Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Association Of Intimate Partner Violence And Childhood Sexual Abuse With Cancer-Related Well-Being In Women, Ann L. Coker, Diane R. Follingstad, Lisandra S. Garcia, Corrine M. Williams, Timothy N. Crawford, Heather M. Bush

Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Limited evidence suggests that intimate partner violence (IPV) may be associated with poorer cancer outcomes. We hypothesized that timing and type of IPV as well as childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may negatively affect depression, perceived stress, and cancer-related well-being.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of women diagnosed with either breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer in the prior 12 months included in the Kentucky Cancer Registry. Consenting women were interviewed by phone (n=553). Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to determine the association between IPV (37% lifetime prevalence) and type, timing, and the range of correlated cancer-related well-being …

Characterization Of Secretory Sphingomyelinase Activity, Lipoprotein Sphingolipid Content And Ldl Aggregation In Ldlr-/- Mice Fed On A High-Fat Diet, Gergana M. Deevska, Manjula Sunkara, Andrew J. Morris, Mariana N. Nikolova‑Karakashian

Physiology Faculty Publications

The propensity of LDLs (low-density lipoproteins) for aggregation and/or oxidation has been linked to their sphingolipid content, specifically the levels of SM (sphingomyelin) and ceramide. To investigate this association in vivo, ldlr (LDL receptor)-null mice (ldlr-/-) were fed on a modified (atherogenic) diet containing saturated fats and cholesterol. The diet led to significantly elevated SM content in all serum lipoproteins. In contrast, ceramide increased only in the LDL particles. MS-based analyses of the lipid acyl chain composition revealed a marked elevation in C16:0 fatty acid in SM and ceramide, consistent with the prevalence of palmitic acid in the modified diet. …

Atovaquone Ameliorate Gastrointestinal Toxoplasmosis Complications In A Pregnancy Model, Helieh S. Oz, Thomas Tobin

Physiology Faculty Publications

Background: Toxoplasma is an important source of foodborne hospitalization with no safe and effective therapy against chronic or congenital Toxopalsmosis. Atovaquone is a drug of choice but not approved for use in congenital Toxoplasmosis. We hypothesized atovaquone to be safe and effective against feto-maternal Toxoplasmosis.

Material/Methods: Programmed pregnant mice were i.p. infected with 50–2400 Tachyzoites from Type II strain (clone PTG). Dams were treated daily with atovaquone or sham and monitored for pain, and complications.

Results: Dams developed pain related abdominal hypersensitivity (allodynia) to mechanical stimuli in a Tachyzoites dose dependent manner. Infected dams were anemic and exhibited ascities and …

Hormonal Induction Of Polo-Like Kinases (Plks) And Impact Of Plk2 On Cell Cycle Progression In The Rat Ovary, Feixue Li, Misung Jo, Thomas E. Curry, Jing Liu

Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Publications

The highly conserved polo-like kinases (Plks) are potent regulators of multiple functions in the cell cycle before and during mitotic cell division. We investigated the expression pattern of Plk genes and their potential role(s) in the rat ovary during the periovulatory period. Plk2 and Plk3 were highly induced both in intact ovaries and granulosa cells in vivo after treatment with the luteinizing hormone (LH) agonist, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In vitro, hCG stimulated the expression of Plk2 in granulosa cells, but not Plk3. This induction of Plk2 expression was mimicked by both forskolin and phorbol 12 myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Moreover, …

Family And Personal Adjustment Of Economically Disadvantaged Chinese Adolescents In Hong Kong, Daniel T. L. Shek, Pik Fong Tsui

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

This study attempted to examine the relationship between poverty and adolescent developmental outcomes in the family and personal domains in 3,328 Chinese secondary school students in Hong Kong. Developmental outcomes included positive youth development constructs, problem behaviors, perceived family interaction, and parental parenting. Results showed that adolescents experiencing poverty did not differ from nonpoor adolescents in terms of risk behavior and in most indicators of positive youth development. On the other hand, adolescents with economic disadvantage displayed lower levels of positive identity, family interaction, and perceived paternal parenting than did those without economic disadvantage.

Internet Addiction Phenomenon In Early Adolescents In Hong Kong, Daniel T. L. Shek, Lu Yu

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

The present study investigated the prevalence and demographic correlates of Internet addiction in Hong Kong adolescents as well as the change in related behavior at two time points over a one-year interval. Two waves of data were collected from a large sample of students (Wave 1: 3,328 students, age = 12.59 ± 0.74 years; Wave 2: 3,580 students, age = 13.50 ± 0.75 years) at 28 secondary schools in Hong Kong. Comparable to findings at Wave 1 (26.4%), 26.7% of the participants met the criterion of Internet addiction at Wave 2 as measured by Young's 10-item Internet Addiction Test. The …

Consumption Of Pornographic Materials Among Hong Kong Early Adolescents: A Replication, Daniel T. L. Shek, Cecilia M. S. Ma

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Consumption of pornographic materials was examined in 3,638 secondary 2 students in Hong Kong. Results showed that over 80% of the respondents had never consumed pornographic materials in the past year. Internet pornography was the most common medium that adolescents used when viewing pornographic materials. Males reported a higher level of pornography consumption than did females. Participants who were born in mainland China were more likely to consume pornographic materials than their Hong Kong counterparts. Regardless of the types of pornographic materials, the levels of pornography consumption significantly increased over time. Results also showed that higher levels of positive youth …

Associations Between Pathological Gambling And Psychiatric Comorbidity Among Help-Seeking Populations In Hong Kong., Daniel T L Shek, Elda M L Chan, Ryan H Y Wong

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Problem gambling is complex and often comorbid with other mental health problems. Unfortunately, gambling studies on comorbid psychiatric disorders among Chinese communities are extremely limited. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among treatment-seeking pathological gamblers; (b) compare the demographic profiles and clinical features of pathological gamblers with and without comorbid psychiatric disorders; (c) explore the associations between pathological gambling and psychiatric disorders and their temporal relationship. Participants (N = 201) who sought gambling counseling were examined by making Axis-I diagnoses including mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, …

Effectiveness Of The Project P.A.T.H.S. In Hong Kong: Evaluation Based On Different Strategies And Different Studies Over Time, Daniel T. L. Shek, Hing Keung Ma, Joav Merrick

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

No abstract.

Participants' Evaluation Of The Project P.A.T.H.S.: Are Findings Based On Different Datasets Consistent?, Daniel T. L. Shek, Rachel C. F. Sun

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Subjective outcome evaluation findings based on the perspective of the participants of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) in nine datasets collected from 2005 to 2009 (n = 206, 313 program participants) were examined in this paper. Based on the consolidated data with schools as units, results showed that the participants generally had positive perceptions of the program, implementers, and benefits of the program. More than four-fifths of the participants regarded the program as beneficial to their holistic development. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the perceived qualities of the program and the program implementers predicted perceived …

Process Evaluation Of A Positive Youth Development Program In Hong Kong Based On Different Cohorts, Ben M. F. Law, Daniel T. L. Shek

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

There are only a few process evaluation studies on positive youth development programs, particularly in the Chinese context. This study aims to examine the quality of implementation of a positive youth development program (the Project P.A.T.H.S.: Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) and investigate the relationships among program adherence, process factors, implementation quality, and perceived program success. Process evaluation of 97 classroom-based teaching units was conducted in 62 schools from 2005 to 2009. Findings based on different cohorts generally showed that there were high overall program adherence and implementation quality. Program adherence and implementation process were highly correlated with …

Factor Structure Of A Multidimensional Gender Identity Scale In A Sample Of Chinese Elementary School Children, Lu Yu, Dong Xie, Daniel T. L. Shek

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

This study examined the factor structure of a scale based on the four-dimensional gender identity model (Egan and Perry, 2001) in 726 Chinese elementary school students. Exploratory factor analyses suggested a three-factor model, two of which corresponded to "Felt Pressure" and "Intergroup Bias" in the original model. The third factor "Gender Compatibility" appeared to be a combination of "Gender Typicality" and "Gender Contentment" in the original model. Follow-up confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that, relative to the initial four-factor structure, the three-factor model fits the current Chinese sample better. These results are discussed in light of cross-cultural similarities and differences …

Evaluation Of The Project P.A.T.H.S. Based On Students' Weekly Diaries: Findings From Eight Datasets, Daniel T. L. Shek, Rachel C. F. Sun

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (positive adolescent training through holistic social programmes) based on eight datasets collected between 2005 and 2009. A total of 1,138 students who participated in the program were randomly invited (from the whole grade or in some classes) to write a piece of journal in the form of a weekly diary in order to reveal their perceptions and feelings regarding the program and the perceived benefits of the program. Based on an integration of findings from different databases, results showed that the respondents generally (1) …

Evaluation Of A Positive Youth Development Program Based On The Repertory Grid Test, Daniel T. L. Shek

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

The repertory grid test, based on personal construct psychology, was used to evaluate the effectiveness of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) in Hong Kong. One hundred and four program participants (n = 104) were randomly invited to complete a repertory grid based on personal construct theory in order to provide both quantitative and qualitative data for measuring self-identity changes after joining the program. Findings generally showed that the participants perceived that they understood themselves better and had stronger resilience after joining the program. Participants also saw themselves as closer to their ideal selves and other positive …

Self-Harm And Suicidal Behaviors In Hong Kong Adolescents: Prevalence And Psychosocial Correlates, Daniel T. L. Shek, Lu Yu

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

The present paper examined the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of adolescent deliberate self-harm (DSH) and suicidal behavior in a representative sample of 3,328 secondary school students in Hong Kong. With reference to the previous year, 32.7% of the students reported at least one form of DSH, 13.7% of the respondents had suicide thoughts, 4.9% devised specific suicidal plans, and 4.7% had actually attempted suicide. Adolescent girls had significantly higher rates of DSH and suicidal behavior than did adolescent boys. Having remarried parents was related to an increased likelihood of DSH and suicide. While high levels of family functioning, overall positive …

Evaluation Of The Training Program Of The Project P.A.T.H.S.: Findings Based On The Perspective Of The Participants From Different Cohorts, Daniel T. L. Shek, Yammy L. Y. Chak

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Subjective outcome evaluation findings based on the perspective of the participants participating in a 3-day training program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. are reported in this paper. The findings were based on the data collected from the training workshops conducted between 2005 and 2009 (N = 4.167). Results showed that the respondents had good and positive perceptions of the training program and found it very valuable, particularly with respect to training instructors and familiarization with the project. Besides, the training participants were able to acquire attitude, knowledge and skills that are conducive to the successful implementation of the program. Based on …

Subjective Outcome Evaluation And Factors Related To Perceived Effectiveness Of The Project P.A.T.H.S. In Hong Kong, Daniel T. L. Shek, Lu Yu, Vicky Y. T. Ho

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Based on a sample of 24,457 participated students, the present study investigated participants' subjective evaluation of the Tier 2 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in the 2009/2010 academic year. Participants generally held positive views toward the Tier 2 Program and program instructor and perceived the program to be beneficial to their development. Programs involving adolescents alone were evaluated more positively than programs involving parents and/or teachers. Students' grade and program type did not show significant impact on participants' subjective evaluation of the project. Consistent with previous reports, perceived effectiveness of the program was significantly predicted by students' perceptions about the …

A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Dose-Escalation Study To Assess The Safety, Tolerability And Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics Of Single And Multiple Intravenous Infusions Of Azd9773 In Patients With Severe Sepsis And Septic Shock, Peter E. Morris, Brian Zeno, Andrew C. Bernard, Xiangning Huang, Shampa Das, Timi Edeki, Steven G. Simonson, Gordon R. Bernard

Surgery Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), an early mediator in the systemic inflammatory response to infection, is a potential therapeutic target in sepsis. The primary objective of this study was to determine the safety and tolerability of AZD9773, an ovine, polyclonal, anti-human TNF-α Fab preparation, in patients with severe sepsis. Secondary outcomes related to pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters.

METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase IIa study, patients were sequentially enrolled into five escalating-dose cohorts (single doses of 50 or 250 units/kg; multiple doses of 250 units/kg loading and 50 units/kg maintenance, 500 units/kg loading and 100 units/kg maintenance, …

Conformational Altered P53 As An Early Marker Of Oxidative Stress In Alzheimer's Disease, Laura Buizza, Giovanna Cenini, Cristina Lanni, Giulia Ferrari-Toninelli, Chiara Prandelli, Stefano Govoni, Erica Buoso, Marco Racchi, Maria Barcikowska, Maria Styczynska, Aleksandra Szybinska, D. Allan Butterfield, Maurizio Memo, Daniela Uberti

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

In order to study oxidative stress in peripheral cells of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, immortalized lymphocytes derived from two peculiar cohorts of patients, referring to early onset AD (EOSAD) and subjects harboured AD related mutation (ADmut), were used. Oxidative stress was evaluated measuring i) the typical oxidative markers, such as HNE Michel adducts, 3 Nitro-Tyrosine residues and protein carbonyl on protein extracts, ii) and the antioxidant capacity, following the enzymatic kinetic of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRD). We found that the signs of oxidative stress, measured as oxidative marker levels, were evident only in ADmut …

The Female And Male Adolescent Breast, Donald E. Greydanus, Stephanie Stockburger, Hatim A. Omar, Colleen B. Dodich

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

The breast is an important organ system for the adolescent female and occasionally for the adolescent male as well. This chapter reviews basic principles of breast concerns and disorders including congenital anomalies, asymmetric breast development, underdeveloped breasts, virginal hypertrophy, breast masses, mastaglia, galactorrhea, gynecomastia in males, and others. Clinicians should be attuned to issues and concerns for this important structure in adolescents.

Pregnancy In Adolescence, Donald E. Greydanus, Marlene B. Huff, Hatim A. Omar, Colleen B. Dodich

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Over 14 million adolescents in the world annually give birth and nearly 800.000 adolescents in the United States become pregnant each year. This paper considers concepts of teen pregnancy including risks to the mother as well as offspring, the adolescent father, issues related to abortion, and concepts of prevention of unwanted pregnancy in youth. Adolescent pregnancy is a global phenomenon affecting all societies and cultures.

Adolescent Female Menstrual Disorders, Donald E. Greydanus, Shawn Sorrel, Hatim A. Omar, Colleen B. Dodich

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

This paper reviews basic concepts of menstrual disorders in adolescents beginning with an overview of menstrual physiology followed by consideration of various abnormal menstrual patterns: amenorrhea (primary and secondary), dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea (primary and secondary), and premenstrual syndrome.