Development of Antimicrobial Paper Coatings Containing Bacteriophages and Silver Nanoparticles for Control of Foodborne Pathogens.

In this study, a novel antimicrobial formula that incorporates Listeria bacteriophage P100 and silver nanoparticles into an alginate matrix was successfully developed. Paper coated with the antimicrobial formula inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. The effects of alginate concentration on the formation of silver nanoparticles, silver concentration on the infectivity of phages, and of low alginate concentrations on the sustained release of silver and phages were explored.

Self-reported sleep problems in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer.

Background: Although sleep problems are common among adult cancer survivors, little is known about sleep problems in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer (ASCC).

Objectives: This study sought to describe (a) the prevalence of self-reported sleep problems among ASCC before treatment, during treatment, following treatment, and in survivorship follow-up; (b) the relationship between sleep problems and self-reported adverse psychosocial outcomes; and (c) the relationship between sleep problems, treatment, and disease.

Methods: Baseline surveys were received from 173 ASCC aged 13-19 years.

Use of the NovaSure Impedance Controlled Endometrial Ablation System in patients with intracavitary disease: 12-month follow-up results of a prospective, single-arm clinical study.

Study Objective: To assess the safety and effectiveness of the NovaSure Impedance Controlled Endometrial Ablation System for the treatment of excessive uterine bleeding in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with intracavitary disease (polyps or myomas) up to 3 cm.

Design: Prospective, single-arm study. (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2.

Role of diagnostic labeling in antibiotic prescription.

Objective: To evaluate the association between diagnostic labeling of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and antibiotic prescription rates in family practice.

Design: Descriptive analysis of outpatient chart review supplemented by interviews with physicians. Charts of patients attending 73 general practitioners were reviewed between October 1997 and February 1998.

Contraceptive application of the Bioself fertility indicator.

The Bioself fertility indicator is a hand-held electronic device that combines the basal body temperature and calendar methods for planning or preventing pregnancy. A study was undertaken in three centers in the province of Québec, Canada, to evaluate the Bioself device as a contraceptive aid. Eighty-three women were recruited; they accumulated 745 cycles of use.