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In the present study, we conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison trial in which an extract of Cordyceps militaris (CM) mycelium was administered to long-distance runners for 16 weeks during the pre-season training period and blood test markers for anemia were investigated. The results indicated that the change rates of serum ferritin levels were moderately increased in the CM group (n = 11) but decreased in the placebo group (n = 11) during the study period, and the levels were significantly increased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the test food intake (p < 0.05). Moreover, the change rates of hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly increased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 8 weeks after the test food intake (p < 0.05). These observations suggest that the intake of test food containing Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract is expected to effectively maintain the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in long-distance runners, possibly via the suppression of the decrease in iron storage, which is reflected by serum ferritin, during pre-season training. Furthermore, the levels of creatine kinase were increased above the normal range in both the placebo and CM groups at registration. Interestingly, the creatine kinase levels were significantly decreased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 16 weeks after the test food intake (p < 0.05). These results suggest that Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract exhibits a protective action on the muscle damage observed in long-distance runners and may suppress muscle injury. Together, these observations suggest that Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract exhibits an improving effect on the markers for not only anemia, but also muscle injury in long-distance runners during pre-season training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate predictors of tobacco abstinence among smokeless tobacco (ST) users. Methods: Logistic regression analyses assessed characteristics associated with tobacco abstinence among ST users receiving bupropion SR. Results: Older age was associated with increased tobacco abstinence in both placebo and bupropion SR groups at end of treatment and one year. Abstinence was lower at one year for subjects with a history of major depression. At end-of-treatment, a 2-way interaction was detected suggesting bupropion SR may be efficacious for subjects with other household tobacco users. Conclusions: Younger ST users and those with a history of depression are less likely to quit ST use.

OBJECTIVE: To assess attitudes of patients about participation in clinical trials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a self-report survey of 400 patients who underwent general medical evaluations between September and [...]

Background: We have developed the bispectral electroencephalography (BSEEG) method for detection of delirium and prediction of poor outcomes. Aims: To improve the BSEEG method by introducing a new EEG device. Method: In a prospective cohort study, EEG data were obtained and BSEEG scores were calculated. BSEEG scores were filtered on the basis of standard deviation (s.d.) values to exclude signals with high noise. Both non-filtered and s.d.-filtered BSEEG scores were analysed. BSEEG scores were compared with the results of three delirium screening scales: the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU), the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS) and the Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOSS). Additionally, the 365-day mortalities and the length of stay (LOS) in the hospital were analysed. Results: We enrolled 279 elderly participants and obtained 620 BSEEG recordings; 142 participants were categorised as BSEEG-positive, reflecting slower EEG activity. BSEEG scores were higher in the CAM-ICU-positive group than in the CAM-ICU-negative group. There were significant correlations between BSEEG scores and scores on the DRS and the DOSS. The mortality rate of the BSEEG-positive group was significantly higher than that of the BSEEG-negative group. The LOS of the BSEEG-positive group was longer compared with that of the BSEEG-negative group. BSEEG scores after s.d. filtering showed stronger correlations with delirium screening scores and more significant prediction of mortality. Conclusions: We confirmed the usefulness of the BSEEG method for detection of delirium and of delirium severity, and prediction of patient outcomes with a new EEG device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Detecting delirium is important to identify patients with a high risk of poor outcomes. Although many different kinds of screening instruments for delirium exist, there is no solid consensus about which methods are the most effective. In addition, it is important to find the most useful tools in predicting outcomes such as mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1,125 adult inpatients (mean age = 67.7; median age = 69). MEASUREMENTS: Post hoc analyses were performed based on existing data from the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit (CAM‐ICU), Delirium Rating Scale‐Revised‐98 (DRS), and the Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOSS). Correlation among these scales and relationships between 365‐day mortality and each scale were evaluated. RESULTS: A positive result on the CAM‐ICU ("CAM‐ICU positive") was associated with higher DRS and DOSS scores. A DRS score = 9/10 was the best cutoff to detect CAM‐ICU positive, and DOSS = 2/3 was the best cutoff to detect CAM‐ICU positive. CAM‐ICU positive was associated with high 365‐day mortality. DRS score = 9/10 and DOSS score = 0/1 were found to differentiate mortality risk the most significantly. Higher DRS and DOSS scores significantly coincided with a decrease in a patient's survival rate at 365 days. CONCLUSION: The best DRS and DOSS cutoff scores to differentiate 365‐day mortality risk were lower than those commonly used to detect delirium in the literature. New cutoff scores for the DRS and DOSS might be useful in differentiating risk of mortality among hospital patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the quality of care and safety of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) management. Two case studies which involve men who experienced progressive visual loss and cognitive disorder are discussed. Studies have shown that majority of patients with CJD showed abnormalities on fluid-attenuation inversion recovery in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that could help in CJD diagnosis. It adds that careful lumbar puncture must be done and that clinical laboratories should be alerted of cerebrospinal fluid from CJD patients.