might be associated with subsequent cognitive decline assessed by the FAB in non-demented elderly men living in the community.

[Effect of differences in guide plane configuration on abutment tooth displacement during clasp insertion].

PURPOSE: Three types of guide plane were compared to clarify the effect of guide plane setting conditions on abutment displacement which arises when an Akers clasp is inserted. METHODS: An experimental model with an artificial periodontal membrane made of hydrophilic vinyl polysiloxane impression material was created. Abutments given a guide plane with only a clasp body (G1), a guide plane whose span extended as far as the reciprocal clasp arm shoulder region diametrically opposite the retention area (G2), and a guide plane for the entire reciprocal clasp arm region (G3) were created, and an Akers clasp was made for each abutment. The amount of abutment displacement and the degree of rotation that arose in the abutment when the Akers clasp was inserted were detected with three laser displacement sensors for comparison. RESULTS: The amount of abutment displacement that arose when the clasp was inserted was higher with G1 than with G2 and G3 in the lingual and distal directions, and no difference was seen between G2 and G3. It was lower with G1 than with G2 and G3 in the buccal direction, and no difference was seen between G2 and G3. It was high with G1 in the mesial direction, and the abutment rotation was high, whereas they were low in the case of G3. A difference was seen between each condition. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in guide plane setting conditions affected the abutment displacement that arose when an Akers clasp was inserted, suggesting that a difference in reciprocal action is seen depending on the setting conditions of the guide plane.