Digital Commons Network^™

Haplotype Analysis Of Common Variants In The Brca1 Gene And Risk Of Sporadic Breast Cancer, David G. Cox, Peter Kraft, Susan E. Hankinson, David J. Hunter

Susan E. Hankinson

Introduction Truncation mutations in the BRCA1 gene cause a substantial increase in risk of breast cancer. However, these mutations are rare in the general population and account for little of the overall incidence of sporadic breast cancer. Method We used whole-gene resequencing data to select haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms, and examined the association between common haplotypes of BRCA1 and breast cancer in a nested case-control study in the Nurses' Health Study (1323 cases and 1910 controls). Results One haplotype was associated with a slight increase in risk (odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.37). A significant interaction (P = …

Stressful Life Events As Predictors Of Functioning: Findings From The Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study, Maria E. Pagano, Andrew E. Skodol, Robert L. Stout, M. Tracie Shea, Shirley Yen, Carlos M. Grilo, Charles A. Sanislow, Donna S. Bender, Thomas H. Mcglashan, Mary C. Zanarini, John G. Gunderson

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

Objective:  Although much attention has been given to the effects of adverse childhood experiences on the development of personality disorders (PDs), we know far less about how recent life events influence the ongoing course of functioning. We examined the extent to which PD subjects differ in rates of life events and the extent to which life events impact psychosocial functioning. Method:  A total of 633 subjects were drawn from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study (CLPS), a multi-site study of four personality disorders – schizotypal (STPD), borderline (BPD), avoidant (AVPD), obsessive-compulsive (OCPD) – and a comparison group of major depressive …

Validity Of Das Perfectionism And Need For Approval In Relation To The Five-Factor Model Of Personality, David M. Dunkley, Charles A. Sanislow, Carlos M. Grilo, Thomas H. Mcglashan

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

This study examined the validity of the perfectionism and need for approval scales of the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS; Weissman & Beck, 1978) by locating these measures within a comprehensive framework of personality, provided by the revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R; Costa & McCrae, 1992), in a clinical sample (N ¼ 132). The results indicated that: (1) DAS perfectionism reflects the self-critical aspects of the broader perfectionism construct rather than the active achievement striving aspects; (2) DAS need for approval generally lacks an association with positive interpersonal traits and shares much in common with DAS perfectionism; and (3) with shared …

Associations In The Course Of Personality Disorders And Axis I Disorders Over Time, M. Tracie Shea, Robert L. Stout, Shirley Yen, Maria E. Pagano, Andrew E. Skodol, Leslie C. Morey, John G. Gunderson, Thomas H. Mcglashan, Carlos M. Grilo, Charles A. Sanislow, Donna S. Bender, Mary C. Zanarini

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

In this study, the authors examined time-varying associations between schizotypal (STPD), borderline (BPD), avoidant (AVPD), or obsessive-compulsive (OCPD) personality disorders and co-occurring Axis I disorders in 544 adult participants from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study. The authors tested predictions of specific longitudinal associations derived from a model of crosscutting psychobiological dimensions (L. J. Siever & K. L. Davis, 1991) with participants with the relevant Axis I disorders. The authors assessed participants at baseline and at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up evaluations. BPD showed significant longitudinal associations with major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. AVPD was significantly associated with …

Two-Year Stability And Change Of Schizotypal, Borderline, Avoidant And Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorders, Carlos M. Grilo, M. Tracie Shea, Charles A. Sanislow, Andrew E. Skodol, John G. Gunderson, Robert L. Stout, Maria E. Pagano, Shirley Yen, Leslie C. Morey, Mary C. Zanarini, Thomas H. Mcglashan

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

he authors examined the stability of schizotypal (STPD), borderline (BPD), avoidant (AVPD) and obsessive-compulsive (OCPD) personality disorders (PDs) over 2 years of prospective multiwave follow-up. Six hundred thirty-three participants recruited at 4 collaborating sites who met criteria for 1 or more of the 4 PDs or for major depressive disorder (MOD) without PD were assessed with semistructured interviews at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. Lifetable survival analyses revealed that the PD groups had slower time to remission than the MDD group. Categorically, PD remission rates range from 50% (AVPD) to 61% (STPD) for dropping below diagnostic threshold on a …

The Progesterone Receptor Val660→Leu Polymorphism And Breast Cancer Risk, Immaculata De Vivo, Susan E. Hankinson, Graham A. Colditz, David J. Hunter

Graham Andrew Colditz

Background Recent evidence suggests a role for progesterone in breast cancer development and tumorigenesis. Progesterone exerts its effect on target cells by interacting with its receptor; thus, genetic variations, which might cause alterations in the biological function in the progesterone receptor (PGR), can potentially contribute to an individual's susceptibility to breast cancer. It has been reported that the PROGINS allele, which is in complete linkage disequilibrium with a missense substitution in exon 4 (G/T, valine→leucine, at codon 660), is associated with a decreased risk for breast cancer. Methods Using a nested case-control study design within the Nurses' Health Study cohort, …

The Progesterone Receptor Val660→Leu Polymorphism And Breast Cancer Risk, Immaculata De Vivo, Susan E. Hankinson, Graham A. Colditz, David J. Hunter

Susan E. Hankinson

Background Recent evidence suggests a role for progesterone in breast cancer development and tumorigenesis. Progesterone exerts its effect on target cells by interacting with its receptor; thus, genetic variations, which might cause alterations in the biological function in the progesterone receptor (PGR), can potentially contribute to an individual's susceptibility to breast cancer. It has been reported that the PROGINS allele, which is in complete linkage disequilibrium with a missense substitution in exon 4 (G/T, valine→leucine, at codon 660), is associated with a decreased risk for breast cancer. Methods Using a nested case-control study design within the Nurses' Health Study cohort, …

Towards An Integrated Model For Breast Cancer Etiology: The Lifelong Interplay Of Genes, Lifestyle, And Hormones, Susan E. Hankinson, Graham A. Colditz, Walter C. Willett

Graham Andrew Colditz

While the association of a number of risk factors, such as family history and reproductive patterns, with breast cancer has been well established for many years, work in the past 10–15 years also has added substantially to our understanding of disease etiology. Contributions of particular note include the delineation of the role of endogenous and exogenous estrogens to breast cancer risk, and the discovery and quantification of risk associated with several gene mutations (e.g. BRCA1). Although it is difficult to integrate all epidemiologic data into a single biologic model, it is clear that several important components or pathways exist. Early …

Towards An Integrated Model For Breast Cancer Etiology: The Lifelong Interplay Of Genes, Lifestyle, And Hormones, Susan E. Hankinson, Graham A. Colditz, Walter C. Willett

Susan E. Hankinson

While the association of a number of risk factors, such as family history and reproductive patterns, with breast cancer has been well established for many years, work in the past 10–15 years also has added substantially to our understanding of disease etiology. Contributions of particular note include the delineation of the role of endogenous and exogenous estrogens to breast cancer risk, and the discovery and quantification of risk associated with several gene mutations (e.g. BRCA1). Although it is difficult to integrate all epidemiologic data into a single biologic model, it is clear that several important components or pathways exist. Early …

Health Care In Canada: Provinces Versus The Federal Government, Vivian C. Mcalister

Vivian C. McAlister

A Systematic Review Of Brachytherapy. Is It An Effective And Safe Treatment For Localised Prostate Cancer?, Jenny Doust, Emma Miller, Gillian Duchesne, Michael Kitchener, David Weller

Jenny Doust

BACKGROUND Brachytherapy is a promising treatment for prostate cancer as it may have reduced rates of impotence and incontinence. OBJECTIVE General practitioners can influence the treatment patients receive by their referral patterns, so it is important they understand the effectiveness and safety of treatment. We reviewed the primary literature on brachytherapy as sole therapy for localised prostate cancer. DISCUSSION Although there have been many studies on the safety and effectiveness of brachytherapy, there have been no trials of brachytherapy versus other treatments that would control for factors such as tumour stage, grade, or initial prostate specific antigen levels. Brachytherapy for …

Major Depressive Disorder And Borderline Personality Disorder Revisited: Longitudinal Interactions, John G. Gunderson, Leslie C. Morey, Robert L. Stout, Andrew E. Skodol, M. Tracie Shea, Thomas H. Mcglashan, Mary C. Zanarini, Carlos M. Grilo, Charles A. Sanislow, Shirley Yen, Maria T. Daversa, Donna S. Bender

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

BACKGROUND: This report investigates the longitudinal association of changes in major depressive disorder (MDD) and borderline personality disorder.

METHOD: A DSM-IV-diagnosed sample of 161 patients with borderline personality disorder who have been followed with repeated measures at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months are investigated to see whether those with co-occurring MDD differ at baseline and in their course. Proportional hazard regression and cross-lagged panel analyses are used to demonstrate whether changes in the course of either disorder have predictable effects on the course of the other.

RESULTS: The rate of remissions of borderline personality disorder was not affected by …

Longitudinal Diagnostic Efficiency Of Dsm-Iv Criteria For Obsessive–Compulsive Personality Disorder: A 2-Year Prospective Study, Carlos M. Grilo, Andrew E. Skodol, John G. Gunderson, Charles A. Sanislow, Robert L. Stout, M. Tracie Shea, Leslie C. Morey, Mary C. Zanarini, Donna S. Bender, Shirley Yen, Thomas H. Mcglashan

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

Objective: To examine the longitudinal diagnostic efficiency of the DSM-IV criteria for obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

Method: At baseline, criteria and diagnoses were determined using diagnostic interviews, and blinded assessments were performed 24 months later with 550 participants. Diagnostic efficiency indices (conditional probabilities, total predictive power, and kappa) were calculated for each criterion determined at baseline, using the independent OCPD diagnosis at follow-up as the standard.

Results: Longitudinal diagnostic efficiencies for the OCPD criteria varied; findings suggested the overall predictive utility of preoccupied with details, rigid and stubborn, and reluctant to delegate.

Conclusion: These findings suggest the predictive validity of …

Common Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Haplotypes And Risk Of Breast Cancer: A Nested Case–Control Study, Rulla M. Tamimi, Susan E. Hankinson, Donna Spiegelman, Peter Kraft, Graham A. Colditz, David J. Hunter

Graham Andrew Colditz

Introduction The ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene is a tumor suppressor gene with functions in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and repair of DNA double-strand breaks. Based on family studies, women heterozygous for mutations in the ATM gene are reported to have a fourfold to fivefold increased risk of breast cancer compared with noncarriers of the mutations, although not all studies have confirmed this association. Haplotype analysis has been suggested as an efficient method for investigating the role of common variation in the ATM gene and breast cancer. Five biallelic haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms are estimated to capture 99% of …

The Late Effects Of Poliomyelitis In Queensland, Mary Lynch, Nancy Low Choy

Nancy Low Choy

This paper reports an investigation of new health problems reported by Queensland residents with a prior history of poliomyelitis. 126 people with a past history of paralytic poliomyelitis were recruited from the waiting list for the trial Post Polio Clinic at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Brisbane. A self-administered postal questionnaire was used to examine a number of variables including acute poliomyelitis histories; presence, duration and severity of new symptoms consistent with the late effects of poliomyelitis; changes in functional status between the maximal recovery period and the time of the survey and the impact of post-polio symptoms on lifestyle and …

Prediction Of Radiation Pneumonitis By Dose-Volume Histogram Parameters In Lung Cancer--A Systematic Review, George Rodrigues, Michael Lock, David D'Souza, Edward Yu, Jake Van Dyk

Edward Yu

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review of the predictive ability of various dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters (V(dose), mean lung dose (MLD), and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP)) in the incidence of radiation pneumonitis (RP) caused by external-beam radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Studies assessing the relationship between CT-based DVH reduction parameters and RP rate in radically treated lung cancer were eligible for the review. Synonyms for RP, lung cancer, DVH and its associated parameters (NTCP, V(20), V(30), MLD) were combined in a search strategy involving electronic databases, secondary reference searching, and consultation with experts. Individual or group data …

The Longitudinal Relationship Of Personality Traits And Disorders, Megan B. Warner, Leslie C. Morey, John F. Finch, John G. Gunderson, Andrew E. Skodol, Charles A. Sanislow, M. Tracie Shea, Thomas H. Mcglashan, Carlos M. Grilo

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

Personality disorders are presumed to be stable because of underlying stable and maladaptive personality traits, but while previous research has demonstrated a link between personality traits and personality disorders cross-sectionally, personality disorders and personality traits have not been linked longitudinally. This study explores the extent to which relevant personality traits are stable in individuals diagnosed with 4 personality disorders (schizotypal, borderline, avoidant, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders) and examines the assumption that these personality disorders are stable by virtue of stable personality traits. This assumption was tested via the estimation of a series of latent longitudinal models that evaluated whether changes …

Testing An Apa Practice Guideline: Symptom-Targeted Medication Utilization For Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder, John M. Oldham, Donna S. Bender, Andrew E. Skodol, Ingrid R. Dyck, Charles A. Sanislow, Shirley Yen, Carlos M. Grilo, M. Tracie Shea, Mary C. Zanarini, John G. Gunderson, Thomas H. Mcglashan

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to test whether the use of psychotropic medication treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) was consistent with proposals in the recently published American Psychiatric Association's Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder.

METHOD: Medication utilization by patients with BPD was assessed prospectively over a 2-year period prior to the publication of the Guideline. Three BPD symptom clusters--cognitive-perceptual, affective dysregulation, and impulsive-behavioral dyscontrol--along with demographic and functioning variables were used to predict the use of five classes of medication.

RESULTS: Symptoms of impulsive-behavioral dyscontrol significantly predicted use of both neuroleptics …

Updated Variable-Radius Measures Of Hospital Competition, Carole Gresenz, Jeannette Rogowski, Jose Escarce

Carole Roan Gresenz

No abstract provided.

The Presence Of P22 Bacteriophage In Electrocautery Aerosols, Dale Stephenson, David Allcott, Michael Koch

Dale J. Stephenson

Electrosurgery units, including lasers and electrosurgical cauterizers, are commonly used for both inpatient and outpatient procedures. The generation of an aerosol plume, associated with the use of these devices, is a result of many factors including: 1) direct aspiration of blood and body fluids, 2) direct heating and vaporization of cellular fluid causing cells to explode, and 3) the carbonization of cells and cell fragments at high temperatures. Although initial studies have concluded that these plumes create only a malodorous nuisance, subsequent research suggests the presence of potential chemical and pathological hazards, including bacteria and virus. Most scientific research has …

Childhood Maltreatment Associated With Adult Personality Disorders: Findings From The Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study, Cynthia L. Battle, M. Tracie Shea, Dawn M. Johnson, Caron Zlotnick, Mary C. Zanarini, Charles A. Sanislow, Andrew E. Skodol, John G. Gunderson, Carlos M. Grilo, Thomas H. Mcglashan, Leslie C. Morey

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

No abstract provided.

Borderline Personality Disorder Criteria Associated With Prospectively Observed Suicidal Behavior, Shirley Yen, M. Tracie Shea, Charles A. Sanislow, Carlos M. Grilo, Andrew E. Skodol, John G. Gunderson, Thomas H. Mcglashan, Mary C. Zanarini, Leslie C. Morey

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

OBJECTIVE: The authors prospectively examined associations between each DSM-IV borderline personality disorder criterion and suicidal behaviors.

METHOD: Borderline personality disorder diagnosis and criteria, major depressive disorder, substance use disorders, and history of childhood sexual abuse were assessed with semistructured interviews. Participants (N=621) were followed for 2 years with repeated structured evaluations that included assessments of suicidality.

RESULTS: With the self-injury criterion excluded, the borderline personality disorder criteria of affective instability, identity disturbance, and impulsivity significantly predicted suicidal behaviors. Only affective instability and childhood sexual abuse were significantly associated with suicide attempts (i.e., behavior with some intent to die).

CONCLUSIONS: Affective …

Impaired Diffusion Capacity Predicts For Decreased Treatment Tolerance And Survival In Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With Concurrent Chemoradiation, Gregory Videtic, Larry Stitt, Robert Ash, Pauline Truong, A. Dar, Edward Yu, Frances Whiston

Edward Yu

PURPOSE: To determine if stratification of limited stage small cell lung cancer (LSCLC) patients by pre-treatment pulmonary function test (PFT) prognostic indicators predicts for treatment-related toxicity risks and survival following concurrent chemoradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1989 to 1999, 215 LSCLC patients received six cycles of alternating cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine and etoposide/cisplatin (EP). Thoracic radiation (RT) was initiated only with EP and at cycle 2 or 3. RT dose was: 40 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks or 50 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks. RT fields encompassed gross and suspected microscopic disease with a 2 cm margin. Pre-treatment PFT values analyzed included forced expiratory volume in 1s …

A Systematic Review Of The Diagnostic Accuracy Of Natriuretic Peptides For Heart Failure, Jenny Doust, Paul Glasziou, Eva Pietrzak, Annette Dobson

Jenny Doust

Background The diagnosis of heart failure is difficult, with both overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis occurring commonly in practice. Natriuretic peptides have been proposed as a possible test for assisting diagnosis. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), including a comparison with atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Methods Electronic searches were conducted of MEDLINE and EMBASE from January 1994 to December 2002 and handsearches of reference lists of included studies. We included studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of BNP against echocardiographic or clinical criteria or that compared the diagnostic accuracy of BNP with ANP. Two reviewers assessed studies for …

Emergency Needs Assessment Guidelines. World Food Program., John Mazzeo

John Mazzeo, Ph.D.

No abstract provided.

Regional Quantitative Methods Workshop, Ohrid, Macedonia. Care International, Middle East And Europe Regional Management Unit (Mermu)., John Mazzeo

John Mazzeo, Ph.D.

No abstract provided.

Dhandha, Dharma And Disease: Traditional Sex Work And Hiv/Aids In Rural India, J. O'Neil, Treena Orchard, J. Swarankar, J. Blanchard, K. Gurav, B. Barlaya, R. Patil, C. Hussain Khan, S. Moses

Dr. Treena Orchard

This paper discusses the results of two ethnographic studies with female sex workers in rural areas of Karnataka and Rajasthan, India. In particular, we focus on women whose socio-economic status, and religious and occupational practices, are part of sex work systems that have historical precedents such that they can be termed “traditional” sex workers. The approach taken in the ethnographic work was informed by current critical approaches in medical anthropology and public health. The paper argues that in the context of an expanding HIV/AIDS epidemic in rural areas of India, understanding the historical and structural factors that operate to perpetuate …

Musculoskeletal Injuries Associated With Selected University Staff And Faculty In An Office Environment, R. Konkel, Thomas Fisher, Carolyn Harvey

Steve Konkel

A research team with backgrounds in occupational therapy, rehabilitation, policy and rulemaking, and prevention programs affecting occupational health and safety designed, validated, and analyzed an ergonomics survey of university staff and faculty. The purpose of the study was to validate identified risk factors from the literature contributing to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) in an office setting within a university setting. The study was also designed to determine differences between faculty and staff in the university setting and their exposure to physical risk factors to WRMDs. The results suggest faculty have their keyboard in awkward positions more frequently than staff, and …

Coronary Age As A Risk Factor In The Modified Framingham Risk Score, Enrique F. Schisterman, Brian W. Whitcomb

Brian W. Whitcomb

Background: Clinical guidelines emphasize risk assessment as vital to patient selection for medical primary intervention. However, risk assessment methods are restricted in their ability to predict further coronary events. The most widely accepted tool in the United States is the Framingham risk score. In these equations age is a powerful risk factor. Although the extent of coronary atherosclerosis increases with age, there is large inter-individual variability in the rate of development and progression of this disease. This fact limits the utility of Framingham scoring when applied to individuals. Electron beam tomography (EBT), which measures coronary calcium, provides a non-invasive method …

Dynamics Of Hiv/Aids In The Fishing Communities Of Benin And Uganda. Food And Agriculture Organization, Hiv/Aids Program., John Mazzeo

John Mazzeo, Ph.D.

No abstract provided.