Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Estimation Of Uninsurance Rate: Comparison Of Four Estimation Methods, Jackie Zhang, Renee Hotchkiss, Thomas Wan

Thomas T.H. Wan

Objective: Although high percentage of the uninsured is an important public policy issue, the discrepancies in both state and national estimates of the numbers of uninsured are reported. This study compares four advanced estimation methods for uninsurance, by using Florida Health Insurance Survey data as an example. Design: The four predictive models include decision tree, neural network, general logistic regression, and two-stage logistic regression. Risk factors to uninsurance are identified. Population: The study sample comes from the Florida Health Insurance Study data collected for the Florida Agency of Health Care Administration in 1999, representing the first large-scale study designed exclusively …

Environmental Equity Is Child's Play: Mapping Public Provision Of Recreation Opportunities In Urban Neighbourhoods, Jason Gilliland, Martin Holmes, Jennifer Irwin, Patricia Tucker

Trish Tucker

This paper examines the spatial distribution of recreational opportunities for children and youth in a mid-sized Canadian city (London, Ontario), in relation to the socioeconomic status of neighbourhoods and estimated local need for publicly provided recreation spaces. Public recreation facilities (N = 537) throughout the city were identified, mapped and analysed in a geographic information system. To explore potential socio-environmental inequities, neighbourhoods (N = 22) were characterized by socioeconomic and environmental variables, an index of neighbourhood social distress, a neighbourhood play space needs index, and measures of the prevalence and density of recreational opportunities. The results of the spatial analysis …

Feasibility Of A Campus-Based "Buddy System" To Promote Physical Activity: Canadian Students' Perspectives, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin

Trish Tucker

Objective: To explore the characteristics of a university-wide buddy system that students would be receptive to using. Methods: This study targeted a heterogeneous sample of undergraduate university students age 18 to 25 y. An experienced moderator, using a semi-structured interview guide, conducted 13 focus groups (n = 65). Focus group discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive content analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Measures were incorporated throughout to ensure data trustworthiness. Results: The value of this campus-based physical activity intervention was emphasized by the vast majority of participants. Five main themes exemplified students' preferences: sign-up methods; matching …

Surveillance Of The Colorectal Cancer Disparities Among Demographic Subgroups: A Spatial Analysis, Chiehwen Hsu, Francisco Soto Mas

Francisco Soto Mas

Objective: The literature suggests that colorectal cancer mortality in Texas is distributed inhomogeneously among specific demographic subgroups and in certain geographic regions over an extended period. To understand the extent of the demographic and geographic disparities, the present study examined colorectal cancer mortality in 15 demographic groups in Texas counties between 1990 and 2001. Methods: The Spatial Scan Statistic was used to assess the standardized mortality ratio, duration and age-adjusted rates of excess mortality, and their respective p-values for testing the null hypothesis of homogeneity of geographic and temporal distribution. Results: The study confirmed the excess mortality in some Texas …

Depressed Contractile Responses To Neurokinin A In Idiopathic But Not Neurogenic Overactive Human Detrusor Muscle, Donna Sellers, Christopher Chapple, Douglas Hay, Russell Chess-Williams

Russ Chess-Williams

Objective: The role of tachykinins such as neurokinin A in regulating bladder function is unclear, but NK2 receptors seem to mediate contraction in the human bladder and it has been suggested that these peptides may have a role in the pathophysiology of bladder dysfunction. The present study investigates neurokinin receptor-mediated contractility of detrusor muscle in the idiopathic overactive and neurogenic overactive bladder and investigates the neurokinin receptor subtypes involved.

Methods: Human bladder was obtained from patients undergoing cystectomy (normal) or clam cystoplasty (idiopathic overactive) and from patients with spinal injuries (neurogenic overactive). Strips of isolated detrusor muscle were mounted in …

Effects Of Family Factors On The Development Of Alcohol-Related Problems Among Males From Pre-Adolescence To Adulthood

Florida Public Health Review

Alcohol use is a leading risk factor in suicides, homicides and unintentional injuries (including motor vehicle crashes and drownings) among adolescents, and is associated with adolescent health risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking, illicit drug use, and risky sexual behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine if family factors would predict alcohol-related problems as the study cohort transitioned into young adulthood, and to determine if early alcohol use remained a significant influence on the development of alcohol-related problems in young adulthood. Results of the analyses indicate that three of the family factors measured in mid-adolescence were statistically significant …

Assessment Of Client Satisfaction In Six Urban Wic Clinics

Florida Public Health Review

Customer service is a measure of support and courtesy provided to individuals who patronize an organization, and is a factor vital to the success of any business. Programs that strive to meet critical needs of at risk populations, such as the Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), may also benefit from assessment of client satisfaction. The purpose of the study was to examine factors related to customer satisfaction in Duval County Florida WIC clinics and identify potential barriers to participation through a two-year project initiated by the health department and the state university. The study examined …

Smallpox Vaccination Outcomes And Adverse Event Surveillance Of 18 Counties In North Central Florida

Florida Public Health Review

Based on the directive from President George W. Bush to prepare the nation better for a possible smallpox attack, Florida enacted Operation Vaccinate Florida- Stage I (OVF I). Between February 10, 2003, and March 31, 2003, Florida vaccinated 4,434 individuals against smallpox. During this period a smallpox vaccine surveillance study was conducted in 18 counties in North Central Florida. The study was conducted via journal log, which participants completed daily by recording all symptoms, vaccination site stage development, and demographic information. The study included 350 vaccinees from Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Hamilton, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Flagler, Marion, …

Bird Flu Update

Florida Public Health Review

No abstract provided.

Conducting Surveys Among Immigrants: Methodology And Implementation Of A Health Needs Assessment In The Haitian Community Of Miami, Florida

Florida Public Health Review

Lack of reliable data about foreign-born groups creates gaps in demographic measurement methodology leading to a cycle of misinformed policy development. Haitian immigrants represent one of the largest foreign-born groups in Florida. Only limited information is available on the health care issues that they face. This paper describes the methodological design and strategies employed for the implementation of a study whose primary purpose was to identify and evaluate basic health care needs and barriers to health care access for the Haitian immigrant population of Miami, Florida. Information was collected during face-to-face interviews on demographic characteristic and health needs and access …

G And P Genotyping Of Human Rotavirus Isolated In A University Hospital In Korea: Implications For Nosocomial Infections, Jung Oak Kang, Chang Ryul Kim, Paul E. Kilgore, Tae Yeal Choi

Department of Pharmacy Practice

To characterize rotavirus G and P genotypes circulating among infants and young children hospitalized with severe diarrhea in a university hospital in Gyeonggi province, Korea, and to examine any association of the genotypes and nosocomial infections, we genotyped 103 isolates of rotavirus by multiplex RT-PCR. In July 2001- June 2002, we found that globally common strains constituted 64.2% (G2P[4] 28.3%, G3P[8] 28.3%, G4P[8] 5.7%, and G1P[8] 1.9%), and the uncommon strain, G4P[6], constituted 26.4%. During July 2002-June 2003, the percentage of common strains decreased to 44.0% (G3P[8] 18.0%, G2P[4] 16.8%, and G1P[8] 10.0%), but G4P[6] increased to 36.0%. G9P[8] was …

Be Headsmart® Seniors! -- The Effectiveness Of A Psychoeducational Fall And Consequential Injury Prevention Program

Florida Public Health Review

This study tested the utility of the Be HeadSmart® Seniors! fall prevention intervention, HeadSmartz, a Cranium Challenge, in the promotion of safety improvement behavior change. It employed a quasi-experimental two-group design. Of the 106 individuals included in this study, 64 received the intervention and 42 only received the safety brochure. The Cranium Challenge is an interactive, visual, and auditory program based upon the popular board game CraniumTM. This game stimulated various parts of the participant’s brain verbally, through trivia questions and word games, visually, or by humming, whistling, or playing charades. The presentation included trivia questions created in a PowerPoint …

Linking Self-Regulation And Risk Proneness To Risky Sexual Behavior: Pathways Through Peer Pressure And Early Substance Use, Lisa J. Crockett, Marcela Raffaelli, Yuh-Ling Shen

Faculty Publications, Department of Psychology

The linkages between self-regulation in childhood, risk proneness in early adolescence, and risky sexual behavior in mid-adolescence were examined in a cohort of children (N = 518) from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. The possible mediating role of two early adolescent variables (substance use and negative peer pressure) was also examined. Self-regulation was assessed by maternal report at ages 8–9, and risk proneness, comprising aspects of sensation seeking and decision making, was assessed by adolescent self-report at ages 12–13. Structural equation models predicting risky sexual behavior at ages 16–17 indicated that self-regulation operated partly through early adolescent substance use, …

Information And Data Management Program's Pi Workshop, Peggy Agouris

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

The objective of this workshop is to bring together the PIs and Co-PIs currently funded by the Information and Data Management Program of the National Science Foundation to discuss and exchange ideas on the focus topics of their field, as well as to identify and elaborate on emerging themes and particular emphases for future activities.

More specifically, the researchers, along with selected industry and government invitees, cooperatively focused on:

(1) analyzing research and development issues fundamental in making progress towards new challenges imposed by such diverse data sources as the Internet, embedded and distributed sensors, and satellites;

(2) specifying areas …

2007 Tschochner Superiority Of Infectivity-Based Over Particle-Based Methods For Quantitation Of Drug Resistant Hiv-1 As Inocula For Cell Cultures.Pdf, M Tschochner

Monika Tschochner

No abstract provided.

Microemulsions As Precursors To Solid Nanoparticles, Russell John Mumper, Michael Jay

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Patents

The preparation of novel microemulsions to be used as precursors for solid nanoparticles is described. The microemulsion precursors consist of either alcohol-in-fluorocarbon microemulsions, liquid hydrocarbon-in-fluorocarbon microemulsions, or liquid hydrocarbon-in-water microemulsions. The formed solid nanoparticles have diameters below 200 nanometers and can be made to entrap various materials including drugs, magnets, and sensors. The solid nanoparticles can be made to target different cells in the body by the inclusion of a cell-specific targeting ligand. Methods of preparing the novel microemulsion precursors and methods to cure solid nanoparticles are provided.

If It’S Not The Shoes, It’S Gotta Be The (Leather) Ball, Rick Burton

Sport Management - All Scholarship

No abstract provided.

The Plant Structure Ontology, A Unified Vocabulary Of Anatomy And Morphology Of A Flowering Plant, Katica Ilic, Elizabeth Kellogg, Pankaj Jaiswal, Felipe Zapata, Peter Stevens, Leszek Vincent, Shulamit Avraham, Leonore Reiser, Anuradha Pujar, Martin Sachs, Noah Whitman, Susan Mccouch, Mary Schaeffer, Doreen Ware, Lincoln Stein, Seung Rhee

Biology Department Faculty Works

Formal description of plant phenotypes and standardized annotation of gene expression and protein localization data require uniform terminology that accurately describes plant anatomy and morphology. This facilitates cross species comparative studies and quantitative comparison of phenotypes and expression patterns. A major drawback is variable terminology that is used to describe plant anatomy and morphology in publications and genomic databases for different species. The same terms are sometimes applied to different plant structures in different taxonomic groups. Conversely, similar structures are named by their species-specific terms. To address this problem, we created the Plant Structure Ontology (PSO), the first generic ontological …

The Plant Structure Ontology, A Unified Vocabulary Of Anatomy And Morphology Of A Flowering Plant, Katica Ilic, Elizabeth A. Kellogg, Pankaj Jaiswal, Felipe Zapata, Peter F. Stevens, Leszek P. Vincent, Shulamit Avraham, Leonore Reiser, Anuradha Pujar, Martin M. Sachs, Noah T. Whitman, Susan R. Mccouch, Mary L. Schaeffer, Doreen H. Ware, Lincoln D. Stein, Seung Y. Rhee

Peter Stevens

Modeling The Incubation Period Of Anthrax, Ron Brookmeyer, Elizabeth Johnson, Sarah Barry

Ron Brookmeyer

Models of the incubation period of anthrax are important to public health planners because they can be used to predict the delay before outbreaks are detected, the size of an outbreak and the duration of time that persons should remain on antibiotics to prevent disease. The difficulty is that there is little direct data about the incubation period in humans. The objective of this paper is to develop and apply models for the incubation period of anthrax. Mechanistic models that account for the biology of spore clearance and germination are developed based on a competing risks formulation. The models predict …

Up-Regulation Of Interferon-A/Apobec3g Signal Pathway Potently Inactivates Hiv-1 Infectivity In Resting Cd4-T Cells, Keyang Chen, Jialing Huang, Chune Zhang, Sophia Huang, Giuseppe Nunnari, Feng-Xiang Wang, Xiangrong Tong, Ling Gao, Kristi Nikisher, Hui Zhang

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Poster Presentation.

A Likelihood Based Method For Real Time Estimation Of The Serial Interval And Reproductive Number Of An Epidemic, Laura Forsberg White, Marcello Pagano

Harvard University Biostatistics Working Paper Series

No abstract provided.

How Do Christian Values, In Comparison To Other Sociocultural Values, Motivate Early Adolescent Girls In Regard To Their Body Image?, Tracy Keizer

Theses and Graduate Projects

The period of adolescence in a young girl's life is a time of differentiation and change, A young girl's journey into adolescence involves several adjustments including physical, moral, social and cognitive changes. All of the unique influences and adjustments affecting a young girl also affect her body image. These influences include the culture, media, family, friends, and a girls own personality and temperament. One influence that has not been studied is the motivation of Christian values on a young girl's body image. Christian values have the strength to positively motivate people to do many constructive things. The purpose of this …

Genotypes And Phenotypes In Children With Short Stature: Clinical Indicators Of Shox Haploinsufficiency, Gudrun Rappold, Werner F. Blum, Elena P. Shavrikova, Brenda J. Crowe, Ralph Roeth, Charmian A. Quigley, Judith L. Ross, Beate Niesler

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

Background: Short stature affects approximately 2% of children, representing one of the more frequent disorders for which clinical attention is sought during childhood. Despite assumed genetic heterogeneity, mutations or deletions of the short stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX) are found quite frequently in subjects with short stature. Haploinsufficiency of the SHOX gene causes short stature with highly variable clinical severity, ranging from isolated short stature without dysmorphic features to Léri-Weill syndrome, and with no functional copy of the SHOX gene, Langer syndrome.

Methods: To characterise the clinical and molecular spectrum of SHOX deficiency in childhood we assessed …

American Journal Of Medical Quality

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Acpe And Jefferson Medical College Team Up On New Book

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Department Publications And Presentations

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Seeking: Program Director, Master Of Science In Public Health

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Jefferson Scale Of Physician Empathy

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

New Senior Scholars

Population Health Matters (Formerly Health Policy Newsletter)

No abstract provided.