Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of Co-Active Coaching On Physically Inactive 12 To 14 Year Olds In Ontario, Paul Gorczynski, Jennifer Irwin, Don Morrow

Donald Morrow

No abstract provided.

Life Coaching As An Intervention For Individuals With Obesity, Courtney Newnham-Kanas, Jennifer Irwin, Don Morrow

Donald Morrow

No abstract provided.

Ssrn As An Initial Revolution In Academic Knowledge Aggregation And Dissemination, David Bray, Sascha Vitzthum, Benn Konsynski

Sascha Vitzthum

Within this paper we consider our results of using the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) over a period of 18 months to distribute our working papers to the research community. Our experiences have been quite positive, with SSRN serving as a platform both to inform our colleagues about our research as well as inform us about related research (through email and telephoned conversations of colleagues who discovered our paper on SSRN). We then discuss potential future directions for SSRN to consider, and how SSRN might well represent an initial revolution in 21st century academic knowledge aggregation and dissemination. Our paper …

Health Policy Newsletter Goes On-Line!, Anthony J. Frisby

Anthony J Frisby, PhD

No abstract available.

Physicians' Experiences With Brca1/2 Testing In Community Settings., Nancy L. Keating, Kathryn A. Stoeckert, Meredith M. Regan, Lisa Digianni, Judy E. Garber

Kathryn Sabella

Individuals' Use Of Care While Uninsured: Effects Of Time Since Episode Inception And Episode Length, Carole Gresenz, J. Rogowski, Jose Escarce

Carole Roan Gresenz

No abstract provided.

Towards Self-Organizing, Smart Business Networks: Let’S Create ‘Life’ From Inert Information, David Bray, Benn Konsynski

David A. Bray

We review three different theories that can inform how researchers can determine the performance of smart business networks, to include: (1) the Theory of Evolution, (2) the Knowledge-Based Theory of the Firm, and (3) research insights into computers and cognition. We suggest that each of these theories demonstrate that to be generally perceived as smart, an organism needs to be self-organizing, communicative, and tool-making. Consequentially, to determine the performance of a smart business network, we suggest that researchers need to determine the degree to which it is self-organizing, communicative, and tool-making. We then relate these findings to the Internet and …

Fluoranthene, But Not Benzo[A]Pyrene, Interacts With Hypoxia Resulting In Pericardial Effusion And Lordosis In Developing Zebrafish, Cole W. Matson, Alicia R. Timme-Laragy, Richard T. Di Giulio

Alicia R. Timme-Laragy

Previous research has documented several PAHs that interact synergistically, causing severe teratogenicity in developing fish embryos. The coexposure of CYP1A inhibitors (e.g. FL or ANF) with AHR agonists (e.g. BaP or BNF) results in a synergistic increase in toxicity. As with chemical CYP1A inhibitors, it has also been shown that CYP1A morpholinos exacerbate BNF-induced embryotoxicity. We hypothesized that a hypoxia-induced reduction in CYP1A activity in BNF or BaP-exposed zebrafish embryos would similarly enhance pericardial effusion and other developmental abnormalities. BaP, BNF, ANF, and FL exposures, both individually and as BaP+FL or BNF+ANF combinations, were performed under hypoxia and normoxia. CYP1A …

Gene Set Enrichment Analysis For Non-Monotone Association And Multiple Experimental Categories, Rongheng Lin, Shuangshuang Dai, Richard D. Irwin, Alexandra N. Heinloth, Gary A. Boorman, Leping Li

Rongheng Lin

Background Recently, microarray data analyses using functional pathway information, e.g., gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and significance analysis of function and expression (SAFE), have gained recognition as a way to identify biological pathways/processes associated with a phenotypic endpoint. In these analyses, a local statistic is used to assess the association between the expression level of a gene and the value of a phenotypic endpoint. Then these gene-specific local statistics are combined to evaluate association for pre-selected sets of genes. Commonly used local statistics include t-statistics for binary phenotypes and correlation coefficients that assume a linear or monotone relationship between a …

Facing The Challenge Of Data Transfer From Animal Models To Humans: The Case Of Persistent Organohalogens, Alexander Suvorov, Larissa Takser

Alexander Suvorov

A well-documented fact for a group of persistent, bioaccumulating organohalogens contaminants, namely polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), is that appropriate regulation was delayed, on average, up to 50 years. Some of the delay may be attributed to the fact that the science of toxicology was in its infancy when PCBs were introduced in 1920's. Nevertheless, even following the development of modern toxicology this story repeats itself 45 years later with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) another compound of concern for public health. The question is why? One possible explanation may be the low coherence between experimental studies of toxic effects in animal models …

Personality Traits And Mental Health Treatment Utilization, Christopher J. Hopwood, Brian D. Quigley, Carlos M. Grilo, Charles A. Sanislow, Thomas H. Mcglashan, Shirley Yen, M. Tracie Shea, Mary C. Zanarini, John G. Gunderson, Andrew E. Skodol, John C. Markowitz, Leslie C. Morey

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

Recent theory and research suggest a relation between five-factor model personality traits and mental health treatment utilization, even after controlling for psychiatric disorders and global functioning. The current report further tests this hypothesis in a large clinical sample, using a wider array of treatment modalities than has been previously studied. Overall, results were limited and inconsistent. Although neuroticism was related to utilization across treatment modalities, many of these relationships resulted from its association with psychiatric diagnoses. Other traits showed limited and inconsistent relations to the use of psychosocial and psychiatric treatments.

Book Review 18 Make Room For Happiness By Steven Melemis, William C. Mcpeck

William C. McPeck

This is my review of Make Room for Happiness: 12 Ways to Improve Your Life By Letting Go of Tension. Better Health, Self-Esteem and Relationships by Steven Melemis, published by Modern Therapies in 2008.

Rules Of Engagement: Residents' Perceptions Of The In-Training Evaluation Process, Christopher Watling, Cynthia Kenyon, Elaine Zibrowski, Valerie Schulz, Mark Goldszmidt, Indu Singh, Heather Maddocks, Lorelei Lingard

Lorelei Lingard

BACKGROUND: In-training evaluation reports (ITERs) often fall short of their goals of promoting resident learning and development. Efforts to address this problem through faculty development and assessment-instrument modification have been disappointing. The authors explored residents' experiences and perceptions of the ITER process to gain insight into why the process succeeds or fails.

METHOD: Using a grounded theory approach, semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 residents. Constant comparative analysis for emergent themes was conducted.

RESULTS: All residents identified aspects of "engagement" in the ITER process as the dominant influence on the success of ITERs. Both external (evaluator-driven, such as evaluator credibility) …

Associations Between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms In Folate Uptake And Metabolizing Genes With Blood Folate, Homocysteine, And Dna Uracil Concentrations, Lauren Devos, Aurelie Chanson, Zhenhua Liu, Eric Ciappio, Laurence Parnell, Joel Mason, Katherine Tucker, Jimmy Crott

Zhenhua Liu

Background—Folate is an essential nutrient that supports nucleotide synthesis and biological methylation reactions. Diminished folate status results in chromosome breakage and is associated with several diseases, including colorectal cancer. Folate status is also inversely related to plasma homocysteine concentrations—a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Objective—We sought to gain further understanding of the genetic determinants of plasma folate and homocysteine concentrations. Because folate is required for the synthesis of thymidine from uracil, the latter accumulating and being misincorporated into DNA during folate depletion, the DNA uracil content was also measured. Design—Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in folate uptake …

Interprofessional Communication And Medical Error: A Reframing Of Research Questions And Approaches, Lara Varpio, Pippa Hall, Lorelei Lingard, Catherine Schryer

Lorelei Lingard

Progress toward understanding the links between interprofessional communication and issues of medical error has been slow. Recent research proposes that this delay may result from overlooking the complexities involved in interprofessional care. Medical education initiatives in this domain tend to simplify the complexities of team membership fluidity, rotation, and use of communication tools. A new theoretically informed research approach is required to take into account these complexities. To generate such an approach, we review two theories from the social sciences: Activity Theory and Knotworking. Using these perspectives, we propose that research into interprofessional communication and medical error can develop better …

Point-Of-Care Assessment Of Medical Trainee Competence For Independent Clinical Work, Tara Kennedy, Glenn Regehr, G. Baker, Lorelei Lingard

Lorelei Lingard

BACKGROUND: Clinical supervisors make frequent assessments of medical trainees' competence so they can provide appropriate opportunities for trainees to experience clinical independence. This study explored context-specific assessments of trainees' competence for independent clinical work.

METHOD: In Phase One, 88 teaching team members from internal and emergency medicine were observed during clinical activities (216 hours), and 65 participants completed brief interviews. In Phase Two, 36 in-depth interviews were conducted using video vignettes. Data collection and analysis employed grounded theory methodology.

RESULTS: Supervisors' assessments of trainee trustworthiness for independent clinical work involved consideration of four dimensions: knowledge/skill, discernment of limitations, truthfulness, and …

Childhood Sexual Abuse In Black Men Who Have Sex With Men: Results From Three Qualitative Studies., Sheldon Fields

Sheldon D. Fields

This report describes the high prevalence and context of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) among Black men who have sex with men (MSM) across 3 independent qualitative studies. Semistructured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 87 Black MSM across 3 cities (Rochester, NY, n = 28; Lexington, KY /Atlanta, GA, n = 30; and Atlanta, GA, n = 29). A combined CSA prevalence of 32% (28/87) was found among the 3 samples, despite variation in geographic location, mean age, and sexual identification. Common themes emerging across the 3 samples included prolonged and repeated abuse by a close male relative; blaming of same-sex …

Response: Hiv Testing For Whole Populations, Daniel Halperin, Malcolm Potts, Doug Kirby, Jeff Klausner, Richard Wamai, Ann Swidler, Elliot Marseille, Norman Hearst

Richard G. Wamai

No abstract provided.

Unsafe Sexual Behaviors Among Hiv-Positive Men In Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, Krishna Poudel, Shinji Nakahara, Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar, Junko Yasuoka, Masamine Jimba

Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar

Grounded Theory, Mixed Methods, And Action Research, Lorelei Lingard, Mathieu Albert, Wendy Levinson

Lorelei Lingard

No abstract provided.

Breast Cancer Susceptibility Loci And Mammographic Density, Rulla M. Tamimi, David Cox, Peter Kraft, Graham A. Colditz, Susan E. Hankinson, David J. Hunter

Susan E. Hankinson

Introduction Recently, the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC) conducted a multi-stage genome-wide association study and identified 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with breast cancer risk. Given the high degree of heritability of mammographic density and its strong association with breast cancer, it was hypothesised that breast cancer susceptibility loci may also be associated with breast density and provide insight into the biology of breast density and how it influences breast cancer risk. Methods We conducted an analysis in the Nurses' Health Study (n = 1121) to assess the relation between 11 breast cancer susceptibility loci and mammographic density. At …

Critically Appraising Qualitative Research, Ayelet Kuper, Lorelei Lingard, Wendy Levinson

Lorelei Lingard

No abstract provided.

Reframing Global Health & Environmental Issues In The 21st Century, Nat Quansah

Nat Quansah

No abstract provided.

Vitamin Content Of Breast Milk From Hiv-1–Infected Mothers Before And After Flash-Heat Treatment, Kiersten Israel-Ballard, Barbara Abrams, Anna Coutsoudis, Lindiwe Sibeko, Lynn Cheryk, Caroline Chantry

Lindiwe Sibeko

(EBM) as one method to reduce postnatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in developing countries. Flash-heat is a simple heat treatment method shown to inactivate cell-free HIV. Objective—To determine the effect of flash-heat on vitamin content of milk. Methods—Fresh EBM was collected from 50 HIV+ mothers in Durban, South Africa. Mothers washed their hands and then manually expressed 75–150 mL EBM into sterile jars. Milk was aliquoted to unheated controls or flash-heat (50 mL EBM in a glass jar heated in a 450-mL water jacket in an aluminum pan until water boiled, then EBM removed) simulating field conditions with …

Changes In Muscle And Joint Coordination In Learning To Direct Forces, Christopher J. Hasson, Graham E. Caldwell, Richard E.A. Van Emmerik

Graham E. Caldwell

While it has been suggested that biarticular muscles have a specialized role in directing external reaction forces, it is unclear how humans learn to coordinate mono- and bi-articular muscles to perform force-directing tasks. Subjects were asked to direct pedal forces in a specified target direction during one-legged cycling. We expected that with practice, performance improvement would be associated with specific changes in joint torque patterns and mono- and bi-articular muscular coordination. Nine male subjects practiced pedaling an ergometer with only their left leg, and were instructed to always direct their applied pedal force perpendicular to the crank arm (target direction) …

Multiple B-Vitamin Inadequacy Amplifies Alterations Induced By Folate Depletion In P53 Expression And Its Downstream Effector Mdm2, Zhenhua Liu, Sang-Woon Choi, Jimmy W. Crott, Donald E. Smith, Joel B. Mason

Zhenhua Liu

Folate is required for biological methylation and nucleotide synthesis, aberrations of which are thought to be the mechanisms that enhance colorectal carcinogenesis produced by folate inadequacy. These functions of folate also depend on the availability of other B-vitamins that participate in “onecarbon metabolism,” including B2, B6 and B12. Our study therefore investigated whether combined dietary restriction of these vitamins amplifies aberrations in the epigenetic and genetic integrity of the p53 gene that is induced by folate depletion alone. Ninety-six mice were group pair-fed diets with different combinations of B-vitamin depletion over 10 weeks. DNA and RNA were extracted from epithelial …

Risk Prediction Models With Incomplete Data With Application To Prediction Of Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Prospective Data From The Nurses' Health Study, Bernard Rosner, Graham A. Colditz, J. Dirk Iglehart, Susan E. Hankinson

Graham Andrew Colditz

Introduction A number of breast cancer risk prediction models have been developed to provide insight into a woman's individual breast cancer risk. Although circulating levels of estradiol in postmenopausal women predict subsequent breast cancer risk, whether the addition of estradiol levels adds significantly to a model's predictive power has not previously been evaluated. Methods Using linear regression, the authors developed an imputed estradiol score using measured estradiol levels (the outcome) and both case status and risk factor data (for example, body mass index) from a nested case-control study conducted within a large prospective cohort study and used multiple imputation methods …

Risk Prediction Models With Incomplete Data With Application To Prediction Of Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Prospective Data From The Nurses' Health Study, Bernard Rosner, Graham A. Colditz, J. Dirk Iglehart, Susan E. Hankinson

Susan E. Hankinson

Introduction A number of breast cancer risk prediction models have been developed to provide insight into a woman's individual breast cancer risk. Although circulating levels of estradiol in postmenopausal women predict subsequent breast cancer risk, whether the addition of estradiol levels adds significantly to a model's predictive power has not previously been evaluated. Methods Using linear regression, the authors developed an imputed estradiol score using measured estradiol levels (the outcome) and both case status and risk factor data (for example, body mass index) from a nested case-control study conducted within a large prospective cohort study and used multiple imputation methods …

Doctors As Patients: A Systematic Review Of Doctors' Health Access And The Barriers They Experience, Margaret Kay, Geoffrey Mitchell, Alexandra Clavarino, Jenny Doust

Jenny Doust

Background The need to improve doctors' access to health care by reducing the barriers they experience has been regularly described in the literature, yet the barriers experienced are not well defined, despite the volume of expert opinion in this area. Aim To define what is known about doctors' access to health care from the data within the current literature.Design of study A systematic review of studies of doctors' health access.Method A systematic search of MEDLINE® and CINAHL, supplemented by citation searches and searches of the grey literature, identified both quantitative and qualitative studies. Two reviewers used specific criteria for inclusion …

Cyp1b1 Knockdown Does Not Alter Synergistic Developmental Toxicity Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Alicia Timme-Laragy, Pamela Noyes, Donald Buhler, Richard Di Giulio

Alicia R. Timme-Laragy

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are contaminants increasing in the environment largely due to burning of fossil fuels. Our previous work identified a synergistic toxicity interaction in zebrafish embryos occurring when PAHs that are agonists for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) co-occur with PAHs that are CYP1A inhibitors. This toxicity is mediated by the AHR2, and morpholino knockdown of CYP1A exacerbated toxicity. This study tested two hypotheses: 1) in the absence of functional CYP1A, metabolism of PAHs is shunted towards CYP1B1, which has been shown in mammals to produce more reactive metabolites of PAHs; alternatively 2) CYP1B1 serves a protective role …