Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Evaluations Of The Effectiveness Of A Web-Based Graduate Epidemiology Course, Molly A. Rose, Anthony J. Frisby, Michael D. Hamlin, Susan S. Jones

Anthony J Frisby, PhD

An online epidemiology course was developed, implemented, and evaluated for graduate nursing students through the collaborative efforts of nursing faculty and information, education, and instructional design staff of the library at a health sciences university. This epidemiology course is a core curriculum course for graduate nursing students. The course was piloted with 14 students (one student in Romania); the initial online offering ran concurrently with a traditional classroom section. Extensive evaluation data were collected and analyzed to compare the effectiveness of the classroom and distance-learning formats. Areas of evaluation included objective measures, such as midterm and final examination scores and …

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

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 …

Social Policy, Imperiled Communities, And Hiv/Aids Transmission In Prisons: A Call For Zero Tolerance, Louis F. Graham, Henrie Treadwell, Kisha Braithwaite

Louis F Graham

HIV/AIDS and African-American male imprisonment contribute to the destruction of African-American communities. African-American men and HIV/AIDS are disproportionately represented throughout all sectors of the criminal justice industry, including the juvenile justice system. The criminal justice system contributes to unacceptably high African-American male imprisonment rates and HIV prevalence directly via the ‘war on drugs’ and lax enforcement of institutional policy among other things, and indirectly through perpetuation of economic hardship which further exacerbates imprisonment rates, thus closing the loop of a vicious cycle of revolving prison doors and HIV contraction. This article briefly introduces surrounding socio-political issues that contextualizes the ensuing …

Technical Analysis: The Interface Of Rational And Irrational Decision Making, William Marty Martin

William Marty Martin

No abstract provided.

Regressing Scalar Outcomes On Image Predictors Via Functional Principal Component Regression, Philip T. Reiss

Philip T. Reiss

No abstract provided.

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 …

New Episodes And New Onsets Of Major Depression In Borderline And Other Personality Disorders, John G. Gunderson, Robert L. Stout, Charles A. Sanislow, M. Tracie Shea, Thomas H. Mcglashan, Mary C. Zanarini, Maria T. Daversa, Carlos M. Grilo, Shirley Yen, Andrew E. Skodol

Charles A. Sanislow, Ph.D.

Background: In the context of much literature and conjecture about the relationship of personality disorders (PD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), this paper uses longitudinal data to assess the frequency with which PD patients, and especially those with borderline personality disorder (BPD), have recurrences (for patients with lifetime histories), or new onsets (for patients without lifetime histories) of MDD. Methods: A sample of 478 PD patients received reliable repeated follow-up assessments over a period of 6 years. The rates of new onsets and recurrences of MDD in all PD patients, and in BPD patients compared to OPD patients were analyzed. …

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.

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 …

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 …

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

Cocoa And Chocolate Consumption – Are There Aphrodisiac And Other Benefits For Human Health?, Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa

Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa

Cocoa and chocolate have been acclaimed for several years for their possible medicinal and health benefits. It is only recently, however, that some of these claims have been more clearly identified and studied. Recent epidemiological and clinical studies, for example, have shown that dietary supplementation with flavonoid-rich cocoa and chocolate may exert a protective effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, which has been associated with a reduced risk of developing atherosclerosis. Some of the identified benefits of flavonoid-rich cocoa and chocolate include antioxidant properties, reduced blood pressure via the induction of nitric-oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilation in men, improved endothelial function, increased …

Reuters Health: Factor Vii Curbs Bleeding In Non-Hemophiliac Trauma, Surgical Patients

Vivian C. McAlister

Use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) reduces the need for blood transfusion in patients without hemophilia and may also reduce mortality, according to pooled data from randomized placebo-controlled trials involving more than 3000 participants, Canadian researchers report. "I had found it to be effective in some combat situations in Afghanistan," senior investigator Dr. Vivian C. McAlister told Reuters Health.

The Eap Danger Zone: Respecting The Burnout Monster, John C. Thomas

John C. Thomas

This article is the first of a two-part article that highlights burnout. In this article, we will examine the seriousness of and contributors to burnout. In the next edition of the EAP Digest I will focus on intervention and prevention.

Giving Attention To Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, John C. Thomas

John C. Thomas

ADHD is one of the most prevalent childhood health concerns, affecting between three and five percent of children. Even though it is so common, it is one of the most misunderstood problems and has caused both parents and children much needless pain and guilt. Sadly, parents of ADHD children are more likely to find criticism and rejection than support and help.

The Eap Danger Zone: Conquering The Eap Burnout Monster, John C. Thomas

John C. Thomas

In an article published in the previous edition of EAP Digest, the Burnout Monster was introduced. This foreboding creature physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and spiritually terrorizes its prey through stressful employment or from being a caregiver. Employee assistance professionals are especially vulnerable due to the helping nature of our work, the changing economy, and legal decisions that jeopardize our job security. In spite of the danger, there is hope. The Burnout Monster is not indomitable; it can be avoided, and if attacked it is susceptible to offensive engagement.

Simultaneous Confidence Bands For The Coefficient Function In Functional Regression, Philip T. Reiss

Philip T. Reiss

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 …

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 …

Inferring Group Differences In Brain Connectivity From Functional Magnetic Resonance Images, Philip T. Reiss

Philip T. Reiss

No abstract provided.

Utilizing Video On Myocardial Infarction As A Health Educational Intervention In Patient Waiting Areas Of The Developing World: A Study At The Emergency Department Of A Major Tertiary Care Hospital In India, Naveen Dhawan, Omar Saeed, Vineet Gupta, Rishi Desai, Melvin Ku, Sanjeev Bhoi, Sanjay Verma

Vineet Gupta, MD, FACP

Objective: To study the effect of health educational video instruction on increasing patients’ knowledge in a hospital waiting area of a developing country. Methods: An educational video on signs, symptoms, and risk factors of myocardial infarction (MI) was played in an Emergency Department (ED) patient waiting area of an urban tertiary care hospital in India. Participants (n= 217) were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group that viewed the MI video (n=111) and a control group that did not view the video (n=106). Each group took a standard survey of thirty-seven questions to assess baseline knowledge pertaining to MI …

Reliability Of Functional Connectivity Networks: How Can We Assess It?, Philip T. Reiss

Philip T. Reiss

No abstract provided.

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 …