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Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most commonly used pharmacological treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)., Objective: To examine the utilization patterns of PPIs and other GERD-related medications, satisfaction with PPI treatment and presence of GERD symptoms., Patients and Methods: GERD patients using prescription PPIs were identified from a mixed-model HMO health plan. Utilization patterns of PPIs and other GERD medications, satisfaction with PPI treatment and presence of GERD symptoms were assessed using questionnaires., Results: Among the 617 patients who completed the survey, 71.0% used PPIs once a day (QD), 22.2% used twice a day (BID) and 6.8% more than twice a day or on an as-needed basis. Approximately 42.1% of all patients supplemented their prescription PPIs with other GERD medications, including over-the-counter medications and H(2)-receptor antagonists. Over 85% of the patients still experienced GERD symptoms and 82.7% nighttime symptoms. Overall, 72.8% of all patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their PPI treatment., Limitations: The study used self-reported data which may have been subject to recall bias. As the study was conducted in a specific region of the US, the results may have limited generalizability to other US regions or countries., Conclusions: Patients on PPI treatment often experience GERD symptoms and supplement their prescription PPIs with other GERD medications. A substantial proportion of GERD patients receiving PPI treatment are on a BID regimen. Furthermore, more than a quarter of the patients are not completely satisfied with their PPI treatment.

Objective: To develop a simple, easily administered pencil-and-paper questionnaire to determine the degree to which behavioral patterns play a role in smoking dependence., Methods: A modified Delphi technique was used to identify initial questions and to eliminate obvious duplications. Phase 2 utilized multiple statistical methods (principal components analysis, cluster analysis, stepwise multiple linear regression, cross tables, Mantel-Haenzel c2-test, and a Gamma test) to evaluate and reduce the number of questions from 18., Results: These analyses yielded an 11-item questionnaire that can potentially assess behavioral dependence., Conclusion: It is hoped that the GN-SBQ will assist physicians, health care providers, and tobacco interventionists in identifying aspects of smoking addiction that are behavioral in nature. The need for future research is discussed.

The incidence of malignant lymphoma, especially non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has increased over the last few decades. This statement is true despite the fact that methods for diagnosing malignant lymphoma have changed and misclassification has become a problem. The present review is mainly concerned with occupational aspects of malignant lymphoma. Several subsequent studies have dealt with malignant lymphoma among woodworkers and pulp and paper mill workers pointing to increased risks. Exposure to phenoxy herbicides have provided reasonable evidence to be connected with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, whereas there is limited information regarding Hodgkin's disease. The relationship between solvent exposure and malignant lymphoma has been observed in a great number of studies. It is, however, still hard to identify specific solvent compounds responsible for the increased risk. Other occupational exposures i.e. wood preservatives, welding, asbestos, hair dyes and exposure to animal viruses among meatworkers and veterinarians have also been studied in relation to malignant lymphoma. This review shows that occupational factors, especially exposure to solvents and phenoxy herbicides and also to wood, play a role in the epidemiology of malignant lymphoma.